Page 41 of Pretend You Love Me

McKenzie takes it. “So you’re the one that’s sent the town into a tizzy?”

“Am I?”

They exchange a look and then McKenzie says, “Yes.”

“Have you waited tables before?” Sadie asks. I shake my head.

She clucks her tongue. “Okay then, follow me. You can shadow me for a few tables, and then I’ll give you some of your own.”

“I’m a quick learner.”

She throws me a look over her shoulder. “I’m sure you are.”

Two hours fly by. I’m having fun. Everyone is nice. It’s fast paced. I like trying new things. Working with one arm isn’t the easiest, but I’m managing.

The tips are amazing already. Everything’s looking up, and I feel like I can breathe for the first time in days. It’s short lived though because as I’m walking back to the bar, I crash into what feels like a solid wall. I look up to see Kip staring down at me. He puts his hands on my shoulders.

“What the hell are you doing here?” he says.

“Working.”

“What?”

“I got a job here the other day,” I respond.

“You did what?”

“Yeah. I talked to Sadie – do you remember she was our server the other day at lunch?”

“Of course, I fucking remember Sadie.” He’s doing that thing again where I can practically see the steam coming out of his ears.

“Yeah. I’m working, and you’re in my way. Sadie can get you a table if you’re hungry, or you can take a seat at the bar.”

“You aren’t working here,” he growls.

“Yes, I am.”

He has to be joking right now.

“No, cupcake, you aren’t.” He grabs me by the arm and drags me into the back hallway.

“Kip, I don’t think you’re allowed back here.”

He doesn’t say a word, pulling me further down the hall.

“Kip, stop, I’m going to get into trouble. I really need this job.”

He pulls me into a side room and points at me. “You’re leaving.”

“Kip, what the heck? You can’t tell me what to do.”

“You’re fired.”

I scoff. “What?”

He looks so angry – I’m surprised his head hasn’t popped off.

I glance down. His hands are digging into my arms.