Page 4 of Summer Waves

“I don’t know whether to thank you or think there’s something wrong with you becauseeveryguy knows Bethany.”

“Oh, she’s one of those gir–” I began. Jacob pointed his finger at me.

“No. Not in that way. She isn’t a hoe like two of my other sisters,” he snarled. It was the first time I had heard the beach bum angry. I had obviously struck a nerve.

“Sorry,” I offered him a sincere apology. If someone had called my sister out of her name, I probably would have slugged them one. “I just assumed since you said every guy knew her.”

“No. Definitely not Bethany. She’s too busy with her business to think about guys,” he chuckled. “But anyway, that comes back to my favor. Can you call her and tell her that I’m working for you?”

“What?” I busted out laughing. Here was a grown man asking me to call his sister to tell her that her little brother had a job. What kind of man did that?

“She made a deal that if I got a job, she’d buy me something I’ve wantedforever.”

“So you get a job, she buys you the item, and then what? You quit working for me?” I frowned. Jacob’s face went from full of excitement tosomeone just kicked his dog look.

“Fuck,” he groaned. “I can’t do that if you do me this favor.” He ran his hand through his hair several times while muttering under his breath.

“Well…” I prompted.

“What if I’m a shitty worker and you end up firing me? I haven’t worked…” Unlike the other times he had spoken, his words were quiet and full of doubt.

“Look, give it a shot and see how things go. You never know, you might surprise us both,” I chuckled and stood up. “I need to get ready for work. Make sure you show up at five o’clock tomorrow and use the backdoor that the employees use.”

“You got it...Boss,” he grinned and then stood up.

I could already tell he was going to drive me crazy, but I did like his enthusiasm. I wasn’t too sure about the phone call thing; however, if he did a good job tomorrow night, I might consider calling his sister and verifying his employment.

Chapter Three

Bethany

A week had gone by since Jacob and I made our deal. He had called me as soon as he landed a job, and had called me every day since then to remind me that he still had the job. My baby brother was finally growing up.

“He’s a cool guy, Bethany. He seems like a hardass but once you get to know him, he isn’t so bad,” Jacob said, shoveling in a fork full of lasagna.

“I believe you, Jacob,” I groaned. “Just eat your food.”

“But I need you to believe me that I have a job.” His mouth was full of food so I had to look away as he talked.

“Jacob, stop talking with your mouth full!”

“You sound like mom,” he chuckled. “I’ll stop talking with food in my mouth.”

I faced him again. He was smiling ear to ear.

“See no food,” he laughed and picked up another fork full of food. I groaned for what was coming next. “Relax. I told you I wouldn’t talk anymore with my mouth full. I meant it.”

“Thank God,” I sighed and then went back to eating.

“His name is Giovanni,” he continued on about his boss at the restaurant. “He’s around your age. I know I’ve told you all this, but I really don’t think you believe I have a job. Even though I showed you my work apron, uniform, and name tag.”

I swallowed the food in my mouth and sighed heavily.

“Jacob,” I whispered. “You don’t have to tell me a thousand times. If you say you have a job then I believe you.”

“Thanks, sis,” he smiled.

“No problem,” I smiled. “Now can we eat in peace? I only have an hour lunch break.”

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