by Coco Holland
Mama shot me a warning look.
“Yes,” Her eyes shot daggers at me. “I’ll go this time.”
“I don’t —” I started.
“Cool, Mama,” Ollie interrupted. He jumped up in between us and gave her a short hug and a kiss on the cheek before returning to his seat.
"Yeah, right," I murmured to myself.
My brother frowned at me. I pushed the bowl away. I wasn't hungry anymore.
”I gotta jet,” I said picking up my bag and casting a final glance at Mama. She touched Ollie's hair tenderly as he smiled sweetly at her. Even though he was a pain in the ass sometimes, Ollie was a good kid. He was three years younger than me and was smart as he was sweet. He just didn’t know better. You couldn’t trust Mama to keep her word.
Ah, shit.
I sighed as I turned away. This was going to be nothing but trouble.
“If you give us a smile once in a while sweetheart, you’d get more tips.”
Jerry, one of our regular customers, leaned through the window. If he leaned into the window anymore, he’d fall right in. I moved slightly away from the window. If he fell in, it sure wasn’t going to be on top of me.
“Try it for me sweets,” Jerry continued. “Practice on me.”
I tried not to roll my eyes.
Another day at this shit hole. Usually, I dealt with shitty customers with ease, but today I just wasn’t in the mood for it.
I gritted my teeth and gave him a smile that probably looked like a grimace. He seemed pleased with it, though, and he reached into his pocket and dropped something into the jar near the window.
“See!” He grinned, his gold tooth gleamed. “That wasn’t so hard!”
“Thanks, Jerry,” I said, my voice saccharine.
Jerry gave me a self-satisfied grin before picking his takeaway cup of coffee. I waited for him to leave before walking over to the window sill.
“Asswipe,” I muttered as I peered inside the tip jar to find a single nickel at the bottom of it.
“That asswipe pays your bills, girl,” Gerard, my boss, came up from behind me and rested his hands on my shoulders. “What’s wrong with smiling and showing off your tits a little? It’s your job after all.”
“Yes, Gerard,” I muttered.
“What was that?” He cupped a hand over his ear.
“Yes, Gerard,” I said louder. “There’s nothing wrong with that.”
“Good,” he clapped his hands together. “Now, you’re going to be taking Rachel’s shift like she asked you.”
“But I told you I had a parent teacher night,” I protested.
“You’re not a parent.” He gave me a dirty look. “And if I were you, I’d take what I could. You’re getting long in the tooth. You should be glad you still have a job here.”
“Gerard—”
“I saw Kate outside, and she’s gone into the back room to change clothing. I’m leaving now,” Gerard clapped his hands again and turned around to leave.
So, that was that then. As soon as I heard Gerard mention Rachel, I knew I had no chance in convincing him otherwise. Rachel was his new fiancée but before she became his wife-to-be she was just another employee like me. Gerard thought it was hilarious that he used from his own supply and made the joke frequently and often in front of Rachel herself. Rachel didn't care. She loved her new-found status, and she lorded the fact she was marrying the owner and our boss over us whenever she could.
“Hey girl,” I turned around at the sound of Kate’s voice. She stood in the doorway with a wry smile on her face.
“Hey, you’re early today,” I joked. “Why? What’s wrong?”
Kate was always late. Even Gerard stopped laying into her about her lateness. It was just something that was expected. Kate was always going to be late.
“I’m changing my ways,” she said. Her violet eyes danced. She flipped her gray ombre hair over her shoulder. Kate loved coloring her hair. It had been platinum white, pink, purple and green in the time that I had known her.
“Don’t look at me like that!” she laughed.
“No, really,” I said laughing. “Where is the real Kate and what have you done to her?”
“Oh, wow, who’s that?” Kate ignored me and pointed outside just as a silver BMW pulled up to the parking lot near the stand. “Nice Beemer.”
Another rich guy. I scrunched up my nose.
