Two days dry. Small fuckin’ miracle.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

SOPHIE

Tuesday

After a long day at work, I toss my dirty apron in the wash basket at the back of the kitchen and then follow Tarsh into the staffroom. I feel like flopping myself down in a chair but I know if I do, it’ll be ten times harder to get up. My feet are throbbing like mad. Once I get home, I can have a nice hot bath … if Rocco hasn’t used up all the hot water, that is.

“You were awesome today, Tarsh. Today was flat out and you totally handled it.”

“I wouldn’t have been able to do it on my own. How am I going to cope when you’re gone?”

“You were fine. I tell you, though, I’m impressed how you handled the guys in the kitchen. You’re on a fast track to making them your bitches.”

“You really think?” she asks, all doey-eyed.

“Absolutely.”

I grab my bag from my locker and slap it down on the table. As I reach for my jacket inside, a muffled ring makes me jump. I search for my phone in a mild panic before it rings out. It’s a private number, but I don’t hesitate to answer. It could be the call I’ve been waiting for.

“Hello, Sophie speaking,” I answer in my most polite voice. Even I surprise myself with how I sound. Very professional.

“Good afternoon, Sophie. It’s Julie Walker from Walker & Wilde,” she says, her tone all business.

“Nice to hear from you,” I say, mirroring her tone.

“I’ll cut right to the chase, Sophie.”

“Sure,” I say, feeling hopeful, yet bracing myself for disappointment.

“I’m offering you a job on my team,” Julie says.

She’s what?

“Oh my God, you are?”

I cover my hand over my mouth to stifle my scream and do a very wild version of a happy dance. Tarsh has to duck to avoid being poked in the face.

“I’ve got an eye for people. You don’t get to where I am without it. I see something in you, Sophie. You’re hungry, you know your stuff, and I know given half the chance, you’ll flourish.”

“You … you have no idea what this means to me.”

“I was lucky enough that someone gave me a chance … but I’m not taking a chance on you. You’re a sure thing.”

“Thank you. I’ll take it,” I gush.

A soft laugh flows through the phone. “You haven’t even asked me what the job is.”

Wow, I am flustered. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s a junior position to start, but we’d like to help you fast track your studies so you can finish your degree. We’d be happy to offer you some study leave.”

“Oh my God. I … I don’t know what to say. Thank you so much.”

“No problems. I’ll email you the employment package for you to take a look at it. I’m assuming you’ll give four weeks’ notice to your current employer?”

Four weeks. It’ll be after I get back from Vegas. The timing couldn’t be more perfect.

“Yes, I’d feel better about giving him as much notice as possible. I’ve offered to do some extra training with another staff member to make sure she’s up to speed before I leave.” I throw a wink in Tarsh’s direction. She’s grinning like a child model with Vaseline on her teeth, and clutching her hands in front of her chest.

“Just another confirmation that we made the right decision to hire you. Once you’ve had a look through the papers, give me a call and we’ll catch up and get this thing squared away.”

“Thank you. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.”

When I get off the phone, Tarsh is blinking and fidgeting on her feet like an excited puppy. “Did you get a job?” she probes.

“Yeah, I kinda did,” I say, almost not believing the words falling from my mouth. I don’t even need to read the contract to know I’ll say yes, but I’ll be checking over all the conditions and my entitlements. I won’t be walking in blind. I’ve learnt my lesson when it comes to the fine print.

Tarsh wraps her arms around my shoulders and squeals. “I’m so happy for you.”

Wow. It seems I actually made a friend. I guess there’s the lesson in opening up to people. There’s definitely nothing wrong with having more people on my side.

“Thanks.” I give her a gentle squeeze and then reach for my phone. I ring April to share the good news. Unfortunately it goes straight to voicemail, so I leave a very squeally message for her to call me.

When I know who’s next on my list to call to share the news, pride swells in my chest.

“I got a job,” I yell.

“Shit. That’s awesome,” Rocco says, competing with a loud pop-pop-pop noise in the background.

“I’m thinking a feast of popcorn, jelly and noodles is in order.”

“You trying to piss me off? Don’t be fuckin’ stupid. I’ll cook,” he demands.

“Jelly for dessert then? I stuck a batch of limey goodness in the fridge last night.”

He grumbles. I can’t tell if it’s an affirmative for glowing green dessert or no.

“What time are you home?” I ask.

“I’m leaving the workshop now, so maybe in an hour. I’ll pick up some shit on the way.”

“I’d prefer you picked up food,” I joke.

His deep voice chuckles into the phone before the call ends.

I’m serious about the jelly. I didn’t make it last night for nothing.

I say goodbye to Tarsh. Tony isn’t in the office, so I make my way to my car. I’ll send him an email when I get home, and talk to him properly next shift. I hope he’s okay with me leaving. It’ll certainly be weird saying goodbye after working for him for so long.

A bright green flower truck drives past, and all I can think about is the jelly. Just to be a smart arse, I send Rocco a text.

Me: You’ll eat the jelly, and you’ll love it

Rocco: I love EATING things other than jelly

Of course the mention of eating has me picturing his soft lips and that goddamn tongue … stud and all. The phone beeps again.

Rocco: Jelly is NOT food

I choose to ignore the innuendo in his first text, and reply to the second.

Me: I beg to differ

Rocco: I wish you’d beg for something else

His words cause a quiver between my legs. My poor sex-deprived vag. Rocco hasn’t even said anything dirty to me, and I’m ready to shove my hand down my pants. I don’t know whether we should be playing this game.

Me: Like what? Clean your black stubble out of the bathroom sink? Put the toilet seat down?

Rocco: Don’t pretend you don’t know what I mean …

Me: I’ll see you at home soon x

No! I put a kiss at the end? What the hell am I thinking? Clearly I’m overexcited. Surely he won’t read anything into it.

As much fun as this banter is, I need to remember that this living arrangement is a short-term thing. Now that I have a good job, I need to start looking ahead. Rocco’s brother will be out in a few months and he’ll need his room back.

When I get inside my car, I pat the steering wheel and smile. Thanks to Rocco’s generosity, I still have a vehicle. He’s a good guy deep down, whether he knows it or not. Now that I have this new job, it won’t be long before I can start paying him back.

****

When I get home, the first thing I do is check my emails.

As Julie promised, there’s an email from her. I read through the employment package and am astounded at what I’m being offered. For a junior position, it’s a higher salary than I expected, and they’re giving me two weeks paid study leave to finish my degree. It really is a dream come true. I reply with a very formal acceptance of the offer, and give her a few times around my shifts in the café to meet up and sign the paperwork.

I dial Tony’s number, and it goes straight to voicemail. Rather than resign in a voicemail message, I let him know I’ll send him an email. Then I type a very courteous letter of resignation, thanking him for the opportunity and giving four weeks’ notice, noting that he had already approved a few days annual leave for when I go overseas.