"That bastard cheated on her!" my dad exclaims. "Can you believe it?"
I slowly twist my neck his way like in theExorcistand he can see all over my face he did the wrong thing.
"Sorry, sweetheart, was I not supposed to tell anyone? Are you embarrassed?"
How is this getting worse? How? Next thing you know, he'll inform Theo of my unemployment benefits.
"She was fired thesame dayshe found out he was cheating," my dad adds. "Poor thing."
"Oh my God." I bring my fingertips to the base of my skull, right at the hairline, hoping the pressure will alleviate the pounding in my brain.
I jump to my feet. "I'm going to my room."
As I put my bowl in the sink, my father clears his throat. He gestures to the dishwasher.
Theo gives me a look like I'm a disgusting slob and I grit my teeth as I yank open the dishwasher and slot the bowl on the bottom rack. Theo reaches for something in the cupboards above me, and as I'm bending slightly, my ass brushes up against his groin.
"Ahhh!" I shriek, garnering a glance from my dad and Molly.
Theo must not be as self-aware as I am, because he finally looks me in the eyes. "What's wrong with you?"
Drowning. I'm drowning in those Pacific blue eyes, that's what's wrong.
"Nothing."
WhenIwasinhigh school, my first job was at a coffee shop called Roasted. It's a bougie place right on the beach that left me with plenty of tips at the end of my shift, especially in summer. At the time, it was brand new, and I was one of the first hires who eventually became assistant manager.
Thankfully, Roasted is still in business. It's kind of dead inside, but I order coffee and a muffin. Yes, I'm spending frivolously considering my emergency savings is pretty paltry, but I can't pretend we are all a happy family right now.
"Amelia? Is that you, Amelia?" a voice calls out.
"Yes?"
The owner of Roasted drops a sack of coffee beans, steps out of the back, and runs to me.
"Oh my gosh, Benny?"
He gives me a Hollywood spin at the entrance of his store.
"Why did I assume you sold this place for millions and retired to Hawaii?"
"If that ain't wishful thinking, I don't know what is. Come here and let me see you."
Benny holds my hand out and gives me a dramatic once-over.
"Girl, you look amazing."
"I don't feel amazing. I feel old."
"Youfeel old? I was twice your age when I hired you!"
"Not anymore," I laugh.
He points to his hair, which is gray but looks so perfect with his skin tone. "Well, I probably look older, huh? I figured dye it all the same color and be done with it."
Benny always had a smart eye and has been ahead of the fashion curve, wearing styles before they became trendy. He rocks whatever he wears, and had I known I'd be reuniting with my fashionable former boss, I definitely would have washed my hair.
I'm older now and have gained some weight. I'm not as energetic and confident as I was back when he was my boss, and I feel it as I look down and see my distressed jeans and loose-fitting top.