“Wow-ee, he’s cute,” she readjusted her breasts in her dark red corset. “Come here, Leah, check out the goodies!”
I peeked out of the window.
Oh, crap. Callum. He’s here. How the hell did he find me?
I ducked down from the window.
“What in the world are you doing?” Kate stared at me huddled underneath the window. “Girl, you’re crazy. Uh, oh, here he comes.”
She adjusted her hair and her breasts again. I felt a tinge of annoyance. She was primping and posing for Callum’s benefit. She was my friend, but it didn’t mean I had to like it.
He’s mine, a little voice inside of me said.
I was being stupid. Callum was mine for a night.
Just one night, I tried to remind myself.
“Hello.” How was it possible to sound so sexy?
“Well, hello handsome stranger, what kind of coffee will you be having?”
“Actually, I was wondering if Leah was around.”
My heart beat wildly against my chest.
“Leah?” Kate’s voice was confused. She looked down at me. I shook my head and pressed a finger to my lips. “You mean my crazy friend Leah, who’s hiding underneath the window, Leah?”
You little…
I shot daggers at her with my eyes, and she flashed me a cheeky grin as she pointed down at me. My heart stopped.
Oh no.
A shadow hovered over me, and I looked up to see Callum leaning into the window.
“Hello gorgeous,” his eyes crinkled with good humor. “What are you doing down there?”
“Umm…”
Kate laughed.
“Hi Callum,” I said. I raised myself up off my knees and tried to regain what dignity I could.
“I’ll get you, Kate Fulton,” I said through gritted teeth as Kate backed away snickering.
“Leah,” I turned toward him. God, he was gorgeous. I fucked HIM, I thought in wonder. Memories came flooding back, the smell of him, the way his hands held me at my waist as I rode his…
“You found me,” I said. I felt uncomfortable in my itchy cheap lingerie. I really didn’t want him seeing me like this.
“Can I come in?” he said hopefully.
“I rather you not,” I shook my head. I leaned out of the window. “I’m kinda working right now...”
“Oh.” He seemed dejected.
“Later somewhere else then,” he suggested. “Somewhere more neutral territory?”
“Somewhere I’m wearing something more than this you mean?”
“You can wear…” He glanced down at my skimpy outfit. “That if you like.”
Of all days to wear the purple bra and panties. It was the skimpiest set I owned and I never wore it unless there as nothing else to wear.
“Well… ok,” I said warily. Callum’s eyes remained glued to my cleavage. “Stick around. My shift will be over soon.”
“Alright, I’ll wait in my car,” Callum said taking one last look at my cleavage before glancing back up to meet my eyes.
I raised my eyebrows at him.
He laughed.
“I can’t help it,” he said, shrugging. “You look hot.”
“Yeah, yeah,” I rolled my eyes. “I’ll see you in a bit.”
He touched my arm gently before he turned to go. I felt that familiar jolt of electricity and it lingered even as he walked away.
This guy was something else.
“Leah,” Kate breathed as she reappeared from the back room. “You know that guy?”
“Not really,” I lied, glancing outside where Callum stood leaning on
his car looking like someone from an 80s film. “He’s just some guy.”
Chapter 6
Callum
God. This place was a dump, and that was putting it nicely. I couldn’t believe my eyes when Mickey sent me the email with all the info she could find on Leah.
Leah, my Leah, was a bikini barista?
First off, I didn’t know bikini coffee stands were even a thing and if serving coffee half naked was a thing then she was the last person I would’ve guessed to do it for a living. Man. I still couldn’t believe it. She seemed so sure of herself and so confident when we first met. I wouldn’t have pictured her working here of all places. She deserved better than having to work for tips from the kind of guys that would frequent this joint. Seeing her in that outfit, knowing that men saw her in it all day. It made me furious and possessive. Every cell in my body screamed “She’s mine!” But Leah was already skittish, I didn’t want to freak her out with my Neanderthal act, so I just watched every single one of those chumps come up to the window and stare at her, holding back the urge to hop off the car and smack them in the mouth.
