Page 37 of Kiss Me in the Dark
As we pull out of the parking lot, Landon breaks the silence.“I know Fox doesn’t like me, and he’s always glaring, but that back there… it was different.”
I frown.“What do you mean, different?”
Landon shrugs.“I don’t know, it was like… he didn’t want me talking to you.Almost like he was jealous.”
I let out a scoff.“Fox is always an asshole.He’s been on this weird rampage lately, always with Lexi, having obnoxiously loud sex.I swear, it’s like he’s trying to piss me off.”
Landon chuckles.“Maybe it’s his version of fun—pissing you off.”
I shake my head, frustration boiling beneath the surface.“I’m talking to him tonight.He can’t keep doing this.We’re roommates, and I deserve peace in my own apartment.”
Landon laughs again.“Sure.Like Fox is really going to listen to you.”
He’s right, and I hate it.But I still need to try.
When we pull into the parking lot of a small diner calledGio’s Burger, I take a deep breath and stare at the neon sign flickering above the windows.
“I’m nervous,” I admit, adjusting the hem of my shirt.“What if I don’t get the job?”
Landon nudges me with his elbow, smirking.“You’ll do fine.Come on.”
He tilts his head toward the entrance, and we head inside.A bell chimes as we step in, the smell of sizzling burgers and fries washing over us.The place is cozy, with warm lighting and checkered floors that look straight out of a ‘60s movie.It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay for a while.
Behind the counter, Nat is wiping down a coffee machine.When she sees us, she pulls off her apron and saunters over.
“Well, well.Hey, douchebags,” she grins.
“Hey, Nat,” I say, smiling despite my nerves.
“What’s up?”Landon adds, sliding into a booth.I join him, sitting across from him.
“Working my ass off, as usual.”She sighs dramatically, then looks me up and down.“So.You really want a diner job, huh?”
“I reallyneedit,” I admit, trying to sound confident.
“Cool.Sit tight, I’ll let Leo know you’re here.Fair warning—he can be a bit of an ass, but don’t let that scare you off.And don’t tell him I said that,” she adds with a wink before disappearing into the back.
I glance at Landon nervously.“You think I’m making a mistake?”
He shakes his head.“Nah.Nat’s just being Nat.She’s like… 40% sarcasm, 60% heart.”
I smile, but my stomach’s still churning.While I wait, I glance around and catch another worker—some girl behind the milkshake station—smirking at me.She’s pretty, I guess, but her eyes feel too judgmental, too sharp.I quickly look away.
A few minutes later, Nat returns.“Leo’s ready for you.Go knock ‘em dead, Cam.”
I stand up and take another breath.“Wish me luck.”
“Luck’s for losers,” Landon grins.“Just be yourself.”
With that in mind, I head to Leo’s office.The interview is surprisingly smooth.Leo’s rough around the edges, yeah, but he’s fair.He asks direct questions, and I manage not to fumble through any of them.When it’s over, he shakes my hand and tells me I’m hired.
By the time I return to the booth, Nat has joined Landon.They’re mid-conversation, both laughing at something I missed.
“Well?”Landon asks.
“I got the job,” I say, a little breathless.
“See?Told you,” he replies with a grin.
