FUMES [2], jj maybank

21. THE DOG DAYS ARE OVER

  "I'M SO LUCKY BRANDON and Justin are liked or else I'd never make tips," I move with Piper to the table that ordered half the kitchen. The stares that I can't tell are towards my septum or maybe my work sneakers that are beat up or maybe—they're all just assholes. "You're the resident emo," Piper giggles and sets the plate down and I set mine in front of the older man.

"Grandpa—we need another—"

Oh for God's sakes. It's Amelia. She's back from her summer vacation in some country. Who the fuck knows or cares?

  "Sam, serving us? Aren't you like—a Kook?" Her blonde hair bounces as she sits with her grandpa and grandma who simply thank us for the meals while I death stare their granddaughter.

  I press my lips together, she's not worth losing my job over.

"You call Piper over if you need anything? Okay?" I smile at her and her grandparents. She sends a fake one back and I very quickly turn away and Piper follows after me. "Shit—forgot y'all have had beef since middle school."

  "You were here in middle school?" I don't mean for the question to come off rude but it sure as hell does. "I—yes—I think that one project where I called JJ a dumbass who can't color is why he holds his grudge against me. That was in middle school," Piper says.

  We maneuver between people and co-workers. I see JJ giving water to Topper and Kelce and I speed up my walking.

  "Speaking of dumbasses."

  John B has been the talk of the island—as expected. We've all had our bruises and fights from defending him the past month. Especially now that school starts soon—I'll be in detention a whole lot this year. But JJ, he can't lose this job over them. As I make my way over, I hear the whispers.

  "He killed the sheriff.."

  "He's a Pogue—who kidnapped a Cameron...."

   I get closer to where JJ is and hear the random girl talking about how John B got what he deserved. I don't even know this bitches name and she thinks she can talk shit? I pretend to be checking on the couple next to JJ and eavesdrop.

  "Guys, they're still investigating," Topper says and I snicker. "I don't know why. It's obvious who did it."

  This fucking girl, bro. I grind my teeth and catch JJ doing the same. "Yeah, exactly," Kelce adds on. I can see it in JJ's face before he says anything, "Shut up!"

  "Fuck..." I whisper and keep my eyes on JJ. "Listen—"

  "Shut up, Top!" JJ points at him and that's when I walk over to the table. "Babe—let's move along—"

  "I don't think we were talking to you, Pogue," Kelve says. I whip around at Kelce's comment, "You need to shut your fucking mouth, Kelce!" JJ picks up a glass and a knife and starts tapping against the cup, "Can I have everybody's attention? I have a little announcement to make!" Piper and I glance at each other as she holds a pitcher. He's for sure gonna lose his job after this and I'll be back to paying for the weed.