Page 11 of The Naughty List

I could never sit on Jonah’s face.

Addi is just being Addi. Surely she included that one as a joke.

I inhale a lung full of courage. “You’re right. I can do this.”

I will do it. I’ll show him. And I’ll get this job and finally start my actual adult life that includes my own condo and a viable career.

“I know you can,” she says while sliding out of the booth. “I have to get to work but keep me posted, okay? You got this.”

“Sucks that we both work on Saturdays.”

Addi scrunches her petite features. “I know, precious. We need a girls’ weekend. Maybe one day. When we’re rich and famous.”

She owns a small shop where she does hair.Salon Blondeis where she met my brother three years ago when he came in for a haircut and came out with her phone number. I make a mental note to get her to trim my ends soon.

“Here’s to one day,” I say, knocking my empty drink cup against hers. We share a quick goodbye hug and I toss my empty cup in the barrel on the way out.

The sharp, cold December wind stings my face as I step onto the sidewalk.

I should be freezing since I forgot my jacket in the car, but the mental image of modeling lingerie for Jonah has me warming up from the inside out.

I look at the list again once I’m alone in my car.

It’s a very naughty list. But Addi is right. My way didn’t work and he shut me down completely.

Number six makes me hot all over.

I’m practically sweating by the time I make it to pick up the dogs.

5

HOLLIS

CHECKING IT TWICE

Monday morning I make Jonah the lemon blueberry vegan muffins in hopes of softening him for another conversation about the assistant position.

My phone chimes on the counter. I wipe my hands on a towel and retrieve it. When I click on the text notification, I see a message from Addi.

How’s the naughty list coming?

Leaning against the counter, I message her back.

I dropped off his dry cleaning and walked the dogs Saturday afternoon like always. He wasn’t home. I haven’t see him since he shut me down Friday. I’m taking him muffins this morning.

Addi sends back the eye roll emoji. Then,I didn’t say shit about muffins. Unless you’re letting him butter yours, muffins won’t make a difference.

I shake my head as if she can see me.

I don’t want to get this position on my back. I want it because I deserve it.

She doesn’t respond right away so I get the muffins out of the oven and place them on the cooling rack.

They look gorgeous, the perfect shade of golden with bluish-purple berries bursting in the light, fluffy cake. I break one in half and blow on it.

Since working for Jonah, I’ve been trying a lot of new Vegan recipes. My family hasn’t loved them, but I’ve enjoyed a few I’ve made so far.

Before I take a bite, Addi’s response comes through.