The Joneses by Shelia M. Goss Read Free Book Online

Lovie said as we entered the room that mirrored my office, but smaller.
    I picked up the notepad off his desk and handed it to him. “This is your login information. I’ve also included all of my login and passwords to the financial information.”
    â€œGreat. Looks like everything’s covered.”
    â€œSo, you get settled and find me when you need me.”
    â€œSure thing. Dad, have you told Jason about my new role?”
    â€œNo, in fact I was going to tell him today.”
    â€œDon’t. I think under the circumstances, until I can find out what’s going on, it’s best that we keep this information in the family.”
    â€œBut he’s like family,” I responded.
    â€œDad, if we’re going to work together, you have to trust me. If not, then I’ll leave now.”
    Lovie and I were the same height so we were eye to eye. “Fine. We’ll do it your way, but if it doesn’t work out, I’m pulling Jason in on this.”
    â€œGive me some time. I’m going to figure out where things went wrong and how we can start making a profit going further,” Lovie assured me.
    â€œMy two favorite men.” Lexi entered the room and gave me a quick hug and peck on the lips.
    â€œI wasn’t expecting to see you here,” I said.
    â€œI had to come see how Lovie’s first day was going.” Lexi walked over to Lovie and hugged him.
    â€œMom, you can’t be doing that at the office.”
    â€œYou’ll always be my son and I can hug you whenever I want to.”
    â€œDad, will you tell her that we have to keep this professional?”
    I shook my head. “That’s your mom. You know I can’t tell her anything.”
    We all laughed.
    My phone vibrated. I read the text. “I’m going to leave you two alone. My customer’s waiting for me in my office.”
    I rushed back to my office and greeted the bereaved couple that was seated in front of my desk. “I want to thank you for entrusting RJ’s with the burial of your loved one. We promise to make this as easy as we can on the family.”
    The grieving daughter spoke and handed me a check and the completed application. “Here’s everything your assistant said we needed.”
    â€œHave you decided on what day yet?”
    Her husband responded, “Saturday at one.”
    I checked the calendar to make sure there wasn’t a scheduling conflict. “Saturday at one is fine. Don’t worry about a thing.” I glanced over the form. “If we need anything else, someone will give you a call.”
    The grieving daughter extended her hand out to mine. “Thank you. My mom spoke highly of you, so I wanted to honor her last wishes.”
    â€œMrs. Berry was a pillar of the community. She will be missed,” I responded.
    I went over a few more preliminary items with the couple, then walked them out.
    â€œI watched you with that couple. You’re one of the most compassionate men I know,” Shannon said.
    â€œShannon, when people come in here, they are already going through something. Remember, it is our job to be a light during a dismal time of their lives.”
    â€œSpoken like a true mortician,” Shannon said.
    â€œNo, I’m speaking as a man who’s been on the other side of the desk. Losing my mom at an early age and then my father, I know firsthand how grief feels.”
    â€œI admire how you deal with people. Sometimes my patience isn’t what it should be.” Shannon sat back behind her desk.
    â€œYou’ll get there,” I assured her.
    I spent the next few hours getting bodies ready for family viewings.

CHAPTER 13
Charity
    I ’m still upset about not getting the job at the art gallery. But, my mom didn’t raise a quitter. I wasn’t going to put myself through the torture of interviewing with anyone else. I’m going to do something I should have done in the first place.
    I