Foolish Mortals

Chapter 5

va-tic

vatik

adjective literary

describing or predicting what will happen in the future

synonyms: occult, oracular, visionary, prescient, predictive, prophetic

"Jack."

I swatted lazily at the hand shaking my shoulder.

"Jack, wake up."

I groaned and rolled over, only to bump against the wall. A firm hand ripped the covers down my body, and I scrambled to a sitting position, peeling my eyes open.

Jess was there, perched on the edge of my queen sized bed, arms crossed and smiling at me.

"Hey. It's almost two in the afternoon, weirdo." Her own voice sounded a little husky with sleep. "I gotta go. I just wanted to make sure you were okay before I left."

I shook my head and glanced down at myself, remembering now my sleepy stupor, stumbling into the house with Jess, changing into a T-shirt and panties, and collapsing into bed. I mentally assessed myself, forcing my sluggish mind to become alert little by little.

Finally I said in what could only be defined as an unpleasant croak, "M'fine."

"You look like the Grinch stole your Christmas. Or maybe just like the Grinch."

I sighed and collapsed down on my back, casting one arm over my eyes. "Thanks."

"I'd think that drug had some lasting effects if I didn't know you always wake up this way," Jess said with a sigh. "I wasn't kidding about needing to leave, though. I have to meet up with my mom. I accidentally packed her souvenirs from Hawaii in my suitcase, and she's in town today."

"Okay." I removed my arm from my eyes and grimaced a smile up at her. "I really am fine. Not hungover or anything." My stomach gave a turbulent growl. "Hungry."

"Just give me a call later if you need me." She patted my leg. "I also wanted to ask for the details of the job before I go?"

"Oh yeah." I swung my legs over the side of the bed and pushed my bangs out of my eyes. "Sorry. Bad friend."

"Nah, I figured you needed your sleep." She stood and looked around my room. I knew she didn't approve of my clothing organization system. Or lack thereof. "Thanks for letting me crash with you."

"Of course." I waved my hand. "Any time." Deep breath. Clear the mind. I knew I could think first thing in the morning, I'd done it before. Liam's pretty eyes appeared in my mind and I smiled involuntarily. Right. "He said you should go to the club on Tuesday, between one and two in the afternoon. It'll be closed but he'll be there."

"Sounds good." Jess smiled and rubbed her palms nervously on her thighs. "I really do have to go. Mom's probably texting me frantically already."

"Do you want me to come to the interview with you?" I was suddenly concerned, thinking of those two creepy weirdos last night.

"No. He was right, we've run into creeps at clubs before, this one wouldn't be any different. And I'd be as safe as any other bartender. Besides, it would look weird if my friend showed up randomly at an interview. I'll be fine."

"Call me right after." I smiled and waved my hand. "Go, go. I know how your mom gets."

"Okay. Thanks again for talking to him for me. Feel better." She gave me a last wave, then disappeared out of my bedroom. I heard the front door closing with a quiet click a moment later.