Page 4 of Her Three Tech Bros

“Jeez, you’d think a marketing agency would have more young people working there.”

“Yeah, well, that’s what I thought at first, too, but apparently that’s why they hired me. They wanted a young person’s take.”

“Other than that, do you at least like the job?”

“It’s good, I like it. I still feel like they’re holding back on me, but it’s only my second week, so I guess it could just be because I’m new.”

“What do you mean holding back?”

“They just keep giving me the easy stuff. It’s like they don’t think I can handle anything more than that.”

“It’s probably like you said. Maybe they just want you to get used to everything first before throwing a million things at you.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right.”

“Promise me you’ll go out soon and try to meet people.”

“Ugh, why can’t you just quit your job and move here, too? This would be so much better with you here, and you’d love LA. It’s totally your style.”

“Girl, you know I would if I could. But my mom needs me at the practice. She’d kill me if I left. Matter of fact, my whole family would.”

I sigh as I get out of my car and begin walking towards the coffee shop.

“I know, I know. But you’ll visit me soon, right?”

“Absolutely! I already talked to my mom about when the best time would be for me to take some time off. As soon as she lets me know, I’ll book a plane ticket!”

“I hope it’s soon. I’m dying out here. Anyway, I’ll let you go now. I’m walking into a coffee shop to get some work done.”

“I love you, Jade! You’re going to be okay, I know it. Just give it some time.”

“I sure hope so,” I mutter, only once I’ve already hung up.

After slipping my phone into my back pocket, I open the door to the café. Before I’m even fully inside, I’m hit with the smell of fresh coffee beans. I breathe it in, letting the amazing scent distract me from the anxiety of being in a new place.

It’s only been three weeks since I moved to Los Angeles and two weeks since I started my new job. I could’ve stayed in Colorado at the job I already had there, but for some reason, I felt the need to move three states away and start all over with my life. That decision is looking pretty dumb to me right now.

“Hi, what can I get for you?” the barista asks.

“I’ll just have a hot oat milk latte, thank you.”

I learned pretty quickly after moving here that if you get anything other than oat milk, they look at you funny.

“Would you like me to add a dash of cinnamon?” she asks, leaning closer, her brown eyes wide. “It’s amazing, trust me.”

“Sure, why not?” I smile at her.

I hand her the money and then wait at the other end of the counter for my coffee. Upon looking around, I see an empty table in one corner. It seems to be the only available spot.

I continue to survey the room, noting how everyone here looks exactly the same without actually looking alike. It’s something in the overall vibe of each person.

“Here you go! Let me know how you like the cinnamon!”

I take the cup from her and nod, heading straight to the open table. A girl catches my eyes from the next table over, and I shoot her a smile. Instead of giving one back, she just rolls her eyes and returns her focus to her laptop.

What a bitch.

That’s another thing about LA. People seem to be a lot less friendly here. In fact, the barista here might be the friendliest person I’ve met since moving. Normally, something like that wouldn’t bother me, but it makes it extremely hard to meet new people.

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