Page 14 of Wild

Hurry here, hurry there, hurry, hurry, hurry everywhere and still I get nowhere.

* * *

Kiraand I sit down at one of the vacant tables in the Starbucks down the road from the University. It’s close enough we could walk if we desired, but we never do.

I take a bite of my sandwich. The food I grabbed from the dining hall had done little to tide me over.

Kira gives me an amused glance.

I don’t care if I look ridiculous as I savor my food.

“Are you working today?” Kira asks. Both of us work at the Sub Club. A local sub shop. It’s all about normalcy in the Hayes household.

“No.” I shake my head. “Jess,” I refer to one of the girls we work with, “asked to trade shifts so I’ll be at the studio today instead.”

The studio. I gulp. Somehow, for a moment at least, I forgot Hollis and the guys will be there. I still haven’t met the one member. Considering I’m basically a glorified gopher … there’s no telling what they’ll ask me to do. I can picture Hollis getting a kick out of making me run around like a chicken with its head cut off. If he tries anything I might punch him. I always try to avoid violence, but even after only two encounters with Hollis I want nothing more than to wipe that smug smile off his face.

“Earth to Mia.” Kira waves a hand in front of my face.

“Sorry.” I give an apologetic smile.

“It’s going to suck working without you. It’s always more fun when we work the same shift,” she pouts, resting her elbow on the table and her head on her hand.

“Ditto,” I agree.

The time always passes by faster with Kira and I both behind the counter. Even if I have to keep an eye on her and her sharp tongue. If a customer takes too long or even looks at her funny, she gets mouthy. It’s one of the things I love about her, but in a work situation it can be a severe hindrance.

We finish up our lunch and head back to campus for our last few classes of the day.

I’m unable to focus, because all I can think about is what I’m going to have to deal with later.

* * *

I parkmy car in the back lot beside my dad’s Rover. Taking a moment, I gather my thoughts and take a deep, steadying breath. I can’t lose my temper, because if I do it’ll be bad for meandthe band. As much as Hollis might’ve riled me up, I don’t want to jeopardize this for him and his friends. I need to remain professional. Surely, I can do that?

There is no back entrance to the studio, so I walk around to the front and enter into the lounge area. I can hear the clanging of drums and the beat instantly finds its way inside my veins. I head down the hallway in search of my dad, my head on a swivel, when—

“What the fuck?”

“Oh my God, I’m so sorry,” I exclaim, rubbing my forehead where IthinkI smacked into someone’s chin.

I look up and my eyes connect with amber ones.

“Oh, it’s you,” I grumble, nose wrinkling like I smell something bad. Not that he smells gross, whatever cologne he’s wearing is nice, not too strong.

“Why are you grumpy? I’m supposed to be here, remember,” he says, rubbing his chin.

I sigh. Something about this guy brings out the worst in me and I seem to be helpless to stop it.

“Besides, we were only in your house one night. Shouldn’t you be thrilled?”

“I am. Jumping for joy,” I say sarcastically and give a pathetic little hop.

I swear he almost smiles. Arealsmile. Not one of those cocky smirks he’s worn so far.

“I need to find my dad,” I mutter, scooting around him.

I can’t believe I wasn’t paying attention and literally ran into him.

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