Page 27 of Fake Love

She’s so little but she gives the biggest hugs ever.

“I’m not moving across the country. I’m just leaving the shop.” I remind her, returning the hug.

“We know but it still doesn’t mean that we won't miss seeing your face every single shift.” Courtney throws out as she replaces Annaleigh with herself.

“You guys will see me, I promise.” I say letting them both go, definitely starting to feel tears form in the back of my eyes.

I didn’t think I would cry today, but I’m saying bye to a chapter in my life. That’s reason enough to let a few tears spill.

“We better. You’re like an older sister that neither of us had.” Annaleigh says through a pout.

Given that I’m an only child, I know how they feel.

“I’ll come back next week, how about that?” I offer.

Visiting them during store hours is the least I can do and if they are swamped it’s not like I can’t jump behind the counter and lend a hand.

“We like that idea,” Courtney answers.

With one final hug and a few more tears seeping through, we say goodbye and head our separate ways.

I may have hated the coffee smell and dealing with customers, but I will definitely miss working with the girls.

As I make my way to my place, no food to give out this time, I pull out my phone and dial up Selena.

My best friend answers on the fourth ring.

“How did your last day go?” She asks, her voice muffled a bit by background noise. They must be on the Caltrain making their way into the city.

Hunter and Selena live about twenty miles outside of San Francisco, so anytime they come into the city they take the train. It’s way better than looking for parking and paying fifty bucks for it.

“Surprisingly not as bad as I thought. I just said bye to the girls and cried while doing it.” I answer.

“Well yeah, you were there for years. I would be concerned if you didn’t feel sad leaving one last time.”

“Yeah, but I definitely won’t miss the customers, that’s for sure.”

Selena lets out a laugh. “I bet. Are you sure you don’t want to come to the game? Jacobi was able to get a box and there’s plenty of room.”

I snort a bit at hearing her call Hunter, Jacobi. I know how much he dislikes her using that nickname for him.

“I’m sure. There’s a pillow calling my name.” I state as I turn onto my street.

“Whatever you say.”

“While you’re in that fancy box, you should convince your fiancé that it would be a great idea for him to hire your best friend.” I say a little too loud hoping that Hunter is right next to her and is able to hear my words.

“Not happening.” Hunter’s voice comes through the line all deep and shit. No wonder Selena fell for him.

“Oh common, Hunty. Why the hell not? You know that I will do an amazing job.” I say. Well, more like I whine.

I seriously don’t understand why this man won't hire me.

“Look, Jen. As much as I want to hire you, I can’t. I already have a digital content manager and I signed a contract with her for another year. If you still want the job when my contract with her is up, you can have it.”

I think I’m rendered speechless.

In a year I can be the social media manager for one of the most well-known quarterbacks in the NFL.

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