“If you need to switch shifts, you’ll have to find someone else who is available to do so.”
“Yes, but see?—”
“You need to get back out there,” she interrupts again, which suddenly has my chest tight with frustration.
“Actually, I’m quitting,” I blurt out the words withwaymore confidence than normal. “I got a new job, and I start in two days, so I guess you can consider this me letting you know.”
“You’re not quitting in the middle of your shift,” she sneers at me, her beady eyes narrowing at me beneath her gray hair, still stuck in an 80s style. “You’re going to get back out there and?—”
“No, actually I’m not,” I cut her off, just like she did to me. “I’m going to do exactly what I just said I was, and I’m leaving right now. I’m too tired for this, and I have a lot of packing to do.”
“Then get your things and get out of here,” she snaps at me, and I just ignore her, letting her storm out of the break room in a tantrum.
I wait until the door is completely closed behind her before I gather my things and thank the Universe that I’m getting the fuck out of here.
I amnevercoming to this place ever again.
“So this is exciting,” Lily hovers in my room, as I shove my bikini top into the bag. Honestly, I have no idea if I’ll ever have a chance to wear it on the cruise, but I pack it just in case. “He’ll be here in like ten minutes to pick you up.”
“I know,” I shut the top of my suitcase. “And I still have no idea what I’m doing.”
“You’re going to be an amazing chef for the next month, and send meallthe updates. I bet the women will be insomuch designer garb. You have to sneak pics to send to me.” Lily plops down on the bed, looking up at me with a wistful expression on her face. “You’re literally so lucky.”
“I’m going to look so ridiculous compared to those kinds of women.” I purse my lips, thinking about the fact that my bathing suit came from Target… not Gucci. “I bet I’ll spend most of my time hiding in the kitchen. I mean, I have to make three meals a day, I assume?”
Lily shrugs. “You make amazing food. You’re quick, too. I’m sure after dinner, you can step out and see the stars.” She smiles up at me. “You’re about to go on the adventure of a lifetime. Youhaveto let yourself enjoy it, Georgia.”
“Right, I know,” I say, nodding. “But this is also a job. I have to take it seriously. If I treat it like it’s a vacation, I could really fuck it up. I don’t want him to think I’m just trying to take advantage of him.”
Her brows skyrocket. “Girl, I don’t think he’d mind if you took advantage of him.I saw the way that silver fox was checking you out on your birthday.”
“He wasnot,” I counter, though I can feel my face heating up. “He’s my dad’s best friend. He’s known me for like my whole life. They were in the Navy together. I’m just a kid to him.”
“You aredefinitelynot a kid anymore,” she bursts into laughter. “You shouldn’t short yourself like that.”
Before I can argue with her, the doorbell echoes through the house. Lily jumps up from where she’s sitting on the edge of the bed, wiggling her brows at me.
“He’shere,” she sings into the house as she heads for the door.
I roll my eyes at her and grab my things, stopping by the full-length mirror to make sure that I look presentable in my light-wash jeans and cream sweater. According to Pinterest, this fits the wholesailinglook.
But I really have no idea.
I lug my suitcase down the hall, hearing Lily’s airy voice as she greets Brody. I step into the living room, and my eyes are immediately drawn to Brody, who’s standing on the stoop in a pair of Ray-Bans, a white linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and a pair of shorts.
Ugh. Once again, effortlessly freaking sexy.
And I’m not sure there will ever be a time I don’t think so.
“Hey!” Brody greets me, looking past Lily. “You ready?”
I nod, ignoring the way my whole body feels shaky when he looks at me. “I think I am. I have no idea what you wear to something like this.” I have the urge to slap my hand over my mouth because apparently, I just can’t seem to be professional with him.
But Brody only chuckles. “You can wear whatever you want. We’re not that uptight on theSerendipity.”
“Great,” I force a smile. “Then let’s go.”
Lily gives me a smile and a hug on my way out the door. “I’ll hold everything down here. Have anamazingtime. Oh, and I still think he’s got the hots for you,” she adds, whispering into my ear.
