Cursed (Enchanted Gods #1) - K.K. Allen Page 0,30

and white, clearly false. “Well, just because you’re Rose’s granddaughter doesn’t mean I’m gonna hire you just like that. We’re the busiest restaurant in Apollo Beach, young lady, and I need talented wait staff helping keep this place afloat.”

“I am talented,” I say, discomforted by his assertion. I stand up straighter, placing my fists upon my hips.

“Oh yeah?” His eyes crinkle with amusement. “How so? Have you ever worked before?”

So maybe I’ve never worked a day in my life, but I’m not about to let him think that matters. “I have great balance. I can carry a tray. I have a picture perfect memory, so I won’t forget an order, and I’m fast. Your cooks will have to keep up with me.”

Roy looks down at my application, bobbing his head as his eyes scan it. “Well, you’re underage, so you can’t work the bar. The only place I can put you is here on the main floor. Busiest floor around. You’ll be waiting on six to eight tables at a time on the weekends. You think you can handle that?”

His challenge causes me to raise an eyebrow. “Of course I can.”

He smirks. “Is that right, pretty lady? Well, we’ll see. You’ll need to audition. Monday night. If you make the cut, I’ll keep ya. If you drop a dish, forget an order, or piss anyone off, you’re out of here.”

I’m having trouble making out whether to be intimidated by Roy or not. He seems well-meaning, harmless even, but his gruffness throws me.

Before I have a chance to ask Roy how he wants me to dress, I’m distracted by a figure that appears at the entrance. It’s Johnny, wearing his signature black attire.

Great. Roy just said I don’t stand a chance if I piss anyone off. Seems all I have to do is be present to anger the grumpy bartender. I quickly scan Johnny’s face for any sign that his feelings about me might have changed. My eyes fix on the jagged scar below his brow then flicker to his perfect nose and finally to his ice-cold blue eyes. When I catch him staring back at me with an earth-shaking intensity, warmth spreads up my neck.

Johnny’s eyes move toward Roy, probably assessing the situation. When he looks back at me, his expression dims.

“Hey, Johnny.” Roy calls him over, and I immediately tense, locking my knees together to help steady myself for whatever the firing squad shoots my way.

Johnny saunters over without taking his eyes off me. I feel weak and insignificant compared to the guy now standing tall in front of me. I’m freed from his spell when he turns his eyes to Roy.

“Johnny Pierce, meet Katrina Sum—”

“Kat,” I interrupt.

They both turn to stare at me as if I’ve soured their milk.

I take an automatic step back. My eyes move from one grump to the next. “It’s just Kat.”

Roy rolls his eyes and turns back to Johnny. “Just Kat over here wants a job. I’m auditioning her for a waitress spot. We need the help. Show her around, will you? And I’ll need you to train her on Monday.”

“You mean you want me to babysit?” Johnny practically spits the words out.

Every fiber in my body is on alert, and my mouth falls open. “Excuse me,” I say, my eyes narrowed. “I don’t need a sitter. I can handle myself just fine.”

Johnny’s gaze pierces mine. He obviously disagrees.

Seemingly in a rush to brush over the tension in the air, Roy says, “Just show her around. I’m going to be busy prepping the permits for the carnival, so we can use the extra help.”

Carnival?

He shoots a final look at Johnny. “Be nice.” With that, Roy stalks off, leaving Johnny and me standing here. Alone.

Johnny watches me, evaluating my features like he’s picking every inch of me apart. I start to wonder if his dislike for me has something to do with Rose. Or maybe he’s friends with Iris and Ava. There does seem to be an entire I Hate Katrina Summer Club I don’t know about. But even while I’m considering it, I know it’s a stretch. Johnny appears much older than Alec and the girls. He doesn’t seem like someone who would hang out with that crowd.

“I thought I told you we weren’t hiring.”

I glare. “Yeah, well, you lied. So here I am.”

The tension between us is exhausting. He glares down at me, eyes transparent, expressing his distaste for me. I shift my stance. I’m used to being bullied and made fun