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This week is not my best week. I’m ready for it to come to an end. Work has been challenging; my boss seems to be cranky with me more often than happy with me. We’ve mostly always gotten along well, but lately he’s cut my shifts and doesn’t seem pleased with anything I do. Working in a bookstore is my dream job while studying, but I’m seriously thinking I might need to look for a new one. Also, Marissa has been blowing up my phone demanding I call her back or go see her. She’s shitty I told Tommy off the other day. It seems he’s not interested in hanging out with her anymore either, which means Puck isn’t either. And that’s all my fault as far as she’s concerned. On top of that, Holly and I have been clashing over stuff. And then there’s Fury. Infuriating Fury. Ugh, I don’t know anyone who is more of a pain in my ass than he is. I wish King would reassign him to something else.
He’s switched to night shift today. I saw him pull up outside the bookstore just before 5:00 p.m. Joy.
“Zara, you’re done for the day,” Allen says, cutting in on my thoughts. “I’ve reworked the shifts for next week, so make sure you check that out before you go home.”
I frown. “Have you cut my shifts again?”
He looks at me with regret. “I had to; business is slow.”
Shit.
Because I haven’t had many shifts recently, I haven’t noticed the downturn. I’ve only been rostered on busy days.
“Oh, okay.”
He’s still watching me with regret. “I’m hoping things will pick up, but honestly I’m not sure they will.”
A customer comes to the counter to be served so I head out to the office, grab my things, including a copy of the new shifts, and leave.
I was right. I only have two shifts next week. At this rate, I won’t be able to afford my rent, let alone food or petrol. Oh God, and I need to get my car to a mechanic. Shit.
Thankfully, my car starts first go. Ever since Tuesday when it had trouble starting after my psychologist appointment, I’ve spent time praying that it keeps starting. Maybe God is on my side.
I make the short drive to Mum and King’s home. I’m having dinner with them tonight. Although, I’m kinda hoping King won’t be there. He tried to call me yesterday; probably to ask how I went with the psychologist. I don’t want to have that conversation with him, because I don’t feel like it went well at all, so I didn’t return his call. And I don’t wanna get into it tonight with him.
Fury pulls into the driveway behind me and cuts his engine when we arrive. I don’t acknowledge him in any way. Since our run two days ago, we’ve barely exchanged a word. And I certainly haven’t gone running again. I’ve decided to stay out of his way because I’m too bloody attracted to him to be near him, and he’s the last guy I want to be interested in.
“Zawa! Zawa!” Cade is always excited to see me when I come over.
I lift him up and give him a big kiss, which he returns with much more sloppiness than I gave him. His little arms circle my ne
ck and he smiles widely at me. “Daddy is making chocowate milk! You want some?”
I return his smile. “Sure, little man.” I let him down. “Show me where he is.”
Following Cade into the kitchen, I find King making drinks. He glances up at me briefly before going back to what he’s doing. “You want a drink, Zara?” he asks, already reaching for another glass because he knows me well.
“Of course. And don’t forget the extra spoonful of Milo.”
He looks at me again. “Have I ever?” His eyes flash with the lightness I only ever see when he’s at home with Mum and us. King’s always so stressed when he’s out of this house.
I shake my head with a smile. “Never.” When he returns his attention to the drinks, I say, “Where’s Mum?”
“She’s bathing Meredith.”
“I’m gonna go see her while you make the drinks.”
“We need to talk,” he calls out as I make my way down the hall.
Yeah. No.
“Hey, honey,” Mum greets me when I find her in the bathroom. “How’s your day been?”
Meredith spots me and gurgles happily in the bath while splashing her toys around. I sit on the edge of the bath next to Mum and squeeze Meredith’s cheeks. “Hello, gorgeous girl.”
She squeals with delight and lots more splashing occurs. Her happiness is infectious and soon Mum and I are laughing. I love babies. They make the world a better place.
