She gasps, and her hand covers her mouth. “What?”
“Apparently the owner said one person had to go from finance, and I’ve been here the least amount of time, so…” I shrug, willing myself to keep the tears at bay.
“Oh my god, are they going to be laying off anyone else?”
I shake my head. “I don’t think so.”
“I’m so sorry, Hattie.” She pulls me in for a quick hug, which surprises me. We get along, but we’ve never been close—mostly my doing.
“It’s not your fault.” I pull away, wanting to get out of here and away from all the attention. “I need to go, though.”
She nods in understanding. “Of course. Hit me up on socials, okay? Don’t be a stranger.”
I nod. “Will do. Say bye to everyone for me.”
And after one goodbye, I collect my box and somehow manage to keep the tears at bay until I seek refuge in my car.
12
HATTIE
This is the worst day ever.
First, I lose my job, and now the only new friend I’ve managed to make in years is leaving.
After I left work, I went back to my apartment and spent the majority of the day crying. Once I managed to get myself together, I began looking for a new job. I can’t afford to be out of work for long if I want to help my parents with their medical bills, especially now that I know they’re behind. Sure, there’s unemployment income I could apply for—and will most likely have to—but that’s only a portion of what I was making. I can’t afford not to get my full salary and benefits.
But there’s nothing around here in my area of expertise. Just a whole bunch of minimum wage service jobs, which I’ll take if I have to, but doing so will barely let me scrape along and pay my own bills, let alone help my parents.
And then my attention shifted to getting ready to meet Bastion. Our last meeting. If I weren’t already in a terrible mood, that alone would do it.
After I park down the street from the café, I step out and lock the vehicle. Each step toward the café feels as if I’m on a death march, which is ridiculously dramatic, but true nonetheless. I reach the café and open the door, remaining on the threshold.
This time, Bastion has beaten me to the café and is waiting with a hot chocolate. He holds it up and smiles at me. Something about the image makes me want to burst into tears. After this morning, I’m feeling extra emotional. Instead of crying, I plaster on what I hope is a convincing smile and make my way to the rear of the café.
“Hey.” I try to keep my voice breezy and light.
“Rough day?” Bastion’s forehead creases in concern as I take my seat.
Am I that transparent? “Why do you say that?”
He slides the hot chocolate in my direction, and I thank him.
Bastion’s head tilts. “Something is obviously wrong. You look like you’ve been crying.”
“So you’re saying I look terrible?”
He chuckles. Being able to make him laugh lifts something in my spirit. “Of course not. You could never look terrible.”
My entire body heats from his words, and I force myself not to look away as I normally would.
“Thank you, but I don’t want to spend our last night together crying on your shoulder.” I bring the mug to my lips and blow on the steaming liquid.
“Why not? Isn’t that what friends are for?” He holds my gaze, and I can’t look away from his twin pools of deep blue.
I want to ask, is that what we are? Friends? But that’s not me.
“I suppose.” I take a tester sip of my drink, then run my tongue along my top lip, feeling some of the foam there.
