I return to my bedroom, wiping off what little makeup I put on for the video call.
Can you pick up after yourself in the bathroom?
Can't believe Theo had the nuts to say that to me last night.
Just when I was about to assume he was only playing nice when my parents weren't around, he had to accuse me of being a prude.
Maybe he was joking, maybe not. But my sensitivity and insecurity are taking over. That wound is still raw and he made it sting.
If Theo wants to play dirty, I can do that. I almost forgot the rules, but the muscle memory is returning to me, and this is a game I can play.
I'll even double down and make it worse. I mightaccidentallyleave my bra and panties out to makehimsquirm and see how he likes it.
But it'll have to wait because I'm meeting Benny at Roasted for my first day.
I'll fill out some simple, new-hire paperwork, and Tawny will update me with all the changes in the store. I'm sure there are new drinks and food items to prepare, so I'll be sure to take notes.
Benny supplied the updated black-collared shirt with the Roasted logo on it, so I change into a pair of jeans and grab my comfiest shoes. It will be quite the change being on my feet all day.
WhenIgettoRoasted, Benny greets me with a bouquet of flowers as Tawny stands beside him, eyeing me like competition.
I'm not gunning for her job. I don't want to be the manager, and I hope I'm not even here when summer ends.
Sure, she's young, but I will still be respectful.
"Welcome back." Benny gives me a hug and hands me a scalding hot beverage. "It's your favorite."
"Thank you."
"We are only allowed one comped drink a day," Tawny pipes up.
"Amelia can have as many as she wants. I don't think she can drink me dry."
"I don't know, I'm a lot older now and don't have the energy I used to."
"Tawny, did you know this girl would clean the grout on her hands and knees with a toothbrush?"
I laugh nervously because there is no way I have that commitment in me anymore. "I don't think that'll happen now, but I will do my best to not let you down."
"You could never. I can't thank you enough for helping me. I'm going to let Tawny show you a couple of things that have changed since you left. Our register is completely new. People rarely use cash anymore, but I'll let her go over that. Do you still remember the main drink recipes?"
"I could make them in my sleep."
Tawny adds, "We have a lot of new drinks you'll need to learn." I wouldn't be surprised if she wanted to have a dick-measuring contest right here and now. "You might need to take home the recipes to memorize them."
My closed smile doesn't even shift my cheeks.Be nice, she's technically the manager.
Roasted is known for its consistency. It's not like Starbucks, where you never know what drink you'll get: burned coffee, decaf on accident, coffee grounds swimming at the bottom of your cup, or always a shortage of supplies and ingredients.
No, you will get the same quality drink no matter who makes it, whatever time of day. We pride ourselves on crafting delicious drinks every time. Benny's motto was and still is: "If you wouldn't drink it, make another."
I'll have to memorize some new menu items, but I guarantee this won't be rocket science. Most of the drinks have the same base: coffee, espresso, and cold brews.
Theendofmyfirst shift leaves me with sore feet.
I don't know how I could survive an eight-hour day. We agreed to part-time and thank God for it.
I'll be taking over the morning shifts Thursday through Sunday because those are the busiest days. And now that school is about to end, business will pick up as the temperature increases. Even though we do have competition with Starbucks a couple of blocks away, Roasted is an influencer's dream, with cute, beachy decor and delicious beverages that are also pleasing to the eye.
