When the Music Stops (Mason Brothers Book #2)

Chapter 2

JOLIE

“Jolie!” Dakota’s voice could be heard loudly over the other restaurant sounds the moment I stepped foot into Pete’s Fish Shop. The smell of deep-fried fish immediately took me back to all the happy moments that we’ve had at this place. It was our go-to spot throughout high school until I dropped out that is. Dakota’s parents also brought up here growing up anytime we had a sleepover. 

I slid in across the booth from Dakota, she already ordered two fish and chips baskets and drinks. The menu was so small, she knew exactly the order that I would want. “How was class and your internship?” I asked while taking that first bite.

“It was good. The class was a bit boring. We’re studying art history right now and it is probably my least favorite part of being an Art Education Major. It is more fun when we get to come up with lesson plans.”

Dakota is attending school to become an art teacher. She’s wanted to be an art teacher forever and she’s one semester away from making that dream her reality. I’m so proud of what she’s done, at least one of us can become something.

“What did you end up doing today?” She asked, knowing that I didn’t have much along the line of plans when she left this morning.

“Well, I found out what happened last night, so that was a positive.”

She cringes, “You said positive, I guess that means nothing too bad?”

“I didn’t hook up with anybody. I’m counting that as a positive.”

“Oh, Jolie.”

“I know, I’m a mess.”

“You’re not a mess, you’re just in a hard spot. You just need to finally make that big change, you know? I know you get tired of me saying this, but if you just had a real job, Jo..”

I hold up my hand to stop her mid-sentence, “Please not this conversation again.”

One of the employees stops by our table to check on us, pausing our conversation for a moment. Once he leaves, we pick up the conversation once again.

“I was talking to my dad today, he said if you would just come in and ask for a job he would find something for you.”

“No, Koda. I already told you that I’m not taking any handouts from you or your family. There is no way that I’d ever be able to work for him anyway.”

“Why not?” she asks. “I know it isn’t glamorous, but he’s always looking for housekeeping and front desk people. You can work nights too, which I know you prefer.”

“He says that he’d get me a job, but you know that isn’t true. We both know he doesn’t want somebody like me working for him. I wouldn’t even get the pre-employment pack completed before he let me go. He still has a business to run and would make me take a drug test.”

“Can’t you just stay…” She can’t even get the entire question out, she lets it just fall to the wayside. 

“Stay clean?” I roll my eyes, having heard this from her more times than I care to admit. “Is that what you wanted to say? Hey Jolie, stop fucking up and getting high all the time, and maybe you can get your ass off my couch.”

“Jo, please don’t do this. I didn’t mean it. I love you, I just want you to have a better life.”

“I think I need to go.” I dig into my purse and pull out a $20 and toss it on the table as I stand up. “Don’t worry, I didn’t do any lines with that one.”

She pushes the money back in my direction, “I don’t need this, Jo, this is way more than I paid for dinner.”

I ignore the gesture, “Keep the change, use it to cover some bills. I’ve got to go to work I’ll see you later.” Dakota starts to stand up, but I stop her, “Don’t. Don’t get up. I’m going to go.”