Hot Coffee (The Hollens)

Emma's POV

I partied until midnight at Roger's. My body ached from the heat of dancing but I had never felt so carefree and wild before. I danced like there was no tomorrow and I drank like a professional. I guess I wanted to wash away the stress and pain Ethan had put me through. I wanted do something to get my mind off of him and forget about him.

Although my head was pounding and my body was aching, I had to get on my feet and go find a job, so that was exactly what I did. I took a shower and washed my hair then changed into something decent, and had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with fresh orange juice. I headed to where businesses were in abundance, keeping tabs of all the corners, streets and road signs so I wouldn't get lost. I had good recollection.

I walked into a boutique after I saw "Help Wanted" on a flyer in its windows. It was more of a clothing store with affordable items for purchase but it was wonderfully kept and it had a welcoming feeling to it.

A tall, very slim lady with blonde hair styled in a bun approached me. "Good morning, can I help you?"

"Good morning. My name is Emma and I'm looking for a job. I noticed the flyer in the window."

"Do you have any fashion sense?" she asked, folding her arms.

"Um, I try to," I answered truthfully, thanking Halley in my thoughts. She was the one who loved dressing up, doing hair and makeup, and matching outfits. I learned a lot from her.

"I'm sorry, Emma, but you're inexperienced. We can't have you here. Bye, now."

"But I'm willing to lea—" I began but she cut me off.

"I said bye now."

The cool air calmed my nerves as I walked out disappointed. 

I headed further down the street, casting my eyes from building to building, keeping tabs and reading the classifieds to see if there were any more jobs available in the area.

I walked straight into something hard, like a brick wall, and the next thing I knew, I was falling backwards.

I was caught by a firm hand. "Hey. What are you doing here?" Roger asked as I recovered my balance.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going."

"That's alright. I'm just happy I caught you in time."

"Well, you're looking mighty energetic, considering the way you danced and drank last night," I joked.

"Hey, I've got lots of experience."

My face fell as he said those words. I was wondering if I would get any job with my lack of experience.

"Hey, is everything alright?" he asked as he studied my face.

"I'm job hunting. No luck so far."

"Really? I'm sorry to hear that."

"That's okay. I only started today. I'm hoping I'll get something soon."

your burden and save you some time. I could hire

surprise when those words

drink of coffee at the cafe. I'll

inside; we sat down outside. A waitress took our orders and we waited on our

good at this

don't wanna sound too forward, but what exactly is

up in age and she'll need to retire soon. She only helps out because I don't really trust many people. You could replace her and become the head receptionist at

me?" I asked,

you seem like a really nice person. I know I've only just gotten to know you, but I

"Thank you."

weekend to get prepared. It will be great, working very close to your new 'apartment' and

expecting a great paycheck, but I needed enough to

can discuss a raise. Of course, you won't have to pay rent. You can stay in the

said cheerfully

this was just temporary until I could figure out my next move for

you doing in the financial district?"

just

"But you were walking."

car is parked right there," he pointed to a silver

my eyebrows.

shall we head back?" he asked, getting up slowly

He drove with light speed; my hair blew in the wind, feeling great against my

at the

missed calls from Ethan. I decided to stop ignoring him and call him back. A piece of me missed him. Who was I kidding?

on the sofa while the other end of the phone began to

you?"  he said as soon as

and smiled. "All you need to know is that I'm

I'm sorry for hurting you. I'm sorry for letting you leave. I want you to come

"I am home."

you are so I can

I'm too different in your world. I don't fit into your world and

to come home. I

stay separated. It's better that

hang up this

the phone's screen. I looked at the the picture of him, Halley and I on his private jet to Miami. I missed her too; she was my only

I dialed her number.

goodness, I'm so happy you're calling me. Are you alright? Where are

not telling you where

I miss you already. I

changing my phone soon because I think Ethan can track this one. I just wanted you to know

come back. It's not the same without you here. The house feels

"Where's the other maid?"

She's learning,