“Aww, I was hoping to see the little ones.” I fake a pout.
“They’ll miss seeing you as well.” Chad’s eyes soften as he adds, “But I wasn’t aware you were working the morning shift now. I thought the last couple of times were a fluke, but this seems permanent. Are you not working nights any longer? What about school?”
My heart races at the onslaught of questions—questions I shouldn’t have a problem answering, or be unnerved about. Yet I do, and I am. “Yeah, I still do,” I manage to say. “I, uh…I’m doing both, actually.”
Lorna raises an eyebrow as she purses her lips tightly together, the corners turning down. “You didn’t quit, did you?”
I hesitate, my mind flashing to my mother’s lost job and the extra shifts that now fill my days. Blinking back the tears that are threatening to spill, “No…still going.” I say hurriedly. Lorna gazes up at me with concern. “Um...my mom lost her job, and I’ve had to pick up extra work to cover my tuition and help with the bills.”
They exchange a knowing look, and the conversation shifts as quickly as it started. Chad smiles at me, one that has a hint of pity before handing me his menu. “I’ll have bacon, scrambled eggs, and French toast. Coffee and a glass of OJ.”
Lorna chimes in, handing me her own menu, “I’ll have French toast, sausage links, and coffee.”
Relief floods through me with knowing that I now have an excuse to leave that awkward and difficult conversation. I quickly turn and rush behind the counter to place their order with the cook. Once I’ve done that, I quickly make their drinks before heading back their way. The closer I get, the more my ears catch snippets of their conversation over the hum of the diner.
“Obviously the calendar is for next year, but do we have an idea for the theme?” Chad asks Lorna.
I can’t see her face clearly but she lets off a bit of a giggle, “Yep, sure do. Holidays. Not the normal ones. Anyone the person wants. The crazier the better.”
Chad shakes his head, “Woman, you’re crazy.”
Chad glances over to the right just as I get close to them.
“Here you go. Can I get you anything else?” I ask them as I reach their table, placing their drinks in front of them.
“No, we’re good,” Lorna replies with a gentle nod.
I take a deep breath and check on my other tables, my mind racing as I balance orders and thoughts of my future. When their food is ready, I carefully gather their plates and return to their table once more.
Chad leans over toward me, his tone softening. "Felicity, picking up the morning shift must leave you pretty drained. When do you get to sleep, and how much rest are you actually getting?"
I force a smile and hope my voice doesn’t crack. “With studying, not a lot. It’s hard, but it’s what I have to do.”
He fidgets with his knife, and his eyes glint with something secretive. “You know, when I was in college I had to make money, too. I found a unique way to do it—and even helped some other people along the way by teaching them to do the same thing as me. It’s how I met Nic and Lorna here, and itled me to the life I have now.” His voice drops to a whisper as he continues, “What I’m really trying to say is… we have a job opportunity for you.”
I blink in surprise, my pulse racing as I set down their plates with trembling fingers. “A job opportunity?”
Lorna speaks, her voice low, for only us to hear. “We know you’re a hard worker. You’re attractive, and you have an appeal that draws people in. When are you free to talk?”
Am I hearing this right? Am I dreaming? My damn car starts on the first try, and now my best customers are telling me they have a job for me.
What the fuck do I do?
“Felicity?” Lorna’s voice pulls me from my rambling thoughts.
“Sorry, I was just thinking. I have a break this afternoon—from twelve to two. Then I have class from two thirty to five, and then back here for work afterward. So not a lot of free time. I’m not sure if it works with your schedule,” I tell her nervously.
My answer doesn’t seem to faze her. “Come by the address on this card during your break. I’ll have lunch brought in for us and we’ll talk. I think you’ll like what we have to offer.”
I take the card from her hand, its weight suddenly heavy with promise and uncertainty. “Okay,” I whisper, my voice a mix of trepidation and cautious hope.
As I slowly walk away from the table, my mind spins with thoughts of the unexpected opportunity. I am still not entirely sure what the hell just happened, but I have a feeling that maybe, just maybe, the load I’ve been carrying is about to get a little lighter. And there’s no way in hell I am looking a gift horse in the mouth.
Chapter 2
Felicity
Ifidgetwiththehemof my shirt, twisting the fabric tightly around my fingers as if it might somehow ground me to the here and now. Lorna sits across from me, behind the sleek, modern desk, a sharp contrast to her bold personal look. She’s finishing up a conversation with her assistant, Nova.
