Page 7 of The Prince and the Double Shot
“I heard. I saw. I bought a ticket to the matinee. Can’t blame him, though. Dude is hot.” I kept my interview about being a part-time lifeguard to myself. Justice was cool, but he could be a bit of an ass when he wanted to be. If I didn’t get it, he would be sure to poke some fun in my direction. My ego was fragile enough. “He deserves it. Daryl’s nice enough.”
“Maybe go do something when your shift's over. Dude, you’re really in need of a life. Go find one.”
“Maybe I’ll take a walk after I clean this place up.” I glanced around at the few customers, who were either reading a book or on their computers, as they sipped their fairly pricey beverages. “God, I used to love the smell of coffee. Now it just reminds me of the grind, bro.”
“Is that why you’ve been downing espresso all day?”
“Fuck you. I never said I wasn’t complicated. You gonna get out of here, or are you gonna bust my nuts for the rest of the day? Go get another tattoo or something,” I chuckled.
He flexed his arms and laughed as he slapped me on my shoulder. “I’m out. See you when I see you, Zane.” He walked around the bar and didn’t look back as he walked out the door and into the bright sunshine.
What should I do with the rest of my day? I had an hour left before I could leave. The place was clean enough. Mateo would be here soon enough to relieve me. I always liked working with him and had never really understood his drama. People sometimes treat him like shit, and I hate that for him. I mean, we’re not close, or best friends, or anything. I wouldn’t say that about any of the people who work here except for Di. She’s the closest thing I have to a real friend, and she’s about the only one.
Maybe Justice was right. I did need to get a fucking life.
“Are you just gonna stand there and model for the rest of your shift, or perhaps you can refill the teas.”
“Hi, Layla.” I turned to see our motherly boss grinning wickedly at me. “You want something?”
“No, I’m highly caffeinated enough.”
“There’s always decaf.”
“I have rarely seen the point of decaf. Coffee has a purpose.”
“So, you’re just checking in on me to make sure I’m keeping the tea canisters full,” I laughed. She was easy to be around, andeven though I kept her at arm's length like almost everyone else, I knew that she cared about me. It was just her nature to be that way. She was a nurturer.
“Actually, I have a small proposition for you. We have a new hire and he doesn’t really know anyone in Princedelphia. Sheena thought you two might hit it off, for some reason.”
“Wait! Is Sheena trying to play matchmaker? I am not looking for a…”
“No. Come on, Zane, you know Sheena. I’m the one who likes to meddle; she’s always practical. He’s a nice guy, but he comes across as kind of shy. If I’m being honest, he does remind me a bit of you.”
“Cute and depressed?”
“No, closed off and hiding.”
Damn, that was to the point.
“Look, Zane – you know that I care about you and I hate watching you flounder from one thing to the next. Not here, of course. You’re an exemplary employee, babe. If you weren’t, I wouldn’t have spoken to you about being a part-time lifeguard, right? But your life outside work is… I think it would be good for you.”
“Is that an order of some kind?”
“It’s a personal request. Sheena thinks it will be good for Phil. And honestly, I think it will be good for you too. Just meet him, ok? Maybe show him around a little. He’s been here for about a week, and all he’s done is work on the gardens and then go back to his room. Show him a little kindness.”
“You know how much I hate being social.”
“I do. Consider it, and I will consider giving you a shot at the pool without an interview.”
“Sheena would never allow it.”
“Oh, I think that if you do this, you won’t need to worry about Sheena. Just be nice, ok? I know you can be… prickly, every nowand then. But, kiddo, when you want to be, you are a charming mother fucker.”
“I have a great sense of humor,” I huffed.
“Do we have a deal?”
“When do I start?”
