by L. E. Bross
In a complete fit of spontaneity, I give Meri one last wave, then head back inside, tossing my things in the garbage can. A job would give me something to do to fill all my free time, some spending money, and maybe I’ll be able to focus on what the next step should be.
I’ve been sitting around waiting for the guys to give me purpose and that is entirely on me. I’ve never been that person and it’s time I take back a little independence. The guys are all moving toward their dreams, and while making coffee isn’t mine, it will give me something to do while I decide what is.
And it’s a hell of a lot better than sitting around the empty house all day.
The girl behind the counter has amazing rainbow ombre hair and a ring in her nose. She’s got on black leather shorts, fishnet stockings, and combat boots. She’s wearing a Hi, My Name is: nametag with SAV written in black sharpie.
I love that the employees don’t have to be pigeon-holed into some corporate image of success. What better place to work?
“Can I help you?”
Her smile is open and genuine and it helps to ease the butterflies swarming in my stomach. I’ve never done this before.
“Actually, I’m hoping that I can help you. Is the job still open?”
“Let me get the manager, Kaylee. Hold on a sec.”
My pulse is racing. I’ve never applied for a job before. Hell, I’m eighteen and I’ve never even had a real job, at least not one with a paystub. Pawning shit for spending money isn’t really a skill-building career.
God, no wonder I don’t know what I want to do with my life; I’ve never tried to do anything.
I look around behind the counter. Honestly, I have no idea how to run one of those fancy coffee machines. It looks like an alien. And I’ve never used the Square system at the checkout. Reality sinks in and my stomach heaves. What the hell am I thinking? I lack even the basic skills to work in a place like this.
I turn, ready to make my escape when the girl returns followed by another who looks to be about my age. Her dark hair is braided and thrown over one shoulder and she has the cat eye makeup down perfectly.
She’s wearing a jean miniskirt and a gauzy peasant blouse in bright teal. Strappy sandals cover her feet. It’s something I never would have noticed before, but shopping with Meri gave me an appreciation for footwear.
The shoes she picked out for me are the only designer things I kept when I sold off all the clothes. Target is good enough for me now, and I don’t need to pretend to be someone I’m not anymore.
“Hi, Sav said you’re looking for a job?” She stops and sticks out her hand. “I’m Kaylee. Come on over to a table and we can talk. Would you like something to drink?”
“I’m Ever and I’m good, but thanks.”
She smiles and leads me to a table tucked into the corner.
“I love your vibe.” She waves her hand in my overall direction and a line of bracelets jingle on her arm. “I cut my hair short once, but it made my face look too round. Your bone structure is gorgeous and the pink tips against the black are awesome. It brings out the blue in your eyes.”
I self-consciously rub my sweaty palms along my thighs. After the meltdown with Meri, I’m sure my makeup is a mess and I definitely didn’t dress for any kind of interview today. My favorite ripped jeans have even more holes in them now and the plain black tank top was the first thing I grabbed when Meri texted.
I have on my black combat boots though, of course.
“Thanks?” I shift in my seat, not sure what to say.
She cringes then laughs. “Sorry, I tend to say what I’m thinking. My girlfriend thinks it’s quirky, but I know it can throw people off. So as you can see, we’re pretty casual here. No dress code, just nothing political or offensive. I’m looking for someone five days a week, six to two. Probably Monday through Friday because a few of the employees are students, so weekends and evenings work for them. Is that okay? Are you at USC?”
I duck my head. “No, my boyfriend is though. I live a few blocks from here.”
“Cool. My girlfriend is a Junior there, but this is my gig for now.” She leans closer and low-key whispers, “I followed her here from Oregon three years ago. Totally cliché right? High school sweethearts and all that.”
Her grin lights up her face and I find myself smiling back. She reminds me of Meri and I find myself relaxing back against the seat. This isn’t so bad.
“Kinda the same,” I tell her. “I’m just not sure what I want to do with my life yet. I’m feeling a little lost at the moment.”
Kaylee looks at me with a little more understanding than I’m comfortable with and I snap my mouth shut. I have no idea why I confessed that to a total stranger.
She leans forward again.
“Right? Why do people think everyone knows what they want to do for the next eighty years when they're twenty? I've narrowed it down to a few choices but I’m not ready to commit just yet. Besides, there’s plenty of time. Why rush it? Admitting you’re lost is hard, but it can be freeing too. Zero expectations while you figure it all out.”
She’s quiet for a moment, then taps her finger on the table.
“So, does this job sound like something you’d be interested in?”
“I don’t have any experience. I probably should have lead with that. This was sort of a spur of the moment decision.”
Her smile widens into a grin.
“All the best things in life are. So weekday mornings would work?”
I huff out a quick laugh.
“Anytime would work.”
“Cool. Pay is okay, but the tip pool is split so it adds a couple more dollars an hour. That sound okay?”
“It sounds perfect.”
Her eyes sparkle. “When can you start?”
I open and close my mouth and my eyebrows drop. “Umm, what?”
“You’re hired. When can you start?”
An incredulous laugh bursts from between my lips.
“Just like that?”
