Page 13 of Before the Storm
“Hey, boss,” Jack said. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but don’t forget, Larry’s taking two weeks off soon and I could use thehelp behind the bar. Does the new girl know anything about bartending?”
“I know some,” Janelle said. “But I’m a quick study.”
“Works for me if you don’t mind a little overtime to stand behind the bar with Jack.” Phoenix handed her the rental agreement back.
“I don’t mind one bit. I don’t like sitting on my butt doing nothing.” She smiled.
It damn near knocked Phoenix on his ass. “Why don’t you go take a quick break and grab something to eat.”
“Thanks. I’m starving.” She raced off toward the kitchen.
“Now I don’t have to work with Pam.” Jake patted himself on the shoulder.
“At least I hadn’t promised her those hours, but she’s going to flip when I make my brothers tell her that the new girl’s getting them,” Phoenix said.
“She’s already fuming.” Jack laughed. “Because, dude, you’re smitten.”
“Smitten? What the fuck does that even mean?” Phoenix held up his hand. “Don’t bother. I don’t want to hear it.” He glanced at his watch. “I think I’m going to go grab some grub.”
Jack let out a full-on belly laugh.
Phoenix ignored him and made his way to the kitchen. Time to get to know Janelle a little bit better.
3
Janelle stood on the porch of her apartment and stared at the sunset. In all her travels she’d seen many, but none affected her as deeply as this one. The sun dipped behind the mountaintops, leaving behind an array of colors. Orange. Purple. Red. They all streaked across the sky like a wild painting taking shape. It took her breath away.
It not only represented her freedom, but it gave way to a fresh beginning. She’d driven through the storm and perhaps found home.
The sound of an engine rumbling down the road filled her ears. She turned.
Phoenix’s truck pulled into the driveway. He waved as the garage door lifted.
His home was nothing she’d ever seen before. It was magical, like the lake it overlooked. She’d been inside the main house once during the week she’d lived inside the detached garage apartment, and she’d honestly been shocked at the size of his home along with his beautiful decor. All the furnishings were a combination of white and blue leather. The kitchen was white and gray with this swirly countertop that had a waterfall islandin the middle. A big picture window in the family room gave way to the most spectacular view of the crisp waters below.
And he hadn’t skimped on the apartment. When he told her it had been scantly furnished, she’d been prepared for what she’d rented in the past. Most of her previous places had sagging beds with sofas that matched. But this place had a big queen-sized bed that had to be brand new. It had a whitewashed wood headboard with a matching dresser. There was a place for her to sit at the foot of the bed. The couch was a light-green leather and it was soft, plush, and super comfortable. She felt like a princess in a castle.
“Hey, you,” he called from the driveway. “Have you had dinner yet?” he asked, holding up a bag.
“Um, well, no.” Lying, while she’d gotten good at it when it came to her past, wasn’t something she liked to do when it came to her everyday life. She wanted to be as authentic as she could be in this new world she was trying to create.
“Are you hungry? Because I’ve got enough here for two.”
“Aren’t you supposed to be working the dinner crowd?” Thus far, she’d worked every day this week, including this morning and through the lunch shift. Tomorrow she was scheduled for dinner to close and then a much-needed day off.
Although, she didn’t actually require it, but Phoenix and his brothers did, so she’d act as though she would enjoy the rest.
“Lilly actually slept all night and had a decent day today, so Nelson wants to work. I’m not going to argue with him, especially when I’m dead dog tired and could use a break.”
Janelle loved watching the Snow brothers and their interactions with each other. It’s what she remembered from her early years, before her father got weird and twisted the doctrine of his church. If she were being honest with herself, perhaps her dad’s vision had always been there, but her biological motherand her grandfather, an elder in the church, kept her dad in check.
Once her grandpa and mother passed, everything changed.
And not for the better.
Her stomach growled. While the tips at Blue Moon were good, she’d yet to receive her first full paycheck and her savings had been depleted after giving Phoenix first, last, and a security deposit. That meant she had to be frugal and she was living on noodles and toast with a few strawberries and salad as a treat. Of course, peanut butter and jelly too.
“I wouldn’t want to impose on your time off. I know how hard you work.” She also wasn’t sure being alone with a man who stirred emotions in her that she’d never felt before nor knew how to deal with was a good idea. Working with him was one thing, but she had no idea how to behave with anyone on an individual basis.
