Page 105 of Destroying Everleigh

T.A.T.U. - Friend or Foe

The first thing I did when I got home was shower. After my several failed attempts of trying to reach Amber on the phone. Guilt ate away at me at the knowledge that I’d betrayed her in some way. My hands worked through my muscles, trying to knead some of the tension from them while simultaneously working my soap over my skin.

A therapist would have a field day with the inner workings of my life. Everything was so complicated and confusing. I knew I needed to make things right with her. Hell, I needed to make things right with my sister. My mind has just been overwhelmed with studies and the fuckery happening around me.

I quickly finished my shower and dried off before retreating to my room where I’d laid out my work uniform. Briley still wasn’t home. She was probably hanging out with Angie to pass time until she knew I was gone. Annoyance trickled through me at the thought. It wasn’t like we’d never fought before, but thistime was different. She was actively avoiding me, and I didn’t know how to fix it, or if I even could.

A deep exhale fluttered past my lips, and I focused my attention on getting dressed for work. At least it would keep my mind occupied. That was one good thing that came from all of this. It made me appreciate my job that much more.

Once dressed, I headed for the bathroom to fix my makeup and hair. Considering it was a restaurant, my hair needed to be off my shoulders. I tied it into a well-kempt bun, leaving my bangs to scatter across my forehead due to my new hairstyle. The house felt emptier than ever with no one else being here, making the place feel less like home, and more like a prison.

I swallowed the thick lump in my throat before snatching up my keys and making my way to my car. A cool breeze drifted over my skin from the seasonal change approaching, and I sucked in a deep breath, reveling in the fresh air.

I was relieved to find the parking lot mostly empty, aside from the employee parking spots. It meant that today wouldn’t be too overwhelming. Sure, I wanted the money—needed it even, but it would also be nice to just trudge through my shift without having to run around like a chicken with its head cut off.

Turning my car off, I stepped out of the vehicle and made my way toward the building. There were only a few customers taking up a couple tables, giving the atmosphere a much calmer vibe.

I started toward the back to clock in when Vivienne stepped out in front of me. Her orange hair was well put together in a high ponytail that brushed against her upper back. Freckles scattered from one cheek to the other, making her appear much more innocent than she was.

“The boss is in.” She grimaced, glancing behind her toward the office door. “He seems to be in a mood today.”

I frowned. Our boss typically worked the day shift. So, if he was here, that meant something was probably wrong. By the looks of it, we had enough staff, so that couldn’t be the issue.

“Thanks for the warning.” I smiled softly, moving to sidestep her, but she followed me to block my path again. My eyebrows dipped in confusion. “Viv…” I trailed off. “Is everything okay?”

She blew out a breath. “I think so. He asked me to send you to his office when you got here. I don’t know what it’s about, but he seemed pissed.”

My breath hitched. The only time I’ve ever seen him request people to come see him was to fire them. Ineededthis job. It was how I supported my family. It was how I supported myself. Plus, working helped take my mind off things. Staying at home all the time didn’t even sound appealing, especially after working for so long.

“Oh,” I murmured, not really knowing what else to say. Vivienne knew how our boss was. We’ve heard him fire people a lot while working here. He wasn’t typically quiet about it.

“Yeah. I’m sure it’s nothing,” she added quickly. “I mean…you’re one of our best servers. He’d be an idiot to fire you or anything like that. Maybe he just wants to talk.” She was rambling, and I knew she was trying to comfort me in some way, but she was making me more anxious.

I forced a small smile and nodded. “Maybe.” The chances of that being the case, especially with him being pissed off, were slim to none. I couldn’t imagine why he’d want to fire me, though. I’ve been on my best behavior as far as work went. I rarely ever called in, unless there was a damn good reason for it, and I was always on time.

Finally, she stepped out of my way. “I’ll be out here if you need me.”

I nodded again, my mind racing with all the different scenarios. I thanked her and started for the door near the back, bringing my knuckles up to knock.

“Come in,” he demanded in a gruff tone that had goosebumps trickling along the outer layers of my skin.

I opened the door and stepped inside, willing my heart to slow the hell down. The room was small with only a desk and chair in front of it. He had his laptop open and facing him as he scowled at something he saw on the screen.

My shoulder dropped a fraction in relief. Maybe Vivienne had been right, and it wasn’tmewho’d pissed him off. When he didn’t bother to acknowledge me, I made my way toward him and slipped into the chair opposite him.

“You wanted to see me?” I asked.

My boss was an older man who ran the diner by the book and in the most traditional sense. He usually pretended we didn’t exist until he wanted to yell at us about something. Which was often if he was working the floor. His graying dark hair was slicked back, and his glasses were perched on the bridge of his nose as he assessed the screen of his computer.

Finally, he glanced at me with his dark green eyes, disgust contorting his features. Okay. So…he’s never looked at me likethatbefore. I shifted uncomfortably beneath his scrutiny.

“Yes,” he finally said in a clipped tone. “As you should be well aware of, we pride ourselves on professionalism, and anything you do while in that uniform…” He paused, giving me a pointed look. “Reflects on the company.”

I nodded slowly, trying to wrap my head around what he was getting at. “Of course.”

He sighed, some of the anger disappearing from his features. “I’m going to level with you, Everleigh. We received an anonymous tip that you’ve been up to some…rather scandalous activities while wearing your work uniform.” His nose wrinkledin disgust again, his eyes drifting back to his computer. “Well…it’s not so anonymous. They were pretty eager for you to know who sent the video.”

Video…

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