Page 31 of Some Things Never Change

“Since you’re up early, why don’t you get ready early, too? We can go grab breakfast at this amazing diner downtown that I’ve been meaning to take you to. They’re fast, so we should have plenty of time before work starts.”

My ears perked up as he rested his face onto the palm of his hand. I smiled at him like a fool. “Really?”

“Yes.” A playful, boyish smile stretched across his lips. “Really. Now go get ready.”

I was ecstatic as I prepped for the day. I quickly brushed my hair into a sleek ponytail and applied some makeup, trying to appear professional and confident for my first day of work. Then I got dressed in one of the business casual outfits I had ready on-hand for work. Before stepping out of my room, I quickly put on the dainty pearl drop earrings Andy had given me and threw an oversized coat on top of my outfit.

He was just about finished as well when I finally came out with my tote bag in hand. He looked dapper in his suit and long overcoat. We met in the middle of the hallway and there was that little knowing curve to his lips. I waited for him to say something, when all he did was lean in.

I could feel his hot breath against my face as his bright and very hazel eyes blinked slowly. He seemed to have just brushed his teeth because his breath smelled fresh and minty as he let out another breath, steaming my face. His long, thick, and dark lashes fluttered closed and opened slowly as he stared at me with his gift dangling from my ears. This was the first time he had seen me with them on.

“You’re even more beautiful with these earrings on than I imagined.” Andy’s whisper was low and raspy.

Just like when he gave me my present, his hand quickly reached up and brushed against my earlobe where his gorgeous gift hung. But, unlike Christmas night, his fingertips lingered on me longer. I was certain he felt the searing blush that shot through my cheeks all the way up to my ears because he gave me a triumphant smirk. It was as if he was proud he had made me flush to that extent.

Chapter

Fourteen

The 24-hour diner Andy took me to was incredibly cute. It had been open since the seventies and nothing had changed much about the decor or the menu. It was as if we had stepped through a time warp at the door. After ordering and getting our breakfasts within a few minutes, I tried my best not to scarf down my eggs, bacon, and hash browns. Between our breakfasts was a stack of two perfectly fluffy pancakes.

“Ready for your big day?” Andy asked.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I laughed. “Maybe we shouldn’t have gotten breakfast here. I might get too full and have a food coma for the rest of the day. It wouldn’t be good for first impressions.”

Andy smiled as he watched me take another bite of the amazing hash browns. “Don’t fret, Tink. You’re smart, talented, and incredibly hard working. You’ll do great.”

“Thanks, Andy.” I sipped on the coffee I ordered.

I noticed the way he looked a little worried as we both cut chunks off of the stack of pancakes. “Are you going to be okay with drinking coffee?”

I stuffed the pancakes into my mouth and shrugged. I’m sensitive to caffeine and typically crash hours later from drinking it, which is why I prefer tea over coffee. Yet, I still liked coffee and drank it every other week when I got a chance. Through a mouth full of pancakes, I answered him carelessly.

“If I drink it in the morning, I should be fine. I’m usually more sensitive to it in the afternoon. But I’ll definitely crash hard later.”

“If you ever need me, I’m only a few floors above you.”

“I’ll be fine. It’s just coffee.”

We fought for the bill in our usual fashion. I almost won when Andy’s long arms reached over and swiped the bill out of my hand. He handed it and his card to a server walking by before I could say anything.

“It’s your first day, Tink. How can I let you pay for it?”

“Fine. But you better let me pay next time.”

Andy laughed, and I knew he wasn’t going to let me pay without a fight.

We arrived at work with more than thirty minutes to spare. I guess this was the perk of waking up early today. At least I was punctual for my first day. Andy paid for a monthly parking pass, so he parked his car in the basement parking garage right under the building. As we both got out of the car, a handful of other workers were getting out of their cars and rushing towards the elevator as well.

I immediately noticed Cindy, who had just locked her car with her key fob from further down the way. We agreed to meet up before work to chat for a few minutes outside the lobby in the common area on our floor. Little did I expect to run into her in the garage like this.

“Cindy!” I called out.

Her head instantly whipped in my direction, causing her perfect silver-blonde, shoulder-length bob to swivel. Her jaw dropped.

“Oh my God! Julie!” she said, rather loudly.

We both let out a little squeal in unison, causing other workers to glance at us. Cindy quickly jogged toward me as I waited for her.

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