Chapter 6
Zoey
The hairs on the backof my neck stood up as I cut through the dining room, delivering food to my tables. A shiver ricocheted down my spine, and gooseflesh broke out across my arms. It was a feeling of being watched with an intensity that I had never experienced before.
After I passed out the food to the family in my section, I scanned the room, looking for the source of the feeling that washed over me so unexpectedly. There was nobody out of the ordinary in the room. Couples, families, friends, even a few people that were eating alone over work were in the den, but nobody was paying me any more attention than normal. I still couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching me—studying me.
“You okay?” Krista asked when she passed me on my way back to the bar to grab another round of drinks for one of my tables.
“Yeah. I just had an eerie feeling. It’s probably nothing, though.” I shook my head and smiled at my friend. “I’m just tired and in need of a vacation from life.”
Krista grinned. “Hell yes, girl. Let me know when and where. I am totally down for that. We need to get away and let loose.”
My friend’s easygoing nature always made me feel lighter. I think that’s why we got along so well. She could let loose where I wasn’t. Being around her gave me an excuse and an outlet to let my guard down and unwind a little. Something I hardly ever allowed myself to do before I met her, and my calm reserves reigned in her wild whirlwind.
“A graduation trip. Once I’m done saving for college semesters, maybe we can take a trip to San Antonio or something.”
Krista laughed. “San Antonio isn’t exactly what I was thinking. No beaches.”
“South Padre?” I offered, knowing she would rather go to Florida or Hawaii—some place fun or exotic. There was no way I’d be able to do that, and I wouldn’t let her or her parents foot the bill for it. I needed to do something more low key. Getting away with my bestie even if it was just going to Galveston for the weekend would be a nice change of pace for me.
“We’ll decide later. Right now, we have tables to wait on.” She shot me a smile and moved to deliver her drinks while I headed to the bar to grab the order of drinks I had waiting on me. It’s not even busy yet, still early in our shift and already I’m just tired. I’m burned out on everything. School, work, my uncle and his devil spawn of a daughter—everything.
I take a deep breath and keep saying to myself the same thing I’ve said to myself for the past year and a half. Just get your two-year degree, then you can get out from under them. I ignore the small fear that Krista pricked when she said my uncle and my cousin wouldn’t let me go, but the fact of the matter was they had no choice. Once I can get myself a job that pays a halfway decent salary, I’m out. I may even leave the Houston area because it’s really brought me nothing but pain since I was a kid.
I chose a degree in accounting not because I love it or have a passion for it, but because I’m good with numbers. Math was always my stronger subject because it was concrete. Do this to get to this. English and literature left too many variables and open-ended options. For a girl with so much turmoil in her world already, I craved the concrete assurance of two plus two equaling four. Also, going into accounting would make it easier to get hired with a two-year degree and give me a better income with more of a chance at survival.
Survival. I have been in that mode since my parents died and I got dropped on the doorstep of a family that didn’t want me for more than a prop to showcase what wonderful people they were.
“Looking good, Zoey.” Jeff’s voice broke into my thoughts as his eyes raked over me.
“Cami not working tonight?” I deadpanned at his flirtation. He was a creep, and I really hated him.
He shrugged. “She comes in a little later, but we broke up this morning—for good this time.”
I’ve heard that before,I said to myself, even as I offered my condolences on the breakup. “I’m sorry to hear that. You guys made such a great couple.”
