Hot Coffee (The Hollens) novel Chapter 43

Emma's POV

I partied until midnight at Roger's. My body ached from the heat of dancing but I had never felt so carefree and wild before. I danced like there was no tomorrow and I drank like a professional. I guess I wanted to wash away the stress and pain Ethan had put me through. I wanted do something to get my mind off of him and forget about him.

Although my head was pounding and my body was aching, I had to get on my feet and go find a job, so that was exactly what I did. I took a shower and washed my hair then changed into something decent, and had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with fresh orange juice. I headed to where businesses were in abundance, keeping tabs of all the corners, streets and road signs so I wouldn't get lost. I had good recollection.

I walked into a boutique after I saw "Help Wanted" on a flyer in its windows. It was more of a clothing store with affordable items for purchase but it was wonderfully kept and it had a welcoming feeling to it.

A tall, very slim lady with blonde hair styled in a bun approached me. "Good morning, can I help you?"

"Good morning. My name is Emma and I'm looking for a job. I noticed the flyer in the window."

"Do you have any fashion sense?" she asked, folding her arms.

"Um, I try to," I answered truthfully, thanking Halley in my thoughts. She was the one who loved dressing up, doing hair and makeup, and matching outfits. I learned a lot from her.

"I'm sorry, Emma, but you're inexperienced. We can't have you here. Bye, now."

"But I'm willing to lea—" I began but she cut me off.

"I said bye now."

The cool air calmed my nerves as I walked out disappointed. 

I headed further down the street, casting my eyes from building to building, keeping tabs and reading the classifieds to see if there were any more jobs available in the area.

I walked straight into something hard, like a brick wall, and the next thing I knew, I was falling backwards.

I was caught by a firm hand. "Hey. What are you doing here?" Roger asked as I recovered my balance.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going."

"That's alright. I'm just happy I caught you in time."

"Well, you're looking mighty energetic, considering the way you danced and drank last night," I joked.

"Hey, I've got lots of experience."

My face fell as he said those words. I was wondering if I would get any job with my lack of experience.

"Hey, is everything alright?" he asked as he studied my face.

"I'm job hunting. No luck so far."

"Really? I'm sorry to hear that."

"That's okay. I only started today. I'm hoping I'll get something soon."

"Well, I could ease your burden and save you some time. I could hire you."

My mouth formed a circle of surprise when those words came from his mouth. "Hire me? To do what?"

"Lets get a drink of coffee at the cafe. I'll explain to you there."

We walked over to a nearby cafe. There were tables on the outside and inside; we sat down outside. A waitress took our orders and we waited on our coffee.

Some caffeine would be good at this moment.

"So, I don't wanna sound too forward, but what exactly is this job description?" I asked.

"My grandmother is getting up in age and she'll need to retire soon. She only helps out because I don't really trust many people. You could replace her and become the head receptionist at the complex."

"Wow, really? I'm grateful... but, why me?" I asked, hoping there wasn't any catch.

"Because you seem like a really nice person. I know I've only just gotten to know you, but I feel like I could trust you." He sipped on his coffee.

"Thank you."

"You can start Monday. Use the weekend to get prepared. It will be great, working very close to your new 'apartment' and all. You won't have to waste money on transportation."

"How much would I be working for?" I wasn't expecting a great paycheck, but I needed enough to cover the rent and my basic needs.

"It's not much, but I can start you off with nine hundred bi-weekly. If you work your way up, and I'm impressed, within three months we can discuss a raise. Of course, you won't have to pay rent. You can stay in the room you're in during your probationary period and we can discuss that too after three months."

"I accept," I said cheerfully and drank my coffee.

The salary sounded good, though I made more at the mansion. But this was just temporary until I could figure out my next move for a larger income. One step at a time.

"So what were you doing in the financial district?" I asked, making conversation.

"Oh, I was just dropping off a friend."

"But you were walking."

He laughed. "My car is parked right there," he pointed to a silver convertible. 

I arched my eyebrows. Nice Ride.

"So, shall we head back?" he asked, getting up slowly from the table.

I held onto my purse, took one last sip of the coffee and followed him to his car. He drove with light speed; my hair blew in the wind, feeling great against my face. I smiled as people on the street looked on in awe at the two of us.

We arrived at the hotel twenty minutes later.