And with someone as skeevy as Colton?
Back at the host stand I threw my head dramatically into the crook of my elbow and leaned down on the high podium to groan against my skin.
“Was I pathetic to stay with Colton for so long?” I winced out loud when I felt another presence looming over me.
“Nah girl, Colton’s a fine piece of man. But a playa has needs, you hear? Although, you with me, and I would forever be faithful. Word?”
Oh no. Not Britte. Creep-O Steve-O.
He peered at me from under a mess of shaggy blonde hair that was supposed to be stylish but somehow managed to look frizzy and greasy at the same time. His face was be-pimpled from his love affair with mountain dew and energy drinks and his skinny little body was more starving child than muscular man. He had a smattering of freckles across the high plains of his face that would one day, one day far, far, far in the future, be one of his most attractive features, and he had lips that again, would one day be fantastic. But as of right now were pursed and provocative and just gross.
“Steve, that was meant for Britte,” I whispered, too mortified to explain further.
“Mmm, I figured. But I also figured I had some sage advice for you, woman,” Steve looked over me, his eyes trailing from my head to my waist, and back up; a signature move that earned him his nickname.
“Real sage,” I drawled.
“You heed that now,” he winked at me.
I shuddered.
“And let me offer my services yet again if you continue to feel down on yourself.” His smile turned lascivious before he added, “Give me five minutes, I can make you feel the opposite of pathetic.”
“Oh, god,” I gasped. “You’re seventeen.”
“But my soul is old.” He took a step forward, resting his palms on the host stand and bouncing up and down.
“Ty!” I shouted, panicked and amused all at the same time. “Ty! Stevie is hitting on me again!”
Steve took a fast step back and shot me a killing glance. I tucked in my lips to hide my
triumphant smile but when Ty came storming over immediately I couldn’t stop myself from grinning.
“Steve, do you want to do dishes tonight?” Ty demanded in a voice that reminded me of a drill sergeant.
“No sir,” Steve frantically shook his head.
“Do you want to scrape gum from the bottom of every table?” Ty took a menacing step forward.
“No, no sir,” Steve stammered. All of these tasks were dreaded and obnoxious, but I knew it was Ty’s authoritative manner that really had Steve shaking in his boots.
“Then stop harassing Ellie, or Britte or any other girl on or near this restaurant’s premises. Do you understand?” Ty finished andIalmost saluted.
“Yes, I understand,” Steve obediently responded.
“Good, then go do a bathroom check.” Ty jerked his chin in the direction of the restrooms and Steve went scurrying off to fulfill his duty.
I sighed a breath of relief and then patted Ty on the huge, steroid-esque bicep. “Thanks, officer doom.”
“Why are you so much trouble tonight, Ellie?” Ty turned on me, his face still rigid planes of irritation.
“Who me?” I squeaked, so not ready to have the wrath of universal soldier teeming down on me.
“Yes, you. You’re not usually the one causing problems around here,” he lectured.
Before I could respond the doors opened and college-aged boys pushed their way through. They were rowdy and laughing and I immediately recognized some of the faces from around campus. I ducked my head, letting my hair fall over my shoulders. I didn’t know very many guys from school. I wasn’t super outgoing to begin with, but Colton had occupied my time up until now and he didn’t have very many guy friends.
That should have been clue number one….
