Page 6 of Something Real with the Sea Monster
“Really. If I never have to see Mark again, it will be too soon.” I hate that there’s still a twist in my belly when I think of him. And that if he called right now, I know I’d answer. I should definitely block his number. Only I couldn’t bear to do it yet.
Mia nods. “Mark your boss Mark? Well, you know you’re welcome for as long as you like. Kraken Cove is a good place to heal from heartbreak.” She gives Luke a meaningful look, and I can’t help smiling at the adoring one he shoots her right back. I’m sure Kraken Cove is a good place to heal if you fall in the lap of your gorgeous kraken fated mate.
But I don't know what I’d do with a fated mate now even if I had one. My heart feels like it’s malfunctioning. I’m not even sure it’s ever worked properly.
“Sounds like there’s a background story there.” Jack gives me a sympathetic smile.
I sigh. “It’s not glamorous. Basically I shouldn’t have gone there, and I did. So no one should be surprised that I’ve ended up hurt.”
“I think you’re being too hard on yourself,” says Mia.
I drain the rest of the wine in my glass and reach for the bottle. “You’re biased. You always say that. But thanks for the vote of confidence. Next topic.”
Luke steers the conversation to a project he’s been working on, and I’m grateful. I really don’t want to talk about Mark right now. Or, like, ever again.
Soon the pizza is gone and Jack heads into the kitchen and returns with cheese and more wine, and when my head is nicely fuzzy and my belly is full, I’m feeling a little better. I’m distracted at least. And I haven’t checked my phone in several hours.
Go me.
Jack pushes his second glass away. “That’s it for me. I should head to bed. Big day tomorrow.”
“Even on the weekend?” I ask.
Jack scoffs. “There are no weekends for me. Every day is a workday.”
“You know, you should really think about hiring some help,” Luke says.
“Yeah,” I add. “You should. Wait, what are you hiring help for anyway?” I might have had one too many wines.
Jack laughs. “I’m running the Inlet Views, and I’ve been thinking about hiring someone to help with bookings and running the website. Orders. That sort of thing. But finding someone at short notice is hard, especially when the position might only be temporary.”
I blink. A temporary job sounds pretty good right about now. “Well I could do it. Why don’t you hire me?”
Mia sits up straighter with a gasp. “Really?”
“Sure. Why not? I’ve worked in hospitality. How hard could it be?” Technically it was more like PR, since the job was as a party planner for a club in Sydney. Mostly it was flirting with guys and making them want to come buy me drinks at the bar, but he doesn’t have to know that. Tom-ay-to, tom-ah-to, right?
“Wow, really?” Jack runs a hand through his hair. “I might just take you up on that. Are you sure?”
“Of course.” I open my hands in what’s meant to be a confident gesture, but it’s kind of spoiled when I almost knock over my wine glass. Luke catches it and sets it to rights. “I’d be happy to help. Sign me up.”
“Well, how about you come by in the morning, and I’ll talk you through it, and we can see if you’d be a good fit? I could definitely use the help.”
“You say that like you don’t believe I would be amazing at this job!”
“No. Not at all. It’s just…” He pauses and I pout.
I’d be fucking brilliant at his stupid job.
“I don’t even know what I’m doing half the time. I’m not sure I’m qualified. And uh… well it’s hard work.”
“And you think I’m afraid of a little hard work?” What about me would make him think that? Well, apart from my fake nails and my fake lashes and my fake tan and my one hundred percent leather heeled Louboutin boots and yeah, OK. Maybe I look like I’m afraid to get my hands dirty, but I’m not. “Don’t answer that.” I hold up my finger. “I promise I got my promotion at my last job before I started giving the boss blow jobs on the regular.” I frown. “I should probably stop with the TMI right about now.”
Mia laughs. “Come on, Teegs. Let’s get you into bed. We’ll pick up your car tomorrow.”
I roll my eyes but let her help me up from the plastic chair and wave to Jack.
We walk to her car, and she gets in the back with me while Luke climbs into the driver’s seat. “Are you sure you want to take a job at the Inlet Views? Not that I’m trying to put you off or anything, but it will be a bit different to your old job.” Mia gives me an anxious look.
