Bad Boy Blues - Jessica Lemmon Page 0,13
she’d made those inquiries without embarrassing herself. And even though no one she’d talked to was hiring, they’d each asked her how long she was staying, and if she was enjoying herself. The people in this town were easy to like, that was for sure.
Elli made a beeline for Cup of Joe’s, having craved coffee since before starting her job hunt. She’d naively thought she’d come here to celebrate her success, but now the visit would instead fuel her to continue.
Inside the coffee shop, a woman in her early forties was straightening mugs on a shelf. She wore stylishly torn jeans, high-heeled wedge sandals, and her shirt was Cup-of-Jo’s maroon with her name stitched in marigold yellow over one breast. It read Jo.
“Morning, sweetheart,” the raspy-voiced blonde greeted, her painted pink lips offsetting the bold blond streaks in her hair. “That’s a gorgeous dress.”
“Oh. Thank you.” Elli swept her hands over the navy-blue dress she’d pulled on and paired with sandals. She was on her way to the counter when it occurred to her… Why not work here? She liked coffee. She loved this atmosphere. “I was wondering if you’re looking for summer help?”
Jo’s eyebrows rose. Her expression wasn’t unfriendly, but it held an authority that almost made Elli eat her words.
You can do this.
Elli smiled. “I need a temporary job while I’m in the Cove, or else I might lose my mind. I’ve checked with some of the local retail stores, but I haven’t had any luck.”
The other woman wordlessly examined Elli with her head cocked to one side. “You like coffee?”
“She loves it,” answered the barista behind the counter. “She spent forty bucks here yesterday.”
“I do love it,” Elli agreed.
“Ever work in a service-based establishment?” Jo propped a fist on her hip.
“Um.” Elli thought back to her work experience. “No, but I used to serve dinner to a dozen people my ex-boyfriend worked with. Entertaining is in my blood.”
“Perfect.” Jo broke into a smile. “Just so happens, I’m looking for a barista to fill in when Zack isn’t here. He could use some advice on being more entertaining.”
“Hey!” Zack, tying on his apron, called in mock protest.
“How soon can you start?” Jo asked.
“Tomorrow.” Elli grinned. Yes, she could picture herself here. Wearing an apron. Making coffee. Wiping down tables. The place smelled like heaven. And it was close to home.
“How about Monday?” Jo said with a laugh. “Grab an application from Zack, and we’ll expedite it. Unless you’re hiding a criminal record, you’re in.”
Now why did that joke make her think of Brady arresting her? Blushing, Elli extended a hand. “Thank you, Jo.”
“You’re welcome…” Jo raised her eyebrows, waiting.
“Elliott McKinley.”
“You’re welcome, Elliott.” Jo released Elli’s hand and turned to greet another patron. Jo gave the tattooed guy with earrings a big hug paired with a hearty laugh.
“Asher, as I live and breathe,” she said to the man as Elli stepped out of the way.
Wait… Is that…
Elli blinked. Asher as in Asher Knight from the band Knight Time. He was hands down the biggest celebrity she’d ever seen in person. She stared for another few seconds before remembering her manners and turning to Zack.
“Is that…” She shot a thumb over her shoulder.
“The one and only,” Zack answered. “He lives in the Cove with his wife and kids.”
“Wow.” She shook her head to reset her brain. Totally not who she’d expected to bump into while she was here, that was for sure.
“So what’ll it be?” Zack asked, clearly far less star struck than Elli. “Another five coffees today?”
“Just the one. A caramel latte—”
“Extra shot,” Zack said, tapping the screen.
“You know, why don’t I add on a donut?”
“Freshly baked by Sugar Hi.” Zack approached the glass case. “Chocolate, glazed, or Devil Dog?”
Elli’s eyes locked on the Devil Dog, and her mouth watered. It wasn’t a donut, but a rectangular chocolate-dipped cake topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
“Devil Dogs are their specialty,” Zack encouraged.
“I’ll take it.” Looked like she was celebrating her job hunt after all. “On second thought, make it two.”
Live a little, part of her whispered, thrilled at the rare experience of no one around to stop her from eating one or both of the tasty desserts.
Chapter 8
Elli arrived home from Cup of Jo’s fully intending on a dessert binge, but once she was standing in the empty kitchen and spotted Lou, she changed her mind. She crossed the narrow patch of grass to Lou’s deck and held up the treasured cakes. “Devil Dog?”
“Heck yes, girl. Bring ’em over.”