How in the hell does one get experience if they can’t even land a damn entry-level job?
I walked out of the building feeling less determined and more disgruntled than when I walked in thirty minutes ago.
I am quickly running out of options and money. I need to find something—anything. Anything but singing, that is. The constant reminder of what I had to give up to save my life would be too much to bear. Not that it would really pay the bills, but if it did? That means I would be doing well and had caught someone’s attention. If that got back to Devlin? Everything I’ve done would be for nothing.
Being Devlin-free is more important than anything.
After bombing the interview for the job I had set my sights on, I spend the rest of the day applying anywhere with a ‘help’ sign. Exhausted and feeling defeated, I head to the diner where Hazel works.
Hazel is Rick’s sister. She’s a sweetheart with a bit of a wild side. I had met her at the Rusty Nail on a few occasions when she was in town to visit Rick. Devlin had never met her. Considering he was always wrapped up in himself—or my music—I doubt he’s even aware Rick has a sister. Well, half-sister, which made it even better since they have different last names. Without question, she took me in, welcomed me, and swore we were going to be best friends. She’s a saint and by far the kindest soul I’ve ever met.
“Uh-oh. Interview didn’t go well?” Hazel grabs a menu and leads me to a booth.
“If by didn’t go well you mean sucked, then yes, it sucked.”
“Oh, Em, I’m so sorry.” She sits next to me and wraps her arms around me. The thread I had been holding on to finally breaks, and tears pour out of my eyes.
“Shh, don’t cry. We’ll figure something out.”
“There’s nothing to figure out,” I blubber, tears running down my face. “My whole life is a mess.”
“It’s just a rough patch. Everything is going to be okay. You’ll see.” She squeezes a little tighter. “Just let it all out, then we get moving again.”
I don’t think I could stop crying if I tried. The gravity of my situation and the stress of the last few weeks finally crashes down on me, obliterating me. A few minutes later, I sit up and wipe the tears from my eyes.
Surprisingly, I feel better than I have in weeks. “Thank you. I guess I really needed that.”
“Sometimes, all we need is a good cry and a fresh start.”
“This was supposed to be my fresh start.”
She shrugs. “Then we start again.”
“Pretty sure I’m running out of fresh starts.”
“No such thing.” Hazel taps her chin. “You know what you need? A big, juicy—”
“Hazel,” I say in a warning tone. Her determination to get me laid is astounding. She swears one night in heaven will make all the difference in my life.
I, however, disagree.
“Cheeseburger. I was going to say cheeseburger.”
There’s an innocent look on her face, and I question its validity.
She returns to the table with a plate filled with a burger, fries, and all the fixings.
“That looks amazing.” I take in the aroma.
“Edgar made it special for you.”
I roll my eyes. Edgar is the cook at the diner. From what Hazel said, he’s taken a liking to me. He’s a nice enough guy and all, but frankly, I’m not interested in anyone right now. It’s barely been a month since my world came crashing in on me. I need to get my life in order, not date some random guy.
“Don’t even start.”
I take a bite into my burger and moan. Okay, maybe Edgar’s little crush does have an upside. The downside is the creepy stare from the kitchen. When he sees me catch him, he looks away and returns to whatever he’s cooking.
“He’s not so bad once you get to know him,” Hazel says.