by Anna Albo
"Really? I'd like that," I said, feeling a bit giddy.
"There's a reason I never hang out with Zach's friends. They're all idiots."
"Not all of them," Zach said, going for seconds.
"Most of them. Emma, Bianca used to be one of my friends, in middle school, so I know the kind of person she is. You don't know how happy I was to hear you broke her nose."
"I'm not proud of it. It's the first time I've ever hit someone."
"She deserved it, especially after what she did. She's always been a jealous bitch."
My body stiffened. She knew? Zach told her? I didn't want my total humiliation broadcast throughout Minnesota. If Genie knew, how many others knew? My cheeks burned, more out of embarrassment than anger, but I was pissed, too.
Zach shot Genie a look and I saw the pity set in on her face. "Oh, I'm sorry, Emma. Zach told me everything. I haven't told a soul. I promise. My brother and I are tight and neither of us gossip with anyone else, right Zach?"
I wanted to get up, go to my room, and hide under the bed with a box of tissues. I tried so hard to forget all about that day, and here it was, thrown back in my face like a dirty diaper.
"It's okay," I said quietly. I wanted the ground to swallow me whole.
Genie gave me a sympathetic smile. "Look, Bianca didn't say all those things because she actually thought they were true. You're a beautiful girl and for whatever reason, you don't think so and trust me, she knows that. She can smell weakness. From what Zach told me, I'm gathering she's pretty jealous of your friendship with her boyfriend, so she had to knock you down. She probably didn't think you'd see those texts, but it was her way of diminishing you in the eyes of her lame boyfriend. So forget about what she said because it's crap. I see a gorgeous girl with a killer bod who cooks like a Michelin star chef. You're a catch. She's a skank. Right, Zach?"
"Right."
I smiled. "Thanks, guys. You're both fantastic liars."
Genie howled. "Liars! Put yourself out there, Emma, and the men will come. Right, Zach?"
"Right."
"Just don't put yourself out there with any of his friends. They are all Neanderthals. Except my little brother. He's a catch," she said, pinching his cheek.
"She's only eight minutes older than me," Zach said, shooing her hand away.
His statement made my eyes grow wide. "You're twins?"
"I got the looks and the brains and Zach got the jock thing."
"That's cool. To have a twin."
"We gave Mom and Dad a pretty hard time," Genie said, looking over at her brother. "We used to get up to some crazy shit, but once we got to college, that changed, at least for me. I decided to hit the books, while Zach..."
"Had his epiphany this year," Zach said, grabbing another helping.
Genie laughed. "Dad told him if he didn't get his grades up, he'd cut him off."
"You don't get into Harvard with those grades," Zach said, mocking his dad's voice.
"But I'll get into Yale with mine."
I loved their banter, and it was easy to see how much they cared about one another. Growing up I would have killed for a brother or sister. Jake was like a brother except that we didn't have this kind of relationship. Jake made the rules and I followed them. It had always been that way.
"Do you always tease each other like this?"
"Yes," they answered in unison.
"Do you have siblings?" Genie asked.
"Technically I have two little brothers, but I don't see them. My mom has another family."
"Bummer."
Zach's phone went off. He looked at the number, got up and took the call in his room. The blonde?
"A bunch of us are going out this weekend," Genie said. Did she notice I'd momentarily left the conversation, wondering who he was talking to? "Why don't you come? We like to go to Bravo's. Have you been?"
"No. I don't go out much."
"Then it's settled, you're coming out with us. We'll pick you up Saturday night. I'll call you with a time."
Zach returned and resumed his seat. "What did I miss?"
"Emma's coming to Bravo's with us this Saturday. Care to join?"
A hint of a mischievous grin spread on her face as she waited for his answer. He shrugged. "We'll see."
Genie glanced at her watch. "I've got to run. I want to get in a few hours of studying before bed. Emma, thanks again for the wonderful dinner. Zach, I'll see you Saturday."
"I HAVE TO MEET BILLIE, my boss, after school. Would you mind dropping me off before you go home?" I asked Zach on our ride to school the next day.
"You think the axe is coming down?"
"Probably." I'd dreaded returning the call she'd left me Saturday morning. After some telephone tag, she summoned me to Julian's at my earliest convenience. Sure, I could have gone Monday, but I'd had enough to worry about that day, like Bianca and her friends finding me and pummeling me into next week.
"Tell you what, I'll hang out and wait. I have a feeling it won't take long and if it does, I'll get some studying in."
He was taking this whole not-letting-me-out-of-his-sight thing seriously. "Thanks. I'll probably need a shoulder to cry on afterwards."
"Mine is always available."
I sat through classes trying to formulate the perfect speech for Billie and why I should be able to keep my job, but in every scenario, I came up sounding lame. I punched a customer in the face. It was wrong on so many levels. I had to accept that I'd be fired. After my last class I ventured over to our meeting place and found Zach sitting on a bench reading a paperback.
His face lit up when he saw me. He stuffed the book in his bag and we headed for the car.
"Were you waiting long?"
"Not long. I finished my Modern Lit class and have been reading the last couple of hours."
I stopped walking. "The last few hours? When did your classes end?"
"Around noon."
