Page 38 of Never Date A Player
She grins and sets her book down, her expression turning serious. “Gen, I’ve gotta find a job.”
Aaand that was a topic change, but one I understand.
When Cali returned from her mom’s, we didn’t just talk about Jaeger and Eric—I told her what happened with Drake. It turns out, Drake was the coworker who gave Cali a ride home from the club that one night. I never thought about it, but she’d lost her job afterward. Now I understand why.
Drake had tried to force a kiss on Cali and God knows what else he would have done if Jaeger hadn’t followed her home. Cali was keeping silent about her feelings for Jaeger, so her options were to either lie about Jaeger’s presence that night, because she’d gotten it in her head—silly girl—that I was interested in him, or to not mention what happened. She chose the latter.
We’d both kept something from each other, protecting our feelings, and not wanting to hurt the other. Note to self: just tell your BF what the hell is going on. The shit might hit the fan, but at least you can talk through it.
Cali’s story about Drake adds a scary new light to the entire situation. The way things went down for her—getting fired, no questions asked—I’m not convinced Drake is the only person pulling strings. Others must be corrupt inside the casino as well.
“What can I do to help with your job search?” I ask.
“I’m not having luck finding one at the other casinos. I’ve looked into old work contacts, but nothing pays enough. You think you could talk to Nessa? See if she knows anyone looking for a superstar employee?”
“Arrogant much?”
“What?” Her look is all innocence. “You know it’s true.”
I do. I kick Cali’s ass at hand-eye coordination, but she could pummel me in a contest of mental agility.
“I’ll give her a call.”
Chapter Thirteen
“So what do you think? You know anyone looking for a summa cum laude graduate?” I ask Nessa over the phone. I would have added with acceptance into Harvard Law, but part of Cali’s angst this summer stems from her not wanting to go to law school in the fall. It’s what her mom and others expected, but Cali wants to find a job so she can afford to take art classes for the sketching she loves. Thank God she’s finally taking it seriously. Jaeger, with his art background, helped convince her of her talent. Apparently, my opinion all these years wasn’t good enough. In all honesty, I’m happy for her.
A muffled sound like a yawn comes through the receiver. “Sorry. Tired.” Nessa just woke from an afternoon nap—a girl after my own heart. Not a morning sleeper, but definitely a sleeper. “You could check with Sallee Construction. Lewis mentioned his dad is looking for someone to support their architect. Not sure if Cali has the skills they’re looking for, but it’s worth a shot. Lewis’s dad is sooo nice. If John doesn’t have something for her, he’ll ask around, and he knows everyone.”
“I met John. His company is building the mudder obstacles. Zach referred me.”
“Perfect, so tell Cali to get in touch with him and have her mention we sent her.”
I could talk to Lewis, but his father is just as good, and I’d rather not ask Lewis for another favor. He added me to his mudder team. It’s to his advantage to help me train if I’m on his team, but I’m getting the better bargain. Without his help, I’d be struggling.
The second Nessa and I hang up, my phone vibrates. I assume it’s a text from her with another lead, but the message is from Lewis.
Lewis: Have plans tonight? The team is getting together for pizza and beer. You should come. It’ll be teambuilding.
Teambuilding. Not a date.
Gen: Sure. Where/what time?
A couple of hours later, I scan Avalanche Pizza. Even though I’m wearing my normal crisp button-down tucked into skinny jeans, there’s a chance I put more effort than usual into my appearance. I straightened my hair and applied makeup—I also paired my conservative outfit with pointy-toed stilettos instead of flats. The heels are only two inches high, but they add a little something extra.
A youngish crowd elevates the noise in the restaurant to a low roar. Zach sees me first and signals me over. Lewis is with him, but his back is to me.
Other than Zach, I haven’t met the others on my team. Apparently, I’m the only female, based on the male bodies at the table with Zach and Lewis.
I walk up and Lewis turns and scans me from head to toe, sending a flutter through my belly. He returns his attention to the guys and swigs his pint. No smile, nothing.
My chest deflates.
Damn. Dismissed, just like that. I mean, it’s better this way. Less complicated if he doesn’t make any moves, but I can’t help feeling disappointed. We’ve gotten to know each other these last few weeks and…I like the guy. He’s fair, pushes me hard, and when he thinks I’m not paying attention, he watches me. I hate to admit it, but the dismissal hurts.
Zach hands me a beer and makes room for me on the bench. He introduces me to the others.
“Don’t let her sweet look fool you,” he says. “Gen, here, is a shark. She was dunking coins left and right during Quarters the night I met her, and kicking our asses.”
