Page 41 of Play It Off

“That’s a smart friend. I think that’s a better way to go. I see all the food trucks that show up in the parking lot and on the street around the stadium,” Mom says. “That would be a great way to make money, with those big crowds that come for every game.”

We talk about other things. My classes. I tell her about my new friend, Everleigh, though she already knew about her since she lives with Coop.

“I’m glad you like her and you’re becoming friends.” Here comes that concerned-mom look on her face again. “I always worry about you. You don’t have enough of them, save for all the boys on the team.”

And there I go again, thinking about Gavin. I decide to change the subject.

“I need to go find a part-time job,” I tell her. “Now that I’ve got my schedule figured out and I’m settled in, I need to make some money.”

“You should go on the job hunt tomorrow,” she suggests. “Maybe you could work at an ice cream shop!”

“Maybe,” I hedge. I don’t know what I want to do, but I need to occupy my time so I don’t sit around and think about Gavin as much. What better way to handle that than go to work somewhere. “You’re right. I’ll go on the job hunt first thing in the morning.”

“That’s my girl. I’m sure you’ll find a job easily!”

I smile, grateful for her. For both my parents. They might not show it as much since the bulk of their attention is for my big brother, but at least they always support me in everything I want to do. Unlike some people’s parents—such as Gavin’s.

My anger has eased some, and I know we need to talk, but I need a little more time away from Gavin before I seek him out. I don’t want to blow up at him again. I need to keep a level head when we talk about us. Whateverusmeans.

Ugh. Men. They make me want to bang my head against the wall.

I get up bright and early Monday morning to go on my job hunt and decide a good place to start would be downtown Santa Mira. I’m sure there will be a few help wanted signs hanging in the business windows, but as I walk down the streets and even check the side streets, I find there isn’t much. Actually, I don’t really see any at all, which fills me with utter defeat.

That’s all on me. I’m late in my job-search adventure. I should’ve been doing this in August when I first moved back to Santa Mira, but I was feeling lazy and believed I could stretch out the grant money I received last quarter. Now that funds are drying up, I’m left with no choice.

I need to work.

Entering a cute clothing store, I wander around and look through the racks, sinking my teeth into my lower lip when I see the prices. This place is expensive. I don’t think I could afford shopping here even if I had a full-time job.

“Excuse me? Do you need some help? Looking for anything in particular today?”

I turn at the friendly-sounding voice, smiling at the woman who approached me. “I’m okay. Just looking.”

“Okay.” The woman nods. I’d guess she’s around my age, maybe a little older. “Let me know if you need anything.”

She’s walking away from me when I speak. “Actually, I do need something.”

“What can I do to help you?” She turns to face me with a wide smile, her expression open and welcoming.

“I was wondering if you’re ... hiring at the moment?” I wince. “It’s okay if you’re not. Just thought I’d ask.”

Her expression turns contemplative, and she taps her index finger against her pursed lips. “As a matter of fact, Myra is always looking for more sales associates. You want an application?”

Myra must be the owner or manager. I would love to get on Myra’s good side. “Yes, please.” I follow the sales associate to the counter wherethe cash register is, and she slips behind it, bending down to search the shelves before she pops back up, an application clutched in her hand.

“Here you go. I’d apply quickly if I were you. Someone stopped by earlier and turned in her application and résumé. She already spoke to Myra too.” She gives the application to me, and I take it, already defeated. “Tell her Jamie sent you. I’ll put in a good word. What’s your name?”

“Sienna.” I scan the application, mentally kicking myself for not printing out a couple of résumés before I left the apartment.

“Right. I knew it was you. You’re Coop’s sister, right.” Jamie grins. “It’s so good to meet you! I love the Dolphins football team. Do you know Gavin Maddox?”

My heart sinks to my toes at her question. Now I’m being recognized thanks to my affiliation with the team? Is that why she wants me to work here? “Yeah. I know him.”I was in his bed Saturday nightis what I’m dying to tell her, but that would be rude. Plus, it’s none of her business.

“You’re so lucky! Oh my God, do you think he’d come into the store? Oh, do you think he’d invite me to the parties they have? I’ll tell Myra she has no choice. She has to hire you.” Her eyes are sparkling at all the possibilities.

And that is the last thing I want—being used for my connection to the Dolphins football team. No thank you.

“I’m not sure.” I hold up the application. “Thank you for this.”

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