She couldn’t work here, I thought. We’d have to talk about it later. I could get her a job somewhere else. Anywhere else but here.
After a painful half hour, Leah exited the stand. The purple lingerie was gone, and she covered her curves with a dark hoodie and jeans. I felt simultaneously relieved and annoyed. I loved seeing her body, but I didn’t want everyone else to see, too. She stirred a deep possessiveness in me that I had never known.
Mine. Mine. Mine.
Leah approached the car tentatively, her hands stuffed down deep into her pant pockets and her teeth worrying her lower lip.
"Do you want to get some coffee? " I joked, trying to break the tension. I opened the passenger door for her.
She rolled her eyes and gave a short laugh as she entered the side of my car.
"How was work?" I tried to sound nonchalant.
"It was quiet," she said. "I think you scared off all the customers."
"Did I?"
"I think it was all the glaring that you did," she laughed. “You spooked everyone.”
"I don't know what you mean..." I scratched my chin.
They were lucky that a dirty look was all they got.
"So where are you taking me?" Leah asked.
"I was thinking of a nice restaurant near Blue Pointe..."
"Sounds fancy," she mused. She put on her seat belt and gave it a little tug. "No driver today, huh?"
“Just you and me baby,” I winked and started the engine.
She was silent as I peeled out of the parking lot and headed toward the highway. I watched her from the corner of my eye as she pressed her face against the window as we drove away from Culver Valley.
“Can I roll the window down?” Leah asked once we reached the dense trees of Delwood Forest.
“Sure,” I replied.
"It's lovely here," she said.
She was lovely, with the wind blowing her hair prettily and the soft sweet smile on her face. I reached out my free hand and took hers into mine. She looked down at our entwined hands. I squeezed her hand reassuringly and was pleased when she didn’t pull away. She turned her head back towards the fresh breeze. I stroked the palm of her hand, up and down, relishing the silkiness of her skin.
"You come out here often?" I asked.
"No, I don't ever have the need to," she replied. She took a deep breath. "It's like another world here. Magical almost."
I remembered the small shack-like building I had found her in and my heart ached.
“We’ll be there soon,” I said as we exited the highway and drove toward Blue Pointe. We were close, in between the looming trees and the houses that lined the road there were glimpses of the glittering blue ocean. I rolled down my window and enjoyed the smell of the sea air. I loved it out here. While Blue Pointe was crowded and touristy, just north of it was still natural and wild. The beaches stretched across the coastline, and if you walked far enough, you could be alone with the ocean. There was nothing I found more peaceful than the roar of the waves on an empty beach.
I pulled off the road and into a large parking lot set on a cliff overlooking the water.
“This is nice,” Leah breathed as she got out of my car.
“Come on,” I beckoned. “I’ll show you the restaurant.”
The sun was still high and I shielded my eyes from the glare. At the far end of the parking lot was a trail down toward the sand. I guided Leah down the steep steps.
“It’s gorgeous, Callum,” she whispered as we reached the bottom where the restaurant stood.
I smiled at the sight of the simple small white building. It was home, in a way, at least it had once been.
“Welcome to Olivia’s,” I said. I ushered her towards the outdoor seating on the deck. We sat down at a table closest to the sand and water.
I looked around and caught the eye of a waiter who hurried toward us with menus.
“Mr. Donovan, we didn’t expect you, sir.” The waiter said apologetically, placing the menus on the table before us.
“It’s alright. I’ve come unannounced,” I said with a wave of my hand. Leah raised her eyebrows. “Could you get us some of the ’98 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame, please?”
“Of course, Mr. Donovan,” he said discreetly backing away from the table.
“What do you feel like eating?” I ignored Leah’s questioning stare and stared at the menu.
“What goes with the Veuuuuve Cleeko?” she teased, her lips pursed and her eyes twinkling.
“Surf and turf,” I replied with a wink.
“You serve that here?” she asked incredulously.