“I’m an amazing judge of character and I like you, Ever. I think we’re going to get on fantastic. We’re kind of a family here and you’ll fit right in. Anyone can be trained to pull an espresso shot, but you can’t teach that something extra special that some people just have. I see it in you.”
I swallow against the tightening in my throat.
Before I met the guys, no one had ever said I was special. Kaylee’s words hit me hard and I blink against the sudden sting in my eyes. She’s too nice. If I wasn’t such a good reader of people, I’d question her motives, but she is genuine. Like Meri.
They both have this enthusiasm, a love of life, that’s contagious.
I need light in my life.
I need to figure out how the hell to fight my way out of the darkness.
I’m excited about getting out of the condo and doing something all day. My shoulders relax and I smile.
“I guess I accept, then.”
I extend my hand and she grasps it, shaking firmly.
“Welcome to the nuthouse. I’ll get the paperwork, and if you’re up for it, you can start right now.”
Chapter Two
X
“Paper is due a week from today. Not a day after, not an hour after. One week by noon sharp. You can give it to Miss Taylor before that deadline and make no mistake, she will not accept a late paper either.”
Professor Higgins tucks his things into his briefcase, then peers over the top of his John Lennon-esque glasses.
“Class dismissed.”
I schedule a reminder on my phone before I grab my backpack. If I finish my English paper by Sunday night I can focus on getting my Econ paper done early enough to review it.
I’m almost at the door when I hear someone call my name.
“Mr. Panchard.”
I cringe when I hear that name. I wish like hell we could change it; the guys and I have already talked about what our options are. Now that Wendi and Bill are married, we could take Hook’s last name
if we choose. None of us want to be associated with a felon like Peter.
I push out a breath and look over my shoulder. The TA approaches, a friendly smile tilting her lips up. When she cocks her head, her blond ponytail swings over her shoulder and I catch a whiff of strawberries and vanilla.
She’s pretty in that girl-next-door way. Probably from one of those corn states in the middle of the country.
“What’s up?”
“I just wanted to tell you that your paper on Global Partnership was amazing. I couldn’t stop reading it. It was the first one I gave to Professor Higgins to grade. I’ve never quite looked at international trade in that light, but it makes complete sense now.”
I grin. When I was doing my research, I couldn't believe no one had figured it out yet. “The status quo isn’t going to cut it anymore in this day and age. We need to think outside the box.”
She nods and her ponytail bounces. “I agree. Would you like to grab a coffee? I’d love to pick your brain about how technology is affecting the need for more stringent trade laws. I’m an economics major as you know, and I find your viewpoint fascinating. I had a few thoughts when I was reading it.”
Intelligence shines in her eyes and I already know she’s super smart. Any time she’s led a discussion in class, it’s been well thought out and interesting. She definitely has a brain she isn’t afraid to use and would probably have some valuable insight into the topic for my next paper.
The one I’m planning to ace.
“Look, I’ve been dying to ask how you even came up with your initial theory. Like, did it just come to mind or did you use a process? I never would have thought to incorporate those particular trade negotiations into it.”
I swing my bag over one shoulder. When I was writing that paper, I had no idea if it would even come together, but when it did, I wanted to shout it from a rooftop. Luc’s eyes glazed over when I tried to explain it to him, but in reality, my idea could change the entire landscape of global trade relations.
It would be great to hear another Econ major’s thoughts. Especially Professor Higgins’ TA. I need to know if my theory would hold up long term.
“I don’t have a class until one.”
Her eyes light up. “Me too. Let me grab my bag. The coffee shop on campus is usually packed this time of day but there’s this great place a couple blocks away that should be quiet enough to hear ourselves talk. Plus my girlfriend’s the manager so I can get us free coffee.”
She grins and a dimple pops up on one cheek.
Definitely corn-fed.
I wink. “You had me at free coffee.”
She rushes over and grabs her backpack then we head out the door.
“So start talking,” she says as we walk. “The economic model you used as an example, I’ve never seen anything like it. Numbers like those, well if you could pull it off would skyrocket you right to the top of the ladder in any fortune five hundred.”
We talk the entire ten-minute walk. I’ve never met anyone with such a grasp on economic projections. Or business. She even has a few suggestions that I never considered.
“No wonder Professor Higgins hired you,” I tell her as I pull open the door to RYN. “You probably know more than he does at this point. Maybe you should teach the class.”
She throws back her head and laughs.
“Maybe I already do.” Her finger presses against her lips. “Don't tell anyone, it’ll be our little secret.”
“Lips... sealed.”
“What kind of secret?” a familiar voice asks and I spin around, coming face to face with Ever. Her lips are pulled down and she doesn’t look happy to see me.
My mouth drops at the sight of the apron around her waist. Those assholes didn’t tell me Ever got a job here.
“What are you doing here?”
The words come out harsher than I planned, but I hate being left out of shit and the guys know it. It’s bad enough I have to live on campus and miss getting to be around Ever as much as I want.
Her eyes narrow and her glance slides to the TA. I don't miss the flash of hurt before her face goes blank. My gaze slides between them before I clear my throat.
