Lag (The boys of RDA #2)(47)

Marissa has her normally long brown hair in a tight bun and besides her jeans she’s in a fleece. She’s lacking a scarf or the thicker winter coat like Aspen’s wearing, so it can’t just be a southern California aversion to the colder weather since they both come from the same area.

“The coat is cute,” the ever happy Amanda tries to compliment Aspen’s thick red winter jacket even though she’s only wearing a fleece as well.

Aspen tugs on the zipper sealing the coat higher. “Thanks. Finn bought it for me. We had to drive to one of those sports stores in Oakland, but it was worth it.”

I throw Trey’s fleece on the blanket and sit on one of the edges to await my sugary breakfast. I hesitated the first time Aspen forced me along for the weekend brunch meeting, but now being a part of these three feels second nature. At times I forget I haven’t been a part of this for years. The simple comradery shared between these ladies sucked me in. I haven’t had close friendships like this before. I didn’t realize I craved it until now.

“So what’s on the agenda for this week?” Amanda hands me my bag of Tahiti French Toast, the one menu item we’ve ever order from Zazie’s brunch menu.

“The same thing on every agenda. Boys.” Marissa grabs the white sack closest to her, aware that they all contain the exact same meal.

“My boy’s great. He’s building me a castle. Which one is the hot chocolate?” Aspen gives an update as she’s poking around the beverage container for her drink.

“A castle?” I ask. Sure, her boyfriend has money, like a lot of money, but castle money? It’s excessive for a guy that has always come off as laid back.

Marissa sighs and rolls her eyes. “In Dragons Reborn. The game he and Trey made. In case you weren’t already aware they’re both giant nerds, but Trey hides it better."

“Finn’s turned Pen into a gamer and she’s a tad obsessed with it,” Amanda jumps in.

“I am not obsessed.”

This wins her another eye roll from Marissa. “Really? What type of tree did you spend two hours cutting down to make furniture with?”

“Mahogany,” Aspen answers and then realizes she played into Marissa’s hand and tries to cover it up, but her huge smile gives more away. "It has a good coloring on the game graphics.”

“Uh-huh.” Marissa sounds less than impressed.

“Well did we all know Simone went on a date with Trey Friday night?” Aspen looks to me and mouths a sorry after she’s already thrown me under the bus.

I can’t be mad at her for bringing up a sore topic. I haven’t told her how the night we thought was a date turned out to be very much a non-date.

“Ugh.” I swallow a bite and give them a quick update about Trey’s job offer. “So it wasn’t a date but more of an interview. Except I already have the job so I interviewed him? Maybe? The whole thing is … too much.”

“You should take it.”

Marissa’s quick answer throws me off guard. It’s the last thing I’d expect her to agree with. “Why?”

She’s fast to answer again. “Because men suck and if you get a job out of this one, I say take it. It beats waiting tables, right?”

She has a point, but it also highlights other issues. “I don’t know. Wouldn’t it be weird to make Trey coffee every morning?"

Let’s not even think about what I’d do if he brought a date around. He might have made it clear he doesn’t want to date me, but it doesn't mean I feel the same way. For some stupid reason. “And I can’t quit Bonnie’s after three shifts."

“For once I actually agree with Marissa. Working with Trey might be awkward, but from what I’ve seen he’s super focused while at work. I bet you wouldn't see him much at all. I say go for it,” Aspen’s even tone adds more support to Marissa’s suggestion.

I look to Amanda. She’s the one who hooked me up at Bonnie’s. I don’t want to ruin her relationship with a client.

“Bonnie loses employees fast. She’s always in a bind, but if you’re worried ask her for nights or weekends. Tips can still help you pay off the debt faster. If you explain the situation, she’ll understand. She’s pretty cool.”

“There. It’s unanimous. Screw Trey. Forget he even works there and take this job for you.” Marissa makes man hating sound upbeat. It's a skill she’s worked hard to perfect.

Aspen’s hand shoots in the air. “I don’t think Amanda and I said that exactly.”

“Close enough.” Marissa waves her off with a hand. “Oh, and another perk. Don’t employees get free apartments, Pen?”

Aspen scrunches up her face at the question. “Yes, but I’m not sure you’d qualify.” She turns her head to me like I’ll be upset at her over it. “It’s for certain full-time employees who’ve been there for at least six months. Something along those lines. Sorry.”

I push my shoulder up in a half shrug. Apartment or not, the salary Trey mentioned Friday night would help me pay off my debt before I have children. Can I suck up enough of my pride and bruised ego to work for him?

“Text him and say yes.” Marissa throws her Styrofoam container in her white to-go bag and leans back on her elbows.