Page 36 of Getting Over You

“Screw you, Cade,” she says, unenthused.

Okay, I guess we’re not entertaining jokes today. Her eyes aren’t sparkling.

I fight a frown pulling at my lips.

“Are you okay?” I ask.

“Yes,” she says. “Just busy. Tired. I’ve worked three days in a row, and it’s just—” Her face wrinkles.

I hold up a hand. Anything to get that stressful look off her face. “I got it. Relax. I’ll take a Coke and a bacon cheeseburger.”

“You got it,” she says, not bothering to scribble on her notepad at all. “That’ll be out shortly.”

“You’re sure you’re okay?” I ask.

“Yes, Cade. I’m fine.”

I know she’s lying, but now’s not the time to pry.

I nod and try to hold her gaze. She refuses.

My chest squeezes like someone’s got a vise grip around it.

I watch Gigi intently as she buzzes through the diner, waiting tables and putting on her best smile. I can so tell it’s fake, the epitome of a customer service grin. She’s nearly running on empty with how much she’s working to help Belinda.

When Gigi breezes past me, I seize the opportunity to stop her again. “Hey, hey.” I stare intently until she meets my gaze. “What’s going on?”

She gives me a frustrated look. “I’m exhausted, that’s all. I’m working all the time, Cade. Do you realize how exhausting all of this is?”

I can’t even begin to know the toll it must take on her to do what she’s doing, knowing she’s doing it just to make her mother happy.

“Why are you doing this to yourself?” I ask, my voice low. “You and I both know she’d throw you to the wolves to get a step ahead, Gigi.”

Gigi closes her eyes and takes a steady breath. She opens her eyes, levels her gaze at me. “It’s not as easy as you think it is, Cade,” she sighs. “Nothing is.”

I’m through my burger and nearly finished with my plate of fries when Belinda walks up to me at the bar.

“You’ve been spending a lot of time with Gigi,” she states.

I finish chewing, thinking over my answer carefully. I don’t think,Yeah, I’m helping her become a girl that guys like me want to bang at the bar,will be an answer she’s happy with. “We’ve become good friends, really fast,” I say. “She’s fun to be around.”

“I need dishwashing help,” Belinda says, “if you want to spend even more time with her.”

I need every extra cent I can to make my tattoo shop the best it can be. The extra money for beer and cigarettes at the apartment wouldn’t hurt anything, either. I’m depleting my savings staying in Geddington Beach for the summer and was hoping a booming shop here would help me get my money back.

“Would you?” Belinda asks, eyelashes fluttering. “For me?”

I fight a shudder. She thinks she’s getting my attention in a romantic way right now, and it islaughable. This woman knows no bounds.

“I wouldn’t mind the extra money,” I supply.

“And I really need you,” Belinda laments. “It would really help me.”

“I’ll take it,” I say, becoming fascinated with the local ads on my placemat. I read the ad for Frannie’s Fudge and Gifts seventimes at least to avoid making eye contact with her in the time that she stands there, staring at me and leaning over so I get a clear view of cleavage I don’t want.

I rejoice silently when she walks away to check on tables.

When I see Gigi again, I grab her wrist to stop her from walking. She halts, giving me a dark look. “What is it, Cade?”

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