Facade - Jacob Elordi

thirty-three

vote and comment if you're enjoying! <3
—

Charlotte Hart

My quest to get a job at the country club was fairly easy. Filip, of course, mentioned how he always knew I'd come back. I hated proving him right, but I was glad to be back on the schedule to start a routine again. I missed that part of my old life dearly.

I start tomorrow, which is Halloween. The weeks have flown by and I completely missed that this holiday was coming up. My hours, days, and weeks have been preoccupied with more important matters. My first night back will be a busy one, for sure.

I ended up sneaking past Lana and Brandon while I negotiated with my ex-manager, who is now my manager again. My first appearance around them should be a surprise. The only unique way I could think of was to casually sit at the bar and catch them off guard. Lana was serving tables, and Brandon had his back to me. Their reactions were priceless.

Brandon turned around and without looking up, he greeted me and asked what I would like. I simply asked for his best, and as he heard my voice, his head shot up with a gasp.

"Charlotte!" He screamed, almost jumping across the bar to hug me. It caused a few headturns, but I didn't care. I had my best friends in front of me again.

Lana turned a corner to see what the commotion was about, almost dropping a dirty plate in her hands when she saw me. I was welcomed with hugs and laughter. A few tears fell from my face, but I kept my composure. They didn't realize there was a time when I thought I'd never see them again.

"Right in time to get plastered for Halloween!" Lana laughed after we caught up for what felt like forever.

"I work Halloween night," I frowned.

"Well tell Jacob he can make an exception," Brandon rolled his eyes. "We just got you back."

"Actually, it's not Jacob's schedule I'm on..." I grinned. They looked bewildered.

"You quit!" Lana gasped.

"No. Not technically. I got another job back here for the season," I broke the news as they jumped up and down with joy.

"You're probably the most insane person I've ever met, Charlotte," Brandon shook his head in disbelief.

"It's like an off-season right now for the company. They're not too busy so I figured I could pick up an extra job to see you guys," I admitted, half-lying about the reasoning for coming back to Virginia.

It hasn't even been a full day without him and I already miss him and the guys. My bed felt more uncomfortable than I remember it being. I barely slept last night, but just like leaving, coming back will be an adjustment. I wonder if he's doing anything for Halloween?

"You know there's a thing called hanging out off the clock?" Lana made fun of my decision.

"Hey, I'll quit before I've even started!" I slapped her arm.

By now, I had two cocktails made by Brandon. I didn't realize how strong he poured them until it all hit me at once.

"Let's all take a shot. Celebrate our pride and joy coming back home!" Brandon cheered, earning a grimace from me.

"I'll do a shot of water, thanks. How strong did you make my drinks?" I accused him. "At this point, I won't be able to drive for another two hours!"

"Guess you'll just have to stay with us!" Brandon smirked as he poured a shot into a glass for me and two paper cups for them. I remember taking shots out of those paper cups— especially the night Jacob insisted I take one with him. I smiled at the memory as Brandon slid the shot in front of me.