"You've been hanging around for two hours waiting for me?"
"No, I've been reading this damn book. It's called studying," he said and winked.
"Zach, you don't have to wait for me. How many hours a week are you going to do that?"
"An hour here and there. Em, trust me, I need to study as much as I can. If I don't pull out straight As this year, my dad will have my ass."
Jessica, my soon to be ex-co-worker, popped into my head as we started walking again. "Can I ask you something?"
"If it's about The Sun Also Rises, I haven't finished it yet."
"Uh, no, smarty pants. I heard a rumor about you and I'm wondering how true it is."
"It's not my baby."
"Cut it out," I said, punching his arm.
"Okay, okay, shoot."
"Someone told me that you have a bit of a party reputation."
"I had a party reputation. All true. There are months I don't even remember. I had a lot of fun but then my parents found out about my less-than-Ivy-League grades so I decided to smarten up. Threatening to pull someone out of school and make him work in a fast-food joint for the rest of his life can really motivate a person."
"I can't see you as a party guy. You're so normal."
"No, I'm sober. A lot of alcohol was consumed and a ton of weed smoked my first two years at Western. Let me put it to you this way: I dropped out of so many classes that I'm a whole year behind. It's going to take me two more years to graduate."
I did a quick calculation in my head. "Wait, you're older than me?"
"I turn twenty-one in May."
"Interesting. And you turned it around just like that?"
"My dad can be a very persuasive guy. His pep talks get straight to the point. Here's the thing, Em. I don't want to live in Minnesota my entire life. I want to see the world. It's not to say I hate it here, because I don't. But I want to travel, start a life somewhere else, do exciting things. I can't do that here. So, if I continued to be stoned and hammered all the time, that pretty much sealed my fate of never getting to leave."
Leaving? He was so adamant about it. "And you don't miss all that fun?" I asked as we reached the car.
"I did at first. I missed hanging out with the guys, and I do catch up with them now and then, but I look back on those days and can't help but think what an idiot I was. And honestly, we only had fun because we were wasted."
His trip down memory lane made me forget about my meeting with Billie, at least until we drove up in front of the building. My heartbeat picked up at the thought of going inside. My first job in the city was about to be no more.
"Get it over with," Zach said. "We'll drink beers after. Sorry, but I don't have any weed."
I laughed nervously. I hopped out of the truck with Zach close behind. We entered Julian's to the familiar sound of the bell above the door. Jessica and some new girl were standing behind the counter. Jessica and I made eye contact and she smiled. At least she seemed to have forgiven me for the scene I'd caused.
"Want a coffee?" Zach asked, stepping into Jessica's empty line.
"No, it will only remind me of what I'm about to lose."
Jessica half-waved. "Hey, Emma," she said, her voice a bit solemn. "How are you?"
"I'm good. I'm here to see Billie."
"I know. Keep your head up high."
"Thanks."
She looked at Zach then back to me. "I'll get her after I finish up your friend's order."
I nodded. Like she didn't know who my friend was.
Zach ordered a plain coffee and Jessica handed it to him before disappearing. "It'll be fine," he said, giving my shoulder a squeeze. "If you need me, I'll be reading Hemingway in the corner." He tilted his head to the side. "That sounds kind of literary. I sound smart for once."
He wandered off and I took in a few deep breaths. How long would this take? Did I try to defend myself? Billie came out from the stockroom with Jessica. Her face, expressionless, motioned for me to come behind the counter. I followed her into her office and she shut the door behind us. My heart was now pounding so hard I could barely hear anything else.
"How are you?" she asked.
"I'm good. And you?"
"Good. I asked you here today to talk about what happened Friday night."
"I know."
"Emma, we can't have employees assaulting patrons. You put Julian's at risk and we could have gotten into some serious trouble. Fortunately, the victim decided not to pursue anything against us. I think you're a great girl—punctual, hardworking—but I can't keep you out on the floor. It would set a bad example."
"I understand," I said, my lip quivering. I wanted to bawl my face off, but that would have to wait until later.
"Jessica told me that this girl has been in here a few times harassing you. Is that true?"
I shuffled my feet. "Yes."
"Jessica also put in a good word for you, but I can't take the risk of this happening again."
"I know. For what it's worth, I'm so sorry, Billie. I don't know what came over me. I've never behaved like that before."
Billie's expression mellowed. "I thought long and hard about this, and while I can't let you work the floor, I can have you in the kitchen baking, if that's something you still want to do. It won't be the same hours, but it's the best I can do. You're the best baker around these parts."
"Really? I'd be happy to keep that part of my job." She’d made my day! Sure, it would be a third of the hours, but it was still a job and some kind of income. Without it I'd have to find another job fast, or ask Dad for money which meant ...
"And when things die down a bit, maybe we can put you back out on the floor. But we’ll have to see. No promises."
"Thank you, Billie. You don't know how much this means to me."
"You're welcome. We'll set up a baking schedule. How does that sound?"
"Amazing!"
I wanted to skip out of the office, but had to keep my composure. Billie stayed behind and when I saw Jessica, she pulled me aside into the empty hallway.
"So?"
"She'll keep me on as a baker."
