Page 40 of A Little Jaded

“Sure,” I murmur. “I’d love to.”

As he leaves, my phone rings, and I pull it out, expecting to see Drake’s name, but I find my boss’s instead.

Sliding my thumb across the screen, I lift my phone to my ear and answer, “Hello?”

“Raine?”

“Hey, Lucian. What’s up?”

“Just checkin’ in. You all right?”

Like a bucket of ice water, dread washes over me. “W-why wouldn’t I be? Am I scheduled for tonight? If I am, I didn't know.”

“You’re not on the schedule tonight,” he tells me.

The pit in my stomach grows, and I press my hand to my abs, letting out a slow breath as I wait for him to say…something. To clarify why he’s calling or what the problem is. When he stays quiet, I prod, “Okay?”

“Drake’s been here.”

“What?”

“He’s been pestering Lana all afternoon. Asking for your schedule. When you’ll be in again. Wanting access to your locker and shit.”

My chin drops to my chest, and I squeeze my eyes shut. “Is he still there?”

There’s a short pause before Lucian’s low voice comes back on the line. “He’s parked out front.”

Of course, he is.

“We broke up,” I admit. “Obviously, he isn’t taking it well.”

“Figured as much. You want me to call the cops?”

“No,” I rush out. “No, it’s fine.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah, positive.”

“What do you want me to tell him the next time he comes in?”

“Tell him I quit,” I murmur.

“Raine…”

“I know,” I whisper. “Thank you, Lucian. For giving me the job. For helping me out.”

“Sure thing, Raine. You know I’d do anything for you, right?”

Even though he can’t see me, I still bob my head up and down as I fight back tears. “I know.” I sniff. “I know you would. But, I think it’s going to take some time before Drake lets this go, and since he lives across the street from the shop, it’s only a matter of time until he tries to corner me so we can talk, and I really don’t want to talk, so…”

“So, this is it, huh?” he asks.

“Thanks, Lucian,” I repeat. “I’m serious. I… Thank you.”

“Anytime, darlin’. Want me to put some feelers out? See if there’re any other shops with open apprenticeships?”

“No,” I whisper. “No, it’s fine.”