Page 4 of Capturing the Captain

3

Olivia

It’s been a week. A whole week and I haven't heard anything about the job interview. I have brought up the number of the stadium office many times, wanting to call for an update, but I stop myself every time. I don't want to come across as too needy or desperate, even though I am.

This week, my thoughts have been floating between the job, the handsome hockey player, and how I'm gonna afford rent next month. Maybe I should just get a waitressing job. Anything to have a few pennies in my pocket.

I’m walking through downtown towards a cute little coffee shop I go to regularly, Buttons and Books. I know I should save all the money I have left but they serve the best blueberry muffins I have ever had and today I just need the pick-me-up. Why is it so hard to get a job out here? Sure, I have clients often for occasional photoshoots but I need something with stability, something secure.

The bell chimes overhead as I enter the cafe. It’s a beautiful place. Small, and usually quiet, with tables scattered about. The decor isn't for everyone, but I love it. Original wood tables with mix-matched chairs. Every wall is a different color: blue, green, yellow, orange. There’s a section in one corner full of books. The classics like Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, Moby Dick by Herman Melville and even a few kids books scattered around including my personal favorite, Dr Seuss.

The owner of the cafe, Diane, is standing at the register. She’s a lovely woman who opened this place nearly ten years ago after her husband had passed away. She said she needed a hobby, loved coffee and books and thought of this place. The decor is because she needed some color in her life. She got the name of the cafe from her nephew, who she's called “Button” since he was born.

Her niece, Charlotte, is close to my age and runs the bakery side of things. I've become friendly with both of them since moving here four months ago.

“Good morning, Diane.” I wave with a smile.

She smiles back at me. “Morning, Miss Olivia, your usual today?”

“Yes, please.”

“Always so polite. You were brought up well.” I just smile in response, not wanting to get into the fact that my dad left us for his mistress and my mum checked out shortly after.

After paying for my latte and blueberry muffin, I find a small table to settle into. The cafe is unusually busy today, filled with young couples and parents with their strollers.

As I’m setting my stuff on the table, my phone begins to ring. I’ve had my volume up full all week so I don't miss a call from my interviewer. But the loud ringing startles the newly sleeping baby at the table to my right. “I’m so sorry!” I say quietly. The couple don't look impressed and the mother gives me a flat smile.

Flustered, I press answer before checking who is calling and bring the phone to my ear.

“Hello, I'm looking for Miss Olivia Evans?” The caller asks.

“This is her.” I reply, my voice shaking slightly. Is this it? Is this the call?

“Hi Olivia. This is Katherine from the Florida Flames. I’m so sorry it took so long to get back to you.”

“Oh! Hi, Katherine. It’s good to hear from you.” I was close enough with Karen…

“I would just like to officially inform you that we have accepted you for the position of team photographer for the Florida Flames.” I stop breathing, I stop thinking. No words are coming to my brain right now! God dammit, say something Liv! “Olivia, are you still there?”

“Yes, yes, I'm still here. I'm sorry, I just wasn't expecting that. I will gladly accept the job. Thank you so much.” I'm grinning like an idiot right now, trying to keep the emotions bubbling up at bay.

“I will email you the boring details when we get off the phone. If you could start next week, that would be great.”

“I’ll be there on Monday. Thank you again. I'm really looking forward to working with you.”

“I’m sure you'll make a brilliant fit into this team. Congratulations, Olivia. See you on Monday.”

After the call ends, I'm silent for a moment. I don't think I can control these emotions for much longer. I can feel them rising up my throat…

“YESSS!” I shout from the top of my lungs, in this quiet cafe, where babies are sleeping and students are working.

I look to the table to my right again and catch an angry look on the father’s face and an eyeroll from the mother as they gather their things, and leave. Whoops, hopefully that wasn’t because of me. Just in case it was, I tell them that I'm sorry… again. They just grunt at me in response. Rude!

“Scaring off the customers now, are we?” That voice, deep, enchanting, all consuming. I look up to see Josh standing at the other side of the table. Once again, I'm at a loss for words. This man has that effect on me.

“Oh! Hey.” My cheeks are heating from embarrassment or nervousness, I can't tell which one.

“You don't remember me, do you?” He asks. How can I not remember him when he's been on my mind a million times a day and in my dreams every night for the last week?