Listen, Obey

37. Thirty-Seventh Lesson

Two hours after the almost-flipping-the-table-kiss, I was still embarrassed about my less than suave move. However, Tilia provided the best kind of distraction as we walked down the main street, tugging our hands forward as she spotted something in a store window.

Matthews steered her away, shaking his head. Tilia had her mind set on getting a new toy, but her father wasn't having any of that.

"Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?" he asked, not for the first time.

"Yes. I don't want to drag Tilia around like that." I was determined to visit every place I could think of that might have a job opening. It was time to earn some money so that I could pay the debt to Sam before the dealer thought it would be a good idea to gut me.

"I see your point," he replied, but he didn't look convinced. In fact, he appeared ready to argue against my decision.

"I'll be fine on my own. I'll meet you two later." I smiled, trying my best to reassure him.

"Daddy let's go." Tilia pulled us toward the store with all the strength she could muster. "I wanna play."

"We have to say bye to Ethan first, then we can visit the store, sweetie."

Tilia brightened and let go of my hand, using her free hand to wave. "Bye Ethan." I almost laughed. It seemed that the store was enough distraction for her to forget that she had pleaded for me to stay with them throughout the day.

"Bye. I'll see you later." I ruffled her hair—which made her pout with her cute little mouth—and backed away from them without knowing how to part with Matthews. Did we hug? Kiss? I had no idea, and neither did he. It was an awkward moment, but fortunately, the atmosphere unraveled as Tilia fled into the store with her dad trailing behind. I smiled at them and decided that I had other more important things to focus on than the possibility of public affection.

The first place I visited was a small restaurant that served over the counter. It was busy, and I could see how the workers struggled to rush through the customers' orders. Deciding that they probably needed help, I got in line and hoped the girl at the counter would let me talk to someone in charge.

When it was my turn, the girl, who couldn't be much older than 17, stared at me with wide eyes. It took a few seconds before she collected her thoughts and asked me what I wanted.

"I'd like to see the manager if they're here."

The reply was more staring.

"Is anyone here?" I asked again, hoping that she would snap out of her odd behavior.

"I'll go check," she replied, or rather, she squeaked out the words as if she had lost part of her voice.

The people in line behind me started to grovel, obviously in a hurry to order their food. I was about to turn around and ask what their problem was when the girl returned with a woman in tow.

"What can I help you with?" the woman asked, waving for me to get out of the line.

I followed her to one of the tables and sat down. "I'm looking for a job."

A faint sigh slipped past her lips. "Darling, you're not the only one. I'm afraid I don't have any openings."

I knew from the start that it wouldn't be easy to find a position, but the rejection still stung. Couldn't these people see that they might actually save my life if they hired me? Perhaps I was going a bit too far. Hopefully, Sam wouldn't kill me, but I knew he was capable of some scary shit.

"Are you sure? I'm desperate."

She shook her head. "I wish I could help everyone, dear, but I can't. I run a small business and we're overstaffed as we are."