Page 22 of You Found Me
At my job.
Where he then proceeded to belligerently yell, and then break down in tears once I called security on him. I immediately applied to the hospital in town and gave my two weeks notice at Charleston General Hospital.
I start my new job at Meadow Springs County Hospital in the Emergency Department, on Monday. Which is why I’m at Blossom Brews with Colette, Mia, Cori, Piper, and Callum.
Mia and Colette demanded I come out with the group tonight to celebrate my new job. Even though this is my second new job in the last six months, I was told to be more positive and let loose a little.
So here I am, beingloose.
On our second round of drinks, Callum—Piper’s best friend—asks how it’s been living with my parents again. My face immediately heats.
“Well, I’ve walked into the house at various times of the day only to hear them going at it. But this afternoon was the icing on the cake. I came around the corner to see my mom on the kitchen counter with my dad standing between her legs.”
He shrugs. “I mean it could’ve been worse.”
“Yeah. If that was all it was, I could’ve dealt with it.” I take a large sip of my cranberry flavored seltzer, needing it to settle my stomach before continuing, “It was my dad’s white ass clenching that made me scream and run out the door down the street to Colette’s.”
The table is dead silent as they all try so hard to contain their laughter. They’re doing so well until Mia pipes in, “Well, your mom is a babe. Your dad shouldabsolutelystill be hitting that.”
Everyone completely loses it and between the choked cackles, Callum chimes in, “I met them on one of my first trips here after Piper dropped out of college. So, I’ll have to agree with Mia on this. I’d also like to add that your dad is insanely hot as well.”
“Thank you both for lusting after my parents and giving me nightmare fuel for the rest of my life. Needless to say, I think it’s time I move out.”
“I told you when all of this happened that you could move in with me. That offer still stands.” Mia adds, “Plus, I happen to know for a fact that I’m about to have a hottie for a neighbor that could take your mind off of everything.”
“I didn’t realize Mal had moved. Not that it matters since I’m taking along”—I stare Mia and Colette down making sure they take me seriously despite the alcohol—“long break from dating.”
“Apparently, she’s moving to Miami for a man. It’s all very scandalous within the complex. You know how the older generation is,” Mia says with an eye roll. “I know you’re not ready to date, but you could always get sweaty in the sheets with him.”
Piper glances mischievously at her stepsister and Mia. “I need to ask though—is he hotter than Colette’s neighbor?”
I look at Colette, watching her roll her eyes while Mia gags.
Callum grumbles quietly, not letting me catch what he said. He clears his throat then addresses the table, “Sure, Theo’s hot. But so am I, right?” He asks Piper with his big, hazel, puppy dog eyes, causing her to chuckle and pat his leg.
“Of course you are, Cal.”
I’ve noticed the few times we’ve all hung out together that Callum looks at Piper like he’s in love with her. He’s a very out and proud bisexual man, but the only woman I’ve ever seen him look at with any interest is Piper. I don’t think she realizes his feelings for her and I’m not sure if she’d reciprocate.
“First off,” I say to Piper in mock stern, “Theo is basically my older brother, so ew. And second, I’m not interested in anyone right now. Hot neighbors included. But if you’re positive Mia, I would absolutely love to move in with you.”
Before I know what’s happening, Mia has her arms around me, squealing in my ear, “Yay! Can you make it another week in that house? I have a crazy schedule this week at work and need to make sure all of my shit is out of your new room.”
Chuckling, I say, “No problem. I’ll just start announcing my presence whenever I enter the house. Or any room for that matter.”
“Heads up,” Callum says, tipping his head towards the entrance.
I look behind us when I hear Colette mumble out ashitas Theo and Spencer walk toward our table. I turn back around, downing the rest of my drink. “I’m gonna grab another round. Anyonenotwant another?”
I pause for a beat and when no one objects, I stand and spin around to head towards the bar.
Only to slam into a chest that’s becoming all too familiar with my forehead. Before I bounce back too far, Spencer gently grips my upper arms and asks, “Do you run into every person like this? Or am I just the lucky one?”
A small laugh breaks free, and I look up to his smirking face. “I’m normally not this clumsy. Being an ER nurse doesn’t really allow for that. Maybe you’re just unlucky in life, always being there for me to literally bump into.” What am I even saying? I try to regain my composure. And I just know my face is flushed fromrunning into him,again. “Anyway . . . I’m going to grab another round for everyone.”
“Perfect. I’m feeling thirsty myself—I’ll come with you.”
“No. Don’t.” I blurt out, then quickly backtrack, “I mean, you don’t have to. I can grab your drink and drop it by whenever I head back to my table.”
