Read Online The Candy Shop by Kiki Swinson - Free Book Online

walk around here like he really did something major.”
    “Have you given your urine sample yet?”
    “Not yet. Have you?”
    “Yes. I just came from doing it.”
    “How long did it take?”
    “Not long,” she began to explain. “Katherine gives you a urine specimen cup with your name on it and sends you in the bathroom. And once you’re done, she’ll place it in a clear bag and store it in a locked box, like a first-aid kit.”
    “How did you feel once you were notified that you had to take that test?”
    “It really didn’t bother me. Why?”
    “I just asked.”
    “Well, how do you feel about it?” Kimberly asked me in somewhat of a suspicious manner.
    “I just feel like Steve has an agenda.”
    “What type of an agenda?”
    Before I could get a chance to convey my feelings about this whole matter, my telephone started ringing. And guess who it was? Ole Katherine herself, calling me from the teacher’s lounge. So naturally I got a bad taste in my mouth. But what was more overpowering was the urge for me to find out what it was that she wanted.
    “Excuse me one minute,” I told Kimberly. And then I went straight into professional mode with Katherine by asking her, “How can I help you?”
    “I was just wondering when you would be available to come down to the teachers’ lounge to give a urine sample?”
    “With everything I’ve got going on, I can’t really say right now.”
    “Well, Mr. Barino and I just realized that there’s only a few more staff members who haven’t given their urine samples, but they assured us that they’ll be coming in shortly. So, I was hoping that you could come on down in the next thirty minutes or so, so we can get you in and out and wrap this up.”
    Katherine was really trying to turn the heat up on my ass, but right now wasn’t the time to let her see me sweat. So, I remained calm and said, “As soon as I’m done with what I’ve got going on here in my office, then I’ll be down there.”
    Katherine said, “Okay.” She didn’t sound happy.
    As I was about to hang up my telephone, I noticed Kimberly getting up from her chair. And after looking at her for only seven or eight seconds, something within me sparked up an idea. So, I hung up and immediately asked her to sit back down, while I got up the gumption to bring my idea to the forefront.
    “What’s up?”
    “Listen, I’m about to ask you something that may put you in an awkward position, and it may even offend you. But, I’m in a tight jam and you’re the only person who can help me right now.”
    “What is it?” she asked with concern.
    “Listen, Kimberly, you have to promise me that what I’m about to tell you will stay within the walls of this office.”
    With what seemed like the utmost sincerity she said, “Okay. I promise.”
    So, I looked straight into her eyes and gave her an earful. “Kimberly, I smoke marijuana,” I lied, downplaying my use of drugs. “So, if I submit a sample of my urine for testing, then it’s bound to come back positive. And you know what’s going to happen from there. So, I was wondering if you would do me this life-saving favor and allow me to use a sample of your own urine. And before you answer me, just know that I would do anything for it.”
    “Oh, my God! I mean, I don’t know what to say,” Kimberly replied, as if she was at a loss for words.
    “Just say yes,” I responded desperately.
    “But, I can’t.”
    “Why not?”
    “Look, Faith, as bad as I want to help you, I just won’t allow myself to get into anything like that and jeopardize my job.”
    “But, no one will know.”
    “I’m sorry, Faith, but I can’t take that chance,” she said firmly and then she stood up to leave. “But, I do wish you the best,” she said, and then she made her exit.
    Watching my only candidate for job security walk out of my office was very devastating. Plus, I was wondering if I had made the biggest mistake of my life by divulging that type of