Page 4 of The Prince and the Double Shot
I had no one.
I had myself, and that was how I had wanted it, right?
Right.
“Zane?” Di’s voice broke me out of my very shallow thoughts.
“Yep.”
“Why are you always staring at yourself in that mirror?”
“I’m just that pretty, Di.”
“Huh… I guess I can’t argue with that. I do get really good tips when you’re around.”
“Better enjoy them while you can. I have an interview to be a lifeguard next week. Did you know they make five dollars more an hour to sit on that fucking chair?”
“Yep. Trust me, I am sure the job is yours. You’re exactly the kind of guy they hire. I guess you’re lucky that’s inside, so you don’t have to lather up with sunscreen. It’s not like you can tan with that pasty, ginger skin you got.” Di’s eyes twinkled as she teased me.
“Why, thank you.” I grinned back at her.
Remember when I said that people suck? Di didn’t. She was a total badass and the kindest person I had ever met. She worked here part-time and had been here long before me. She was what some people called a lifer. Employees came and went in this place. It was part of its charm and weirdness. You never really knew who was working beside you because we all had some kind of past. Apparently, Layla, the owner, had a kind heart and took all the riffraff in.
I had met most of them, and trust me... Calling them riffraff was like a badge of honor to us. I was the biggest piece of riffraff in the group. Most of the people who worked here were from the city, but there were a lot of wanderers, like me, who had run away from something else. Something that made them hide. That made them dangerous. It made them liars – just like me. A liar was capable of a lot to stay hidden. I had decided to hide under the noses of those who might try to find me – if they had even tried. Like I said, I was a disappointment, and I was very happy about it.
“You know that they're going to make you wear a Speedo, right?”
“I’m European. I was born in a Speedo. I look amazing.”
“Honey, your ego has an ego. But I’ve seen you naked. I’m sure you do.”
“I knew you were trying to catch a glimpse.” I winked at her.
“It’s so hard to believe you're single until you open your mouth. Then it all makes sense.”
“Yet, you still love me.”
“I also love reptiles and spiders, so…” She giggled. “I like dangerous things.”
“I am not dangerous.”
“The trail of broken hearts you leave behind would argue that point.”
“I tell them not to fall in love. I’m a one or two-time guy. I’m not looking for anyone to share my life.” How could I ever do that when I was on the run? It wouldn’t be fair to them or to me.
“I’ve seen your place, hon. You might not be a basic bitch, but your apartment is subpar.”
“The rent is very cheap,” Layla had helped me find it and negotiated with the owner. Hell, it was fucking robbery on my part because she got me such a good deal. Like I said, she was too sweet. I would have drowned if she hadn’t taken pity on me.
“Layla and Sheena are badasses. I mean, they’ve let me keep this job forever even if I only work eight hours a week.”
“If that.”
“True. Last week I didn’t even work. I’m so part-time, I’m a fucking ghost. But… Back to my question. I’ve never asked this, and I guess I’ve barely thought about it til now. How many workers still live here in the servants' quarters?”
“Just a few. Most people have an apartment somewhere else, like us. What can I say? I’m very lovable.”
“Do not make me throw up. You got that frother working again? I see a customer fast approaching. He’s power walking past the fountain and making a beeline. He looks like someone who will want all the foam. Maybe he’s a banker?”
