Page 12 of Hate You Up Close

“We’re all stressed out, Elliot. But that doesn't give you an excuse to treat people like shit.”

“I know,” I rasp. “It’s not an excuse…But I’m just under a lot of stress right now.”

I hear a deep voice in the background. It sounds like my brother is trying to get her attention.

“I have to go,” she says flatly. “I’ll call Roxy on Monday. I’ll let you know once I have an update.”

Roxy.

Why does that name send a warm wave down my spine? I wonder if Roxy is her full name or a nickname?

Either way, I like it. It’s different…Pretty in an unusual way.

Before I have a chance to reply, Skylar abruptly ends the call. Honestly, I fully deserved to be hung up on. She’s gone out of her way to help me, and I’ve given her hell the entire time.

Believe it or not, I didn’t always use to be this way. I mean, I’ve always been kind of a dick, but I definitely hit rock bottom within the last year. I just stopped giving a shit. I stopped trying to be the charming, smooth-talking, charismatic guy that everyone thinks I am and finally unleashed my true self.

I’m not a good person. I never have been.

Once the disappointment has time to settle, my friends and family will finally see me just as I see myself. A fuck up.

I clear my throat, run a hand through my hair, and put on my bestI don’t give a shitface before unlocking the door and sauntering back to the table. The last thing I want is for Zion tonotice the disappointment in my eyes. The utter disappointment I hold toward myself.

“What was that about?” he asks as I slide into my side of the booth.

A cocky grin stretches across my face as I rest an arm behind me on the leather seat.

“I found my girl,” I smile smugly.

“Your what?” he asks, brows pinched together.

“My assistant,” I clarify. “Skylar’s going to make her an offer on Monday.”

I don’t allow myself to get hung up on the fact that I called Rosymy girlbecause it doesn't mean shit. I’m just giddy to finally have some help.

Wait…Was her name Roxy? Rose? Rosa? No, I’m sure Skylar said it was Rosy.

Shit, I already forgot her name.

Oh well.

All that matters is in a few short weeks, I’ll finally have someone to do my grunt work.

FOUR

Roxy

Today is the day I start my new job.

When Skylar called and offered me the position two weeks ago, I thought about it for less than twelve hours before I called and accepted.

Do I think it’s weird that the offer was made so soon? Yes. I mean, I haven't even had a chance to speak with anyone in management. But I also don’t have any additional opportunities on the table, and I need a job.

Unlike most twenty-five-year-olds, I don’t have the luxury of moving in with my parents if things don’t work out. I have nothing and no one to fall back on. My success is solely reliant on me, and if I can’t pay my bills, then I can kiss any hope of a future goodbye.

I turn on the sink and brace my hands against the marble countertop as I stare at my reflection. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, letting the running water drown out my nervousthoughts. After a long exhale, I open my eyes and give myself a confident nod.

You got this.