Worth Billions (Worth It 1)

“I heard that,” Brad said.

“Good!” Cecily exclaimed. “So who’s footing the bills for the utilities if you don’t have a job and they’re still turned on?”

I bit down onto my lower lip and drew in a deep breath.

“Grayson. Anton’s godson. He’s staying there while he settles Anton’s estate. He offered me a place to stay when I barged in the night Andy kicked me out.”

I watched Cecily’s eyes widen before her face quickly returned to its cool, collected nature.

“Well that sounds like a good setup,” she said. “I’m glad you’ve got yourself sorted out. You know, except for the job thing. Are you sure you don’t need something? Even if it’s temporary? I’m working like a dog here, and when Brad says ‘part-time,’ what he really means is two hours short of full time.”

“I was really hoping I could talk to you about this Grayson situation, actually,” I said.

“Girl we’ve got all the time in the world to talk about that if you start this weekend,” she said.

She curled her hands around mine as my brows drew together. She really was darting around the subject of Grayson a lot. I didn’t really know his reputation around town, but maybe it wasn’t a good one? Or maybe she didn’t know Anton’s godson was Grayson?

“Come on. I’ve got money itching to go into the hands of someone. And the tips have been good lately,” Brad said.

He scooted into the booth next to me, shoving me over until he fit behind the table.

I didn’t want my working hours to encroach on the time I had left with Grayson, but they were offering me a job. And I had a past employment history here, even though it was only three weeks. It wouldn’t take me long to get that bike going again, so to speak. I didn’t have any other options in this city, and Grayson was bound to leave at some point in time. He made his disgust for this town known, which meant eventually, he would leave me behind.

I had to think about my actual future, and not just about my temporary one.

“Okay then,” I said with a smile. “I’ll start this weekend.”

“Thank fuck. Does this mean I can have Saturday off, Brad?”

“Can you come in Saturday evening for your first shift? Cece’s been begging me for Saturday nights off for a while now,” he said.

“It’s the highest-tipping night, but I need a break. Please?” she asked.

“What time do you need me?” I asked.

“Yes!” she exclaimed. “Finally. A Saturday night off. I think I might go town-hopping and find me someone to spend some time with.”

“You can keep that to yourself,” Brad said. “As far as time goes, just be here around six. You’ll get off when we close at two, and I’ll have an apron for you to wear.”

“Sounds perfect. I’ll be here.”

“I’m so glad we’re working together again. This place has missed you,” she said.

“To be honest? I’ve missed it as well. And thank you, Brad, for offering me the job.”

“Everyone kept asking me where your pretty little face went after you quit. If only they knew I liked dick.”

I shoved him playfully and laughed before he let me up. I gave each of them

a hug, then I headed back out to the car. I didn’t get what I came in for, but what I walked out with was a prospective future. I didn’t want to stay a waitress my entire life, but I did enjoy working at the diner when I did. I still wasn’t sure what I was going to do about a place to live, but I figured that clearing one obstacle meant I could relish in the victory before clearing another one.

But when I pulled into the grocery store, my mind focused on Grayson.

He was standing in the middle of the parking lot. Just standing there, staring off. I pulled up next to him and saw his eyes connect with mine. The look he gave me shivered me to my core, but I didn’t know why. He had this strange look on his face and this far-away look in his eye.

I hopped out to help him load up the trunk before he took the keys from me to drive.

“Are you okay?” I asked.