“This is…” Shit, I never got Miss Taylor’s first name.
“Sara.” She holds out her hand and Ever shakes it with a frown.
“She’s the TA in my Econ class. We’re just talking about my paper on international modeling.”
Sara drops Ever’s hand and then lays her fingers lightly on my arm. Ever drops her gaze to where Sara’s touching me, then lifts it to stare right at me. I’m not sure what’s going through her head, but I know what I see. She’s fucking hurt. Shit.
I open my mouth to explain, but Sara starts talking first.
“I’ve never met anyone with such a grasp on global trade,” Sara gushes, not noticing the tension. “He’s got a very promising career ahead of him, anywhere in the world. He’s really brilliant, you should be extremely proud of him. He’s the best student in the class, might even take my TA job. Professor Higgins would never say it out loud, but he’s very impressed with Xavier. I wouldn’t be surprised if he recommends him for the Rubel Tech Award for up-and-coming Economists.”
I spin my startled gaze to Sara. Wait, what?
“Seriously?” I croak.
The Rubel Tech Award is one of the most prestigious grants any college student can get. Most are given to Juniors and Seniors and I never even expected to be in the running for at least two years.
“You didn’t hear it from me,” Sara says with a grin. “No one has impressed him as much as you have in such a short amount of time. I’m kind of jealous, actually, I’ve been hinting at it for ages, but my mind isn’t half as good as yours. You are years ahead in the way you think.”
Holy shit.
My heart feels like it’s about to explode out of my chest. That award would be huge on a resume. Ideas start to ping around in my head. I need to fucking ace this next paper.
I don’t realize I’ve been squeezing Sara’s hand until a throat clears.
“Sorry, I didn’t catch your name,” Sara says to Ever, pulling her hand free.
“This is Ever.” I step closer press my lips to Ever’s cool cheek. “My…” I hesitate. Should it be ‘our’? How the fuck do we introduce her? I don’t want to make her uncomfortable since what we’re all doing isn’t really the norm and we never really discussed this.
I open my mouth but nothing comes out.
Her eyes narrow on me.
“Girlfriend,” she all but spits, pulling away from me. “I’m his girlfriend. You can order at the counter then have a seat anywhere.”
“Sweetheart…” I cajole. We really should have talked about introducing Ever in public. Now I look like the asshole because I hesitated.
“It’s my first day and I’m working, X. Go back to talking about world domination or whatever it was with your new friend. Maybe you two can take over together.”
She spins around and storms back behind the counter. My feet are rooted to the floor.
“What the fuck was that?”
“My guess? You might have mentioned to your girlfriend that the blond you’re having coffee with also has a girlfriend,” Sara says softly.
I drop my bag next to a chair with a thud. “Ever’s not like that. She trusts me. She’d never think...” Our girl is fucking strong and fierce. If another chick hit on any of us, she’d gut them and wear their entrails as a necklace.
Wouldn’t she?
Sara tucks her bag to her side. “Maybe, but the nature of the green beast says she doesn't trust me. I know that look. You need to go talk to her before she settles on the worst conclusion in her head.”
I scrub my hand over my face. “She knows I’d never do that to her. Fuck, after everything we went through…”
“Xavier, put it this way. If she and some guy walked in right now, together, what would you do?”
My stomach knots at the idea of Ever with some random guy. S
he is ours. I fist my hands, then drop my head when realization sinks in.
“Swear to fuck I’ve never been this dense. Ry’s gonna kick my ass when he finds out.”
Sara chuckles. “Not sure who that is, but she just went into the back of the shop. Go after her. I know for a fact there’s a really nice storage closet that’s perfect for making up.”
I cut my gaze to Sara who shrugs.
“My girlfriend is the manager here, remember.”
I’m halfway across the room when my phone vibrates.
Where are you? Ever isn’t answering her texts.
RYN. She’s here. Working.
WTF?
You didn’t know?
Fuck no.
That makes me feel marginally better. At least the guys weren’t keeping secrets from me. Ry texts again, but I shove my phone in my pocket and head down the hallway that leads to an Employee Only door.
God, this is a mess. I never expected to run into Ever here, not that I was doing anything wrong, but the surprise of seeing her in an apron struck me dumb for a few minutes.
Ever never told us she got a job. I didn’t even know she wanted one. The last time I was at the house—fuck when was it, Monday night? She didn't mention it.
I shove the door open and find her standing with her back to me, staring out a window.
“Sweetheart, it’s not at all what you’re thinking.”
I come up behind her and wrap my arms around, pulling her back against my chest. I drop my face to her neck and press a soft kiss there. She’s like a board in my arms.
Slowly, I turn her until I can look into her eyes, but she keeps her chin down.
“I’m sorry. I’m an asshole. You took me by surprise is all.”
Finally she looks up and her eyes swim with hurt. My heart aches inside my chest knowing it was me who made her feel this way. I cradle her cheek and press another kiss to her lips. She remains still under my touch.
“I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable by introducing you as our girlfriend and realized we never talked about it, so I got tongue-tied. You work here? When did that happen?”
“Who is she?”
“The TA…”