Page 15 of Yearn

He grunted and adjusted his collar. “Like I care. I need to know she can handle the harder tables before I put her on her own. It’s temporary. Teach her so she can be back up.”

I grit my teeth. “Rock, I’m serious, I can’t work with her. Let Manny be her teacher. He’s good.”

“I’m not asking, Landon, I’m telling you. Train her and stop your complaints. The bullshit with Max has nothing to do with work.”

“And if I don’t?”

He didn’t even hesitate. “You’re fired. I’ve seen the applications pouring in. I can have my pick of servers. Now, get to your shift.”

I was tempted to call his bluff but he had me. Rock was right—I couldn’t blackmail my way with him. Seething with resentment, I turned on my heel and went to my section where Gabriella was waiting.

“Are we stuck with one another?” she asked with a grin, baiting me.

Oh, I couldn’t stand her. Usually, when I was pissed off people stayed away and catered to my moods. But she didn’t care. Even worse? She was deliberately playing head games.

“Shut up and follow my lead. If you do one thing wrong, I’m yanking your tips. And if you ever go after Max again, I’ll kick your ass and make you sorry you were born.”

She laughed. “I’m shaking in my heels. Find someone else to threaten, Landon. It’s getting boring.”

Shooting her one of my icy glares, I threw my shoulders back and faced her head on. “Your cheap come-ons and trashy behavior is boring.”

It was her last remark that made me lose it.

“Better play nice. I’ll be joining you guys tonight at the Rooftop. As Adam’s date.”

Her smug expression was the last thing I saw before she turned her back on me.

I didn’t think things could get worse, but I was so, so wrong.

Chapter Seven

Landon

Listen to I Don’t Care

by Fallout Boy

Iwalked into the Rooftop holding Max’s hand tight. We weaved through the packed crowds, falling into our comfort zone from the loud music, flashing lights, and endless cocktails. This was our world and we thrived like a power couple. I’d taken a few shots of us to post on my feeds, showing off my newest designer dress, a slinky red number that barely covered my ass and made Max drool. My Louboutin’s had a toothpick sky-high heel and criss cross leather straps in silver. I left my hair loose even though it was muggy, and wrapped my arms and neck in various silver glittery chains. Max wore chinos, a pink button down open at the neck, and loafers. He looked cool, trendy, and confident as he tucked me against him to lead the way. I leaned into him, feeling the stares on us and loving every moment.

I needed to forget about stuff tonight. The reality show hadn’t called me back yet which was driving me mad, and the phone call with my mom had tipped me toward the bad mood category. Plus, working with Gabriella and knowing she was showing up with Adam?

Yeah, I was going to blow off some steam before I imploded.

We met up with Daisy and Elle who gave me hugs. Elle rocked a clingy bodycon dress in leopard with black boots, and Daisy amped up her cute vibe with a polka dot skirt and white satin halter top. “Coop and Noah are getting pickle shots,” Elle yelled. “Let’s go to the rail, there was room there.”

We pushed in and scored a small high table that overlooked the dance floor. The Rooftop was three stories with different music on each level. We usually started at the bottom and made our way up to the open-air roof that overlooked the city skyline. The guys came back with the shots and dispersed them.

“Where’s Adam?” Daisy asked.

“On his way,” Max said. “Let’s get a head start. The dude’s a beast.”

Coop laughed, his curly russet hair flopping over his brow. His muscles strained against his black shirt. He was a gym rat like Max, and looked good next to Elle. “Yeah, how is he always the last one standing? He’s like an alcohol superhero.”

I frowned. “Probably fills his shots with water so he can lord it over you.”

Max shook his head, not responding. At first, I thought he’d take my side as his girlfriend but I learned early he refused to pick one of us over the other. I hated it, but the moment we began trading barbs, he left.

Noah and Coop laughed, and we all drank.

---