I finally got the kids settled in, and walked back outside to meet Brian. I glanced at him again, and did a double take. Why did I not realize this earlier?! “Holy shit, you’re Synyster Gates, aren’t you?” I said. He smirked and replied “I am, are you a fan?” “Oh yes. Avenged Sevenfold has helped me through the past ten months of my life. I love your music. Never got to see you in concert though.” I replied. “Well maybe we can change that. You ready to go? I’ve already called and told them I was bringing you.” He said with a smile. “Sure, let’s go.”

I got behind the wheel of my little silver Nissan Maxima and followed Brian to a warehouse a little further away from the beach. We got out of our cars and he says “Welcome to Vengeance University.” “THIS is where you brought me to get a job?” I asked. “Yeah, Zack needs a new designer, I bet you’d be perfect for the job.” He said. “Wow. Thanks Brian, I don’t know what to say.” “Don’t say anything yet” he replied, “ you don’t have the job yet.” We walked inside the building and he led the way to a huge office and walked inside “Zack, this is the girl I was telling you about, Brook. Brook this is Zack. I’m going to leave you guys to it.” He said as he walked out and closed the door after him. “So Brook, it’s very nice to meet you.” Zack said as he extended his hand. “Likewise, I can’t believe I’m here” I replied. “So tell me a little about yourself” he said with a smile. “Well I just moved to Huntington from Georgia yesterday, I graduated from Reinhardt University with an Associates in graphic design. I’ve done a few designs, I have my portfolio here with me.” I said, showing him the folder. “Wow, these are great. Have you designed any clothing before?” He asked. “I have, I designed my ex husband’s unit’s deployment shirts. I also designed a few shirts for friends who were welcoming their husbands home. They’re all in there.” I replied. “You said ex husband?” he said. “Yeah, we divorced last year, I moved here to start my life again.” “Brian mentioned two cute kids” he said. “Cute? Thank you very much. I do have two children. Cameron is four, and Madelyn is two months. Their dad split when things got hard. I figured we all needed the fresh start away from him.” I replied. “I’m sorry to hear that” he said “So everything looks great, and I’d to hire you on as our new graphic designer. You think you’d be ok with that?” He asked. “Oh my gosh, yes, thank you so much!” I replied. “It’s no big deal, go home, get your stuff together and come back here tomorrow around 9 and we’ll get started. “ he said extending his hand. “I will, thanks again Mr. Baker!” I said with a huge grin. He shook his head and smiled. “Just Zack. Mr. Baker is my dad, and it makes me feel like an old man. See ya tomorrow. “ He said and walked me out to the front door, where Brian was still lurking. “So how’d it go?” He asked. “I got the job! I start tomorrow. Thank you so much for your help Brian. I really really appreciate it” I said. “Don’t mention it, you can owe me a lunch date, how about that?” He asked with a grin. I smiled hesitantly and said “Sure, lunch is good. Here‘s my number so you can set it up. I‘ll see you around.” I had the biggest smile on my face as I got into my car and drove away. I decided to go shopping for a few new outfits to celebrate. On my way to the mall I called my sister. “Oh my gosh Liv, you will NEVER guess who I saw, and who gave me a job!” I squealed as she answered. “Well hello to you too B, who’d you see, and who gave you a job?” She asked. “I met Synyster Gates, and you’re talking to the newest graphic designer at Vengeance University!” “Oh my god, shut the hell up!” She said excitedly. “Wait until I tell Jason! He’s gonna be so excited!” “I know! I can’t wait to design super cute baby stuff so I can dress my nephew up in style” I said. We talked for a while longer until I got to the mall. We said our goodbyes and hung up, and I started my shopping trip.

Once I finished shopping I was exhausted. I grabbed a quick lunch and went to pick up the kids. When we got home Cam looked at me and said “Mama, I really like school. Can I go there tomorrow?” “Of course you can baby” I replied “Mama got a job so you can go there all the time.” “Yay! I can’t wait to see Mrs. Amy again tomorrow! Can I go play dinosaurs now?” He asked. “You sure can baby, and after your nap we’re going to go buy a Christmas Tree!’ I replied as he ran down the hall yelling “Yaaaay Christmas Trees!”

Notes

I mean to tell you guys, the story is set in early December, so Madelyn isn't quite two months old yet. She will be on New Year's Eve. Just wanted to clear that up, hope you enjoyed it! I'll be updating in the next day or so.