“Of course,” I laughed.
“Callum!” The sound of a loud booming voice came out from the inside of the restaurant.
I turned to see my mother’s best friend Silvia hurrying toward our table with her arms open wide. I stood up and pulled her into a warm hug. She was a petite woman, with big auburn hair and large green eyes.
“My handsome boy!” she exclaimed kissing my cheeks. “You didn’t say that you were coming for a visit! And who’s this?!”
Leah stood up and held her hand out.
“Leah, ma’am,” she said tucking her hair behind her ear.
“What a pretty lady friend,” Silvia wiggled her eyebrows at me. She gave me an exaggerated wink. “Have you met my daughter Mickey? Callum and her were friends from when they were babies. Where did you two meet? What are you two up to today?”
Silvia’s eyes were wide, and her earrings bobbed as she talked. She was the biggest gossip in town and mother to the nosiest woman in town, but she was also the kindest of all my mom’s friends.
“I’m just showing her Mom’s old place,” I said, gesturing for her to sit down with us.
“Oh,” Silvia’s eyes softened. “Oh, of course.”
I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat.
“Olivia and I ran this place together not so long ago,” she said to Leah. “With dear Callum’s help of course.”
“Come sit with us, Silvie,” I gestured to the chair again.
“No, no,” she shook her head. She hugged me again. “Sit down guys. Enjoy your time here with your pretty lady. It was nice meeting you, Leah.”
“You too, Silvia,” Leah replied returning to her seat.
Silvia stared at us for a moment. She patted Leah on her shoulder.
“Olivia would have liked you.”
I gave Silvia a kiss on the cheek, and she gave me a not-so-subtle thumb up as she left. I shook my head and sat down. Leah watched me curiously.
“This was my mother’s place, well their place,” I said solemnly. “Before she died.”
“Oh,” Leah’s eyes widened at my words. “I’m sorry.”
“She worked here while she raised me, first as a waitress with Silvie and eventually as the manager.” I didn’t usually like talking about my mother but talking to Leah fe
lt so natural. The words seemed to flow freely out of me, and it didn’t hurt. It felt like a release. “When I made my first million I bought it from the owner and gave it to her.”
It had been the last good thing that I had done. Looking back now, it was the only thing that I had done with my money that genuinely made me feel good.
"What was she like?"
"She looked a lot like me," I smiled remembering her face. "But I’m nothing like her. She was a good person. Kind. She was generous with her time and love. She was tireless, you know, she raised me by herself. I wasn’t the best kid.”
“I think you’re a nice person.”
“You think so?” I studied her face.
Leah nodded and looked away.
"She sounds like a good mom," Leah whispered. "You're lucky."
"I was lucky," I agreed. She had been a great mother and my confidant through all my years growing up. Even in my difficult years, she had been a source of strength and comfort.
Leah reached out and placed her hands over mine. They were delicate and warm. I felt my heart slow.
"She's right you know; Mom would have liked you.”
Leah slowly shook her head but I continued.
"You're a good person, I can tell…”
Leah’s face crumpled, and she looked away again toward the ocean.
“What’s wrong?”
She bit her lip and shook her head. She plastered a wobbly smile on her face.
The waiter arrived with our glasses of wine. After taking our orders, he departed again, and I took a little sip of the wine.
"Do you have a place over there?" she asked. She pointed over to the peninsula to the cluster of multimillion dollar homes that the locals called Billionaire’s Row.
"Why do you think that?" I asked.
“You’re rich.”
I barked with laughter.
"I'm not that rich," I said. Technically I was, I could certainly afford a house on the peninsula, but I found the expense of owning a home there a little grotesque. Especially as a bachelor. Sure, the view was great but what was I going to do with all those rooms? It seemed an unnecessary expense. I wasn’t born into money. I made every penny of it with Berger, and I knew what each dollar was worth. "I'm pretty sure only the old money live there. Old money and Jimmy Connolly. "
