Page 20 of Like You Want It

Honestly, I’m surprised I’m allowed alone time with Ari, the way she carries on about me being irresponsible when I’m within earshot.

I let out a breath, and stay positive. There is always the chance things are different. Ithasbeen a few months since I’ve seen Christine.

“That would be amazing. I’d love to come over. Just let me know when and I’ll be there.”

Caleb nods, then reaches out and adjusts the picture he has of them on his desk.

It was a gift I gave to him when he got his first job as an assistant professor. A picture of me, him, mom and dad. Back before our family unit disintegrated.

Within a few days, Christine switched it out for a picture of her. Last year I brought in a picture of Christine and Ari that I took at Ari’s third birthday and Caleb put that one into the frame while we ate sub sandwiches at his cramped desk in the assistant professor’s area.

He’s been working at Glendale College for a few years, and the promotion to full-time was a surprise, since typically you have to work for quite a while before you can get there. Caleb told me a story once about a colleague who works at three universities teaching one or two classes at each, just hoping to get brought onpart-time,let alone full. And that guy had been teaching for fifteen years.

Of course, in Caleb’s case, it doesn’t hurt when your fiancé is also the academic dean’s daughter.

I regret ever saying to Caleb that Christine was using him. But not because it wasn’t true.Isn’ttrue. It’s definitely, entirely, 100% true. She saw my hardworking brother as an opportunity to have a comfortable life, and she makes no bones about not wanting to work, and wanting to buy whatever suits her fancy, whether it’s in their budget or not.

But if I’d kept my mouth shut, there wouldn’t be this tension between us. A tension that is entirely my own fault. Christine doesn’t deserve to have me going around bad mouthing her behind her back.

Especially when the fact she’s using my brother is a moot point when he’s using her too.

“So, how’s the coffee place?”

I let out a long, quiet breath. “Well, I love it just as much as I always have. But my boss gave me some sad news this week. He’s going to be retiring, probably at the end of the year.”

“Is he selling the place?”

I nod, fiddling with the bracelet around my wrist, and Caleb’s eyes drop briefly to my hands. It’s a nervous habit, but honestly I can’t help it.

“And what’s your plan?”

I shrug. “I don’t know yet.”

Caleb lets out a sigh. A long tortured one that makes it seem like this is a huge decision forhim. Which is of course absolutely ridiculous.

“Carly, I know you enjoy your little job at the coffee shop.”

I grit my teeth.

“But we both know that you’re not going to work for anyone but Lonnie, and that you probably wouldn’t be happy working atanothercoffee shop. So I think it’s time for you to start taking things a little more seriously.”

There’s that word again.

I cross my arms and settle back in my chair, but my feet are light and I’m prepared to rush out of here the second he says something stupid like…

“Have you thought about going back to college?”

My eyes close. I don’t know how many times I can tell him, tell my dad, that college isn’t for me.

“Just because you had a rough go during your first semester doesn’t mean you can’t pick up and start over. I’m sure you could get into the probationary program here at GC. Or you could go to the community college again. I’m happy to help you put things together for an application for the fall. They aren’t due until March.”

“Caleb…” I start, then let out a sigh as my head falls back and thuds against the seat. “I hate school. Loathe it.Despise it.” I shake my head and look him dead in the eyes. “I don’t have any intention of going, ever, and I’ve told you this a million times. Youanddad. When are you going to stop harping on it?”

His response is a well-placed jab. “When you figure your life out and aren’t at a dead end job anymore. You’re twenty-three years old now, Carly. You’ve been working at that place since high school and don’t have much to show for it.”

“Alright, let’s be completely clear about something, mister,” I say, pulling out the pointy finger and aiming it in his direction. “I haveplentyto show for it. I’m a lead barista…”

“Which doesn’t pay you much more than a regular barista and doesn’t come with health insurance or any other benefits.”