Sweet Family Of War - Book 7

Lena's Job

LENA POV

"And over here is were we keep the Clinique and Estee Lauder. No free samples on the Chanel No.5. Miss Markel doesn't like that." My new coworker, Brenda, says as she goes over everything at the perfume counter.

"Do we handle the register?" I ask glancing over to it for if I could help it I really didn't want to even look at money.

"Yes. We handle everything from the sale to the transactions. You can get commission as well so I'd aim to sell those more expensive fragrances if you can. We can sometimes get free samples but don't ask for any. It doesn't look good."

I smooth my skirt down and nod by head as the nerves in me continue to take over. The smell in here is actually overwhelming if I'm honest as she shows me a few more cases.

"You will train with me today and tomorrow. I'm sure you will be fine."

"Thanks. I hope so." I smile at her as I notice a rather flashy and uptight looking woman walk over to the both of us and Brenda clears her throat. But as she gets closer I can't believe my eyes. I can't believe them at all as I stand here stunned out of my mind and she looks at me her mouth curling up on both sides as if she knows she's won this war between us that started on that damn army base in 1967.

"Anddddddddddd YOU must be Lenora. My new perfume girl!" She extends her hand out knowing damn well that my name is Lena as all I want to do is kick her in the damn face. "I'm Jenna Markel. Your new boss." She emphasizes as my heart begins to race even faster, for I knew who she was. "But gosh golly, you do look mighty familiar to me. Have we met before?"

I bite my inner cheek as I clear my throat looking right at her. "The name is Lena, and no I don't believe we have."

"Are you sureeeee? I think I'd remember that!" She throws her head back laughing as Brenda looks at the two of us rather strangely.

"Remember what exactly?" I challenge even though I know I shouldn't show her any type of emotion, especially since I really can't afford to be fired on my first day on the job and I also refused to let her get to me like she had on base. But she is, she is like nails on a chalkboard as I feel myself clench my jaw with thoughts continuing of wanting to punch her in the face.

"Oh, nevermind. Pish posh, I think you just look like someone I used to know a long, long time ago." She waves her gloved hand as I continue to struggle to keep my composure, for I had so much to say.

"Now, Brenda, make sure that Lenora, here, is shown all of the ropes, but I think for now she won't get to use the register. Can't be too careful," she digs as she looks right at me, and I can feel the warmth creep up my neck and cheeks. What in the actual fuck did she mean by that! Regardless of my

"Because I'm new, right?" I say rather boldly as she smirks.

"Yes. The register is ONLY to be touched by certain...personnel. I'm sure you understand Lenora."

I see the great confusion wash over Brenda's face as Jenna walks away, humming to herself, a giant grin on her plastered face as I fake a smile. "Okay, let's get this day started, shall we?" I breathe out as Brenda nods and begins to go over the various prices and perfumes that are being showcased. I can only hope that I barely have to see Jenna, for the last thing I needed was another recap of 1967 in all of her racist glory, and I knew Stef would tear her ass to shreds.

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STEF POV

"Stef, you don't need to worry. I've already told Frankie it's best she live with her Moms and work it out with you both no matter how angry she is at you and Lena." Mike says as we cruise around El Cajon and I sip my cheap gas station coffee. My nerves were a tad raddled for it was possible I was picking up on being worried about Lena and her new job and making sure Jude was comfortable with us.

"Ya? How many times has she asked now?" I look straight ahead, rather annoyed.

"Well, I've kinda lost count, if I'm honest," he laughs. "But you know how teenagers are, Stef. You have to remember that rift between you and Callie not too long ago and how you wouldn't speak to each other."

"Ya, but this is Frankie we're talking about. Callie is...different. She...she came around as it's her personality but, well that's a whole other kettle of worms. Frankie digs in and refuses to budge." I laugh rather awkwardly as I take another sip of coffee.

"Maybe so, I mean she's well, strong willed. Like Lena."

"What?" I ask now looking at him as he smiles.

"Not in a bad way. They stick to their feelings, Stef. They don't waiver, and that kind of thing has it's pros and cons."

"I guess. I guess I'm just...well, my feelings are really hurt, Mike. You know I don't just say things like that lightly either. Hard for me to admit how I'm feeling. I didn't even tell Lena I'm hurt because, well, she has been hurting way longer than me in regards to Frankie." I sigh as I feel my cheeks flush from admitting this to Mike.

"Don't I know it," Mike breaks the silence after a while.

"Know what?" My eyes narrow as I look back over at him, my heart already racing for having spilled probably too much to my ex.

"Ahhh, it's nothing bad, Stef. I just know you and have since you were a teenager. You aren't one to admit shit!" He laughs now as I join him awkwardly. "But I get it. It took time for you to build up a relationship with Frankie. I understand that and you don't want it to just fade away or get lost. But you know how it can be Stef, and she's gone through ALOT. You all have. Plus I think you feel added pressure since Will told you to look out for her."

"Crap do I tell you alot of shit." I laugh as he smiles.

"Look, you're doing a good job and that kid loves you. She looks up to you and she will forgive Lena and Will. With help Stef, time can heal all wounds. I mean look at us. We came along way. Ever think we would be partners and friends?"

"No, I never thought that. I thought hell would freeze over first."

"Man oh man. You're right about that. But Stef, you are one of my best friends and thanks for giving me another chance. I was an ass to you."

"It was the times Mike, and forgiven. And, you are one of my best friends too." I smile at him as he nods his head. All I can do is look out the passenger window and be grateful for the people we had in our lives despite the fact that I had not spoken to Tess or Julius in months, and I wasn't sure when I would again.