Page 14 of Loverboy
“Nope.” He flings the book onto the coffee table. “Maybe I could have five minutes on your phone for reading super well.”
“No way,” my sister says, jumping out of her kitchen chair. “Head down those stairs, mister. It’s bedtime.”
Aaron slides off the couch without arguing. But then he says, "That's a big glass of wine, Aunt Posy."
Ginny snickers. "It is, isn't it?"
"Spell big," I demand of my nephew.
“B-I-G,” he rattles off. “’Night.”
"’Night, kiddo." I peck him on the cheek as he heads off toward the circular staircase that leads down to the lower floor of our quirky pad.
While my sister is putting her son to bed, I make a nice dent in what is admittedly a very large glass of wine.
Ginny reappears as I’m taking a particularly big gulp. I’ve practically got my entire head in the glass when she plops down beside me. “Rough day?”
“You could say that.”
“We'vegotto get you some more help.”
“Well, what if I told you a guy came in today to apply for the barista job?”
“Really?” She lets out a whispered shriek. If we sound like we’re having too much fun, Aaron will climb the stairs and demand to know what’s going on. “That'sgreat!”
“Yes and no. I’m not sure he’ll work out. In the first place, I suspect he’s a terrible barista.”
“Uh oh. Can’t you train him? Are you going to give him a try?” My sister’s eyes are full of hope. She’s given me as many hours in the kitchen as she can. But I need to hire at least two more people, and we both know it.
“I’ll give him one shift to sink or swim.” I shrug, like it’s not that interesting to me. But I’m a liar. “I knew this guy in college. He was a good bartender, but that doesn't mean he can make an espresso that's up to my standards.”
“Well, theyarevery high standards.”
“For areason.” I squeak. But I have a reputation for being very particular. I’m a little sensitive about it.
“Who is he, anyway? Do I know him?”
“I doubt it. He worked at Paxton's that same summer I started on staff.”
“Wait.” Ginny holds up a hand. “You mean Gunnar?”
“Do you know him?” My voice cracks for no good reason.
“Never met the guy. But back then you could never shut up about him.”
“What? That’s not true.” I feel a flush creep up my neck.
“Like hell it isn’t. You had alotto say about Gunnar.”
“None of it good,” I argue. “He was a huge, arrogant pain in my ass. He drove me crazy. Every time I’d make a suggestion about the bar, he’d make the opposite one.”
“I’ll bet he’s super attractive.” My sister gives me a smirk. “He is, isn’t he?”
“Maybe. Why does that matter?”
“Honestly, that summer you never stopped talking about how much he drove you crazy. I just assumed you had a thing for him.”
“I didn’t,” I sigh. “Okay, I did. I used to feel a little sweaty every time he even glanced at me. Anyone would. He’s the kind of hot thatknowshe’s hot. He’s got this irritating smile. I call it the loverboy smile. He uses it as a weapon.”
