39 Growing Up (1/2)

The three of them finally decided on the approach for the next phase of work: Beginning in two weeks, on the 22nd of September, Michael would work at the Cafe for 3 hours, from 5:30 to 8:30 on weekdays three times a week and from 2 to 8pm on weekends every other weekend. Initially, this time would be spent working on the projects he had proposed - implementing a more secure local network as well as setting up remote administration tools. Once that was completed, the cafe would pay him a retainer fee for up to 30 hours a month, as well as provide him with working space.

If he wasn't needed and there were no other projects underway, he was welcome to work on anything else. The reasoning Ben and Jeremy cited was that having on-site IT staff would allow them to get a better rate on their insurance, as well as cutting down on maintenance costs. Michael wasn't going to argue with the logic since he was under the impression that the two of them knew more about how to spend their money wisely than he did.

It meant that his evenings would mostly be spent at the cafe, but since he was doing all of his exercise in the morning, it wasn't a big deal. He'd just need to talk to his parents about the fact that he wouldn't be around for dinner much anymore... this couldn't be too much of a problem, could it? Michael's smile faded a bit as he thought about how quickly life was moving forward. Was this just the System? Or was this just part of growing up?

Ben excused himself to go down and let his sister head off for the evening. He told Jeremy and Michael to relax and finish up their conversations. They waved him off and chatted about school, some of Jeremy and Valeria's exploits in the game and movie releases from the summer - regular stuff. Eventually, Jeremy got around to asking a question that seemed to have been bugging him a bit.

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”Hey, you're not bothered about working with me on this, are you? I mean, it's kind of weird for a couple of 14 year olds to be talking about contracts and retainers and junk. I'm kinda used to it, but... maybe that's not such a good thing, you know? And I'm sure you must be wondering about some stuff about my family, right?” Jeremy seemed to be dreading the conversation a bit, but had apparently resolved himself to discuss it.

Michael shook his head. ”If talking about contracts and stuff is weird, then we're both pretty weird. As for your family - everyone's got their family stuff. I figured you'd tell me about it when you want to talk about it. So what if you've got some money? You don't act like a jerk, or treat people any differently, so why should I care?”

Jeremy smiled, relieved. ”Cool.”

At this point, it was Michael's turn to look a bit uncomfortable. ”Though, I did want to ask...”

”...Yeah?”, Jeremy asked, a bit reluctantly.

”...It's just... Why do you trust me so much? We only met last week, after all, and we're hanging out, you're lending me stuff, and we're getting into business together. What's the deal?”

”Ah! That's easy,” he chuckled. ”My grandfather always said there were two aspects our family has more of than anyone else, and they're largely why we've been successful - luck, and instincts. Trust your gut, even if it seems crazy. I believe him, and I have pretty good instincts. First day I saw you I thought - that dude's gonna be a great friend.”

”Simple as that?”

”Simple as that.”

”Cool.”