It’s fine, you’ve got this.
Just don’t tell them you live with a boy.
“It was…”
Awful.
Hell.
Definitely wouldn’t recommend.
“Different.”I skim around the truth. “A lot more work than just dog-sitting on the weekends. At least, the dog I’m watching is great.” I take a large bite of my food, praying for the interview to end there.
“Isn’t it strange living all by yourself?” Gaten questions, and I drag out my bite.
“You were terrified of the dark when you were a kid. No way you live alone in a mansion,” Jesse scoffs.
That’s the thing. I don’t live alone, inner Dia says. I live with a cocky basketball player with stupid good looks and a bad attitude.
“I manage.” I shrug.
“The crib is so big some sicko could break into the house in the middle of the night without you knowing. Doesn’t that freak you out?” Jesse says for the sole purpose of scaring me.
Been there, done that.
Except the sicko is my boss’s son, and I’m nowhere near as freaked-out by the thought of a random person breaking into the house as I am by those cruel eyes.
“Nope.” I jump at the chance to take another bite and notice Gaten eyeing me suspiciously. Luckily, Aveena takes notice of the panic blooming in my eyes.
“So, Gaten,” Aveena swoops in. “I noticed the two-for-one promotion is back at the restaurant. How are things going? Looks like business is good.” Vee knocks her knee against mine under the table as a sign of support.
Aveena knows Dad’s restaurant is his sweet spot. He can’t resist talking about his fifth child and proudest accomplishment. As expected, Dad doesn’t waste a second sharing the latest with her, and my body relaxes as the conversation shifts to safer topics.
If you were ever wondering if Aveena Harper is a good friend, there’s your answer. Vee and I are worlds apart sometimes, and yes, lately, I feel like we differ in opinions—she has absolutely no interest in the male population, for starters—but her loyalty?
That will never change.
The girl’s practically a professional fixer, both at home and in her social life. She’s been acting as an assistant to Ashley, her music prodigy sister, for years now. I’m surprised her mom even allowed her to have lunch with us.
Ashley’s schedule is just as packed on the weekends as it is on weekdays, and Aveena rarely gets a break. Just one of the downsides of having a talent show winner for a sister.
Gaten goes on about how the promotion is bringing in more customers than ever for ten minutes, and Aveena listens with a smile on her face, nodding along to his story.
“Oh, I almost forgot,” Gaten remembers just as he starts clearing the table. “Diamond, Jesse will be driving you back to work tomorrow.”
My mouth parts.
“He what?” I blurt.
“I’m what?” my brother says at the same time.
Jesse and I exchange looks from across the table.
“In fact, he’ll be driving you every Sunday until you get a car,” Dave chimes in.
“But Sunday’s my only day off work. Can’t she just walk?” Jesse counters.
“She could, but she wouldn’t have to if you hadn’t totaled her car,” Dave cuts in. “It’s about time you learn your actions have consequences, don’t you think?”