Jessica let out a huge sigh. "I fought for you! That little bitch deserved that punch."
"Thanks for going to bat for me."
"Before you go, what's up with Walker?"
"It's a long story, but my roommate kicked me out and Zach took me in."
Jessica's jaw fell wide open.
"It's not what you think," I said quickly. "He and I are not together. Just roommates."
She gave me a disbelieving look. "Next time you're in I want the full details.”
My cheeks got hot and I excused myself, telling her I'd see her soon. I walked over to Zach's table. He was so engrossed in his paperback, he didn't even see me.
"I get to keep my job, well, sort of anyway," I said unable to hide my excitement.
He jumped at hearing my voice, then a wide smile spread across his face. "That's awesome, Em."
"It's baking only, but it's better than nothing."
"Sounds like everyone around here likes you."
We got up to leave and I waved goodbye to Jessica. She waved back and patted her heart a few times. Thankfully Zach didn't see a thing.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
ZACH
"Man, what the hell has happened to you?"
"What are you talking about?"
We were on our way to a Wild game. Both our parents had season tickets, but tonight we were using my dad's.
Brett kept up his grumbling. "Since this broad moved in with you, I barely see you anymore. What's so special about her? Are you already banging her?"
"Are you for real? You know I have to hit the books this year. That's about the only thing I've been hitting lately."
"And did I mention that you're touchy all the time?"
I sighed. "Look, I'm under tons of pressure. I know you want to go party and have a good time but I can't do that anymore. Sorry if I'm boring."
Brett shrugged. "Yeah, I know. It just seems that ever since this girl came along you don't have time for me anymore."
I wanted to roll my eyes but actually felt a bit sorry for Brett. Not too long ago he and I would party four or five nights a week, now I saw him once a week and that was for workouts. Brett didn't take school quite as seriously as I did. His parents weren't as invested in his future as my parents were in mine. There'd always be a job for Brett in the family business, but Mom and Dad expected me to work for my future and not have it handed to me.
"It's not about her, you know that. When winter break comes you and I will be hanging out every night. I promise."
Brett sulked a bit. "I guess so."
The Wild won the game and we stopped for beers on the way home. We had fun once he stopped razzing me about Emma, and when I got back to the apartment, she was already asleep. I got into bed pleasantly buzzed and scrolled through my texts. I had to stop giving out my number. There must have been twenty or thirty texts from the previous couple of hours, and all from girls I barely knew, except for the five from Genie.
Genie: Emma would be good for you.
That was the first one which came from out of nowhere. Fifteen minutes after that one she'd sent another.
Genie: You like her, don't you?
Then, five minutes later:
Genie: Stop dating trash. You want a good girl, not just a girl good in bed.
Then, about an hour ago:
Genie: Fine, ignore me, but I can tell you have the hots for her. Does she like someone else? Is that the problem? This Jake guy?
Finally, clearly annoyed that I hadn't responded, she’d sent one more.
Genie: No need to reply. I texted her myself. So if she isn't pining for this idiot Jake, what's the problem? She's a great girl, Mom and Dad would love her, she's smart, she can cook, just don't rush her into anything. Take your time. Girls like this don't come along that often. I'm assuming you're coming to Bravo's? That would be a great chance to get to know her better. We can arrange to give you guys some alone time. Do not sleep with her though.
>
Alone time? I lived with Emma. I had plenty of alone time with her.
Me: Stop texting me!
I loved Genie, but she could be such a nag and I couldn't stand her rambling texts. As for not replying, I’d been with Brett all evening and if I’d dared to pull out my phone, he probably would have tossed it in our pitcher of beer.
I put my phone on the nightstand and closed my eyes. My phone buzzed. Against my better judgment, I grabbed it.
Genie: So you DO like her.
I switched off my phone and fell asleep.
"YOU'LL ALL ALONE."
I looked up from my Politics and Economy textbook to find Heather, a classmate of mine, standing at the opposite side of the table I was occupying in the cafeteria. She had a coffee cup in her hand and her school bag over her shoulder.
"I'm getting in some studying before class," I said, glancing at my watch. There was still about a half hour to go. "You killing time? You can join me."
"I'd like that," she said, flashing a smile. Heather smiled a lot—almost too much. It gave off a phony vibe, but unlike all the other plastic girls I knew, I think she did it mostly out of insecurity.
"I could use a break anyway," I said, drinking the last of my cold coffee.
She sat down across from me. "This class is pretty intense, but I need it for my major."
"I need it for my minor."
"Any big plans this weekend?" she asked, tapping the side of her cup.
"I'm hitting Bravo's with my sister and some of her friends."
"A night out with the girls," she said, giggling and running a hand through her hair. "Is your girlfriend going too?"
"My girlfriend?"
"Yeah, the girl you go home with after school. I noticed you meeting up with her after our class is over."
"Right, that's Emma. She's my roommate."
Both corners of Heather's lips lifted. "I assumed you were dating. It seemed like you were."
"It did? It does?"
"The two of you look like you’re together. I don't know how else to describe it."
"We aren't."
The frequency of the tapping on her coffee increased. "Then maybe the two of us could go out sometime. Catch a movie?"