Stop being weird, Georgia.
I take a long sip of my wine. “So… my dad didn’t come tonight.” I don’t know why I blurt out the words, but for some reason, they seem relevant.
“No, he didn’t.” Brody lets out a sigh. “He’s wrapped up in that company out of Italy.”
“Hmm.” My eyes drop to my glass. “It’s always something.”
“Yeah, I’m sorry he’s not here.”
I brush him off and meet his gaze again. “It’s okay. It’s his normal. He’s always busy with something—investing in something.”And never making anything off it,I wish I could add.
Brody blows out a sharp breath and changes the subject. “What have you been up to? Your dad said you were working somewhere in the city? You graduated culinary school a few years ago, right?”
I chew the inside of my cheek. “Um, yeah…” Embarrassment floods my chest. “I was really hoping to be closer to opening up a café or at leastworkingin a kitchen by now, but?—”
“But you’re not?” Brody finishes for me.
“No,” I say softly, feeling more like a loser than ever. Especially standing next to Brody in his designer clothes and perfect haircut. “I’d say that I’m not anywhere close to fulfilling dreams right now. I’m more like hanging on by a thread.” I lift the glass up to him. “Cheers to being a failure.” I take a long sip of wine, and as I lower the cup, Brody has a smirk on his face. “What?”
“You know, I’m about to take a month-long trip on my yacht with some friends. You should come as my chef. The guy I had booked actually just backed out today.”
I tip back my head and laugh at the pipe dream. “Ha, yeah, if only.” I glance over at him, still smiling. “Consider me hired.”
Brody grins and looks like he’s about to say something but doesn’t get it out before Lily bursts through the back door and grabs my hand.
“Georgia May,” she scolds me, “You have to get your ass in here and socialize. No hiding.” She looks at Brody. “I’m stealing her away from you.”
“Go ahead. I need to get going anyway.” He gives me a nod as Lily pulls me backward. “Happy birthday, Georgie.”
“Thanks,” I mutter, wishing that I could just stay out here with him.
And that he was serious about the job on his yacht.
I bet that would’ve paid off my credit card.
Chapter 2
Georgia
“Is it in yet?” the lady from a week ago taps her perfectly red painted nail against the glass counter. “Because I’ve been calling and checking every single day, and not a single person will answer me.”
I let out a sigh, trying to keep my professional smile on my face. “Well, if they weren’t able to tell you anything on the phone, then I won’t be able to either. It’s still not in, and I doubt?—”
“This is so ridiculous,” she cuts me off, spewing a spray of spit that lands on my face. “I don’t understand why you people don’t know how to do your job. The entire line is supposed to be a Macy’s exclusive.”
“I’m sorry,” I say, my smile faltering. “Maybe there’s a different line that might be pique your interest?”
She narrows her eyes. “You just want me to spend money, so you’ll get commission.”
“I actually don’t get commission.”
She rolls her eyes at me. “Whatever.” With that, she spins around and storms off toward one of the exits. I breathe out a half groan, half sigh of relief as soon as I’m certain she’s not in earshot.
Good riddance, lady. It’s time for my break.
I grab my phone from behind the counter and give my manager a nod, who barely even acknowledges it. I’m pretty sure Rhonda, the manager of my department, barely even knows that I exist at all. She only pays attention to the employees who cause problems.
I tap my phone screen as I make my way to the break room, surprised to see a missed call and voicemail.
