Cursed (Enchanted Gods #1) - K.K. Allen Page 0,32

so happy you’ll be working here with me. Between Roy and Johnny, I was going mad surrounded by so much testosterone.”

“No kidding. Are they like that all the time?”

Trisha shrugs. “Yes, but Johnny keeps to himself mostly. Too bad, right? He’s a grump, but he’s a hot grump.” She winks at me as if she might have a thing for him. “And Roy is really an old teddy bear once you get to know him. You’ll see.”

I smile at her, thankful for her encouraging words. “Sounds like you’ve worked here for a while.”

“Since I was sixteen. It’s a great job. Great location. Awesome tips. Flexible schedule. I’m going to need it since I’m hopefully starting college in the fall.”

I light up since it’s obviously something that makes her happy. “Hopefully?”

Trisha cringes. “I have my heart set on the School of Gaia here on the island. I’ve been wait-listed.”

Seeing her disappointment makes my heart squeeze. But I’m also confused since Rose gave me the impression that I could get in easily. “Well, I’m sure you’ll get in. When do you hear?”

She shrugs. “Anytime between now and the end of the summer.” She sighs then waves her hand in the air. “I thought I was a shoo-in since I’ve lived here my whole life, but you never know who’s going to make it in. They don’t go by grades or extracurriculars like most schools.”

I scrunch my face, confused. “Then what do they go by?”

Trisha laughs and shakes her head. “No one really knows. Everyone from my graduating class who applied has already made it in, though, so it’s kind of a bummer.”

I tilt my head. “I’m sorry. I hope you get in.”

“What are you planning to do next year? I know you just moved here, so it’s probably too late for you to apply to the college.” Her expression changes. “Oh, unless your grandma pulls some strings or something.”

There’s no way I’m telling Trisha what Rose told me. “I’m not sure if I’m even going to college.” I push out a smile, hoping my confession makes her feel better. “I’m not even sure if I’m sticking around the entire summer. Rose wants me to but—”

Trisha’s face falls. “Oh, Kat. You have to stay. I have good intuition about people, and I already like you.”

Something about the girl seems so incredibly sincere that her words make my chest warm. “You do?”

She nods emphatically. “Yes. Which means you’re stuck with me. Starting with this job. Do the audition. Okay?”

Just as I open my mouth to tell her I need to think about it, the door to the staff room opens.

“Excuse me.” Johnny steps past us, and as he does I take in his crisp, woodsy scent. It reminds me of an ocean breeze blowing over a forest filled with tropical fruit. Whatever the concoction is sends a buzz through me I can’t ignore. Damn him.

Trisha tugs on my arm and leans in to whisper, “Don’t worry about Johnny. He’ll warm up to you.”

I can’t help my laugh. “Somehow I doubt that.”

As soon as the words are out of my mouth, I swear I see Johnny’s back muscles tighten through his shirt. He doesn’t linger for another second to make me think on it. Instead, he pushes through the double doors and into the restaurant.

Charlotte summoned me to the great room for afternoon tea. So I dress up for the occasion in a simple blue sundress, gold sandals, and my gold charm bracelet. It’s been days since I’ve seen Rose, and I’m curious what she wants to chat about.

“Sit, sit.” Rose gestures for me to take a seat on the couch across from her. “How are you adjusting, Katrina?”

I contemplate how truthful my response should be. “I’m adjusting fine, I suppose. With all things considered.”

“Yes, well, I don’t doubt it’s all a bit… unsettling. You lost your mother, and now you’re expected to start over in a strange new place. Your grandfather’s passing was the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through. He was my best friend, and then one day, he wasn't around anymore. Loss like that creates an emptiness inside of us that can never be replaced. I understand what you are going through now, and I just want you to know that I’m here for you.”

Listening to her speak of my grandfather brings me sadness. “I’m very sorry to hear of your loss. Charlotte told me about the fire. My mom only spoke of how much she cared about him.”

Rose’s face relaxes into