“As long as it’s not a huge arrangement, I can squeeze it in.” Seeing my brother happy, fills me with joy. He dated someone when he lived away from home, but it didn’t end well. Then he got into an argument with his boss and left his job. Now he’s helping us. “Put it wherever.”
He scribbles his arrangement on the calendar. “I’ll also add this to the group calendar. If we’re going to make this all work, y’all need to start using it.”
“It’s hard to break habits,” Emily grins. “That board has been with us since the beginning. It’s nostalgic.”
“Well, if we’re going to keep up with the growth, some things have to be moved to the digital realm.” He shakes his head and walks back toward the office. “Oh, now I remember what I came in here to tell you. Xander’s driving record came back. It’s good. Do you want to contact him?”
“Isn’t that your job?” I argue.
“Yes, but I have another person coming in for an interview in a few minutes before I handle whatever deliveries you have,” he stops in the hallway, “which would you rather me do?”
“Fine I’ll do it.” I could mention that he would have had time if he didn’t comment on Emily’s order or realize he needs to get his girlfriend flowers.
I add the last bits of greenery to the vase I have before pulling out my phone. I’ve had his number saved since I found it on my coffee table. The urge to call him over the past week has been strong, but I’ve held back. Now, I don’t have a choice. Now do I text or call him. My thumb hovers over his name.
Chapter Six
Xander
My phone rings on the nightstand. I don’t have to worry about it being about a job interview since I technically have one. Instead of answering it, I let it go to voicemail. Right now, I’m looking for apartments online. Being able to move right away isn’t realistic, but I want to at least get an idea of how much I need to save.
In college I had roommates so we split the rent. Now, though, it’ll just be me. Unless, of course, I can’t afford it on my own. Then I’ll be looking for roommates. Staying with my parents is not how I want to live long term. Especially if I meet someone special.
My finger hovers over the icon to bookmark the current page. The apartment complex isn’t too far from where Kate stays, but it’s closer to the shop. More importantly, it’s within my budget. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or not.
The phone rings again, and I jump, almost falling out of my chair. Turning toward my bed, I rush to the phone. It has to be important if whoever it is calling back-to-back. The number isn’t one I recognize. I swipe to answer. “Hello?”
“Xander?” I know that voice anywhere. “It’s Kate.”
“Hey, what’s up?” There are only two ways she could have gotten my number. From the slip of paper, I left it on, or my paperwork.
“I was just letting you know your driving record came back.”
“Okay…”
“Oh, it’s clean. You can start working here as soon as possible.” The words come out in a rush. Is it bad that I feel a small sense of joy that I make her nervous after our conversation in the office? Probably.
“That’s actually really good. Tonight is my last night delivering pizzas.” Apparently, they didn’t want me working longer than necessary. It’s fine by me, at least I gave my notice like a responsible employee. “I can start tomorrow.”
“That would be great.”
Kate delivering the news is odd. “I thought Kai was going to call?”
I can hear the sigh over the phone. “He was supposed to, but he had another interview to get to.”
Well, so much for me hoping she was giving me the update so she could talk to me. “What time do I need to get there?”
“Why don’t we shoot for eight? It’ll give us a chance to go over how the flowers needs to be loaded and all that.
“I’ll be there.” For most people this would be weird. But I’ll put whatever feelings I have aside for a better job. At least…for now.
“See you in the morning.” She doesn’t wait for me to respond and hangs up. Huh. I guess I’ll see how she reacts to me in the morning. All I know is I’m not showing up empty handed.
I slam my hand against my phone as soon as the beeping starts. Sleeping in isn’t something I typically do, but this is the first time I’ve had to be up in a long time. Rubbing my hands down my face, I kick my comforter aside. I don’t have to be at the shop for two hours, but I want to make the best first impression and have time to get donuts. Showing up with food is never a bad idea, and based on Kate’s reaction after the night we spent together…I don’t think she remembers to eat breakfast for work.
Is it an overstep? Maybe. Keeping things professional is something I fully intend to do. Bringing donuts for the office is a good thing for everyone. Now I need to figure out what to wear. Kai was in jeans and nice shirt when I interviewed with him. It’s probably the safest route to go on the first day. I have no idea if they have uniform shirts for drivers. None of them had anything specific to Whoopsie Daisy.
Or…maybe I’m overthinking things. Even though I want to impress Kate, I also want to keep this job. It could be long term, or short term, that’s yet to find out. But for now, I need the money. I need to feel like I control my future in some aspect, and this is the first step in doing that.
