Foolish Mortals

Chapter 7

mis-an-thrope

mis(ə)nˌTHrōp

noun

a person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society

synonyms: hater, cynic, recluse, hermit, grouch, grump, hikikomori

I woke Thursday morning with a sense of doom in my gut. It was Jess's last day at work. Of course, as her friend, I could understand her wanting to start her new job as quickly as possible. As a co-worker, I disapproved of the two-day notice. I indulged my melodramatic emotions by listening to all the best villain songs from musicals and Disney movies on the bus on the way to work.

By the time I reached It's Bean Great, I had really worked myself into a lather, particularly after No Good Deed from Wicked. I had determined to say something passive aggressive to Jess about her leaving, but when I pushed through and saw her standing there, a chocolate muffin in each hand, and a giant smile on her face... I couldn't hold a grudge.

"Hey freak." I snatched up one of the muffins and took a giant bite. "Happy last day."

She gave a high pitched squeak and danced on her toes. "Thank you! Thank you." She toasted me by clinking her muffin against mine, and we both chomped down. "Paul said it shouldn't be too hard to find a replacement for me, with the job market how it is. I'm sure you'll have someone soon."

"But they won't be you," I said dolefully, giving her a puppy dog face. Then I nudged her and moved into the kitchen, beginning prep work. "I'm just happy for you."

When nine o'clock crept around, there was no sign of a certain tall, handsome and volatile fellow appearing in the doorway. I wasn't really surprised, given how angry he'd been. Towards the end of the shift, I pulled Jess aside by the elbow. 

"I think I need to come in to work with you tonight."

Jess blinked and raised her brows. "I told you, I'm going to be perfectly safe."

"No, not because of that." I waved my hand. "I mean, it'll make me feel better if I see you safe behind the bar. But I need to talk to Liam. I don't have a way to get ahold of him, except the club."

"Because of the Isaac thing?"

"Yeah, I just - I want to know if he's helping me or not." I sighed and shoved my hand through my hair, feeling the short strands standing up in a frizzy mess. "Damn humidity."

"I get it. I don't see why you couldn't," Jess replied. "He'll probably be there. You might as well try."

"I just feel like I have to do something." 

"I get it," Jess repeated soothingly. She glanced at the clock. "Look, we get off in five minutes. You should call Devon, and Isaac's mom. It'll make you feel a little less restless. I'm going to try to take a nap, then go to Underworld at around five. My shift starts at seven."

"Okay. I can meet you there."

"Why don't we meet at that coffee place across the street and go together?" Jess countered. "I don't know if they'd let you in before the club opens."

"Good point." I nodded and began taking off my apron as I saw Greg from the next shift meandering down the hallway. "Mind if I take off now?"

"Go for it." Jess smiled and nudged me by pushing my butt lightly. "Get your skinny ass into some sexy jeans just in case Liam turns out to be a good guy after all."

"What's wrong with these?" I asked playfully, pulling at the sagging rear end of the blue jeans I was currently wearing.

"They give you old man butt, and you know it."