Unplanned

18. Shook

A message from Miranda tells me to come into work a few days later, and while I'm not rostered until the weekend, I know i need to go in for a quick chat. I know that I am probably about to get fired, so with Jesse's help I have been looking for jobs all week.

After Kara had gotten over the drama of it all she had been really helpful as well. During all her study breaks she has been looking through job websites to help me find things to apply for. I think it also helps keep her mind off Rhys, so I'm happy to provide the distraction.

Jesse and I hae kept it on the down low for the last few days, but I can't pretty much FEEL the relief he feels from telling his parents about us. He told me yesterday that other than a quick phone call with Maya, he hasn't had a chance to see his family since breakfast the other day. I asked him if he thought his Father would fire me, and he told me that it could go either way.

When I walk into the dining room I'm greeted by Jake with an enthusiastic hug. "Lex! The party was amazing, you were great". I give him a squeeze and laugh happily "thanks Jake! Your food was exquisite". He gets a mock accent and bows to me "it always is my padawang".

Our laughter is interrupted by Miranda clearing her throat and Jake gives me a little good luck hand squeeze, then makes his way back to the stove. Miranda looks me up and down and smirks and I remember what I'm wearing. It's my most casual shirt, a pair of leggings, and a sweater that may or may not be (but mostly may be) one of Jesse's favourites. It smells like him.

"How are you Miranda?" I ask her politely.

"Let's just get to the point". She smiles and it may be the scariest thing I have ever scene in my life. Second only to the time I saw a snake on a footpath while I was running. Miranda has always kind of reminded me of that snake. Slimy, sharp tongued, and able to ruin my day.

She pulls me out of the kitchen and sits me down on a barstool next to the counter. "Mr Callaghan has asked me not to put you on any shifts this roster". Her words hit me like a blow and I don't see the digging look she has on her face at first.

"Damn" I mutter, running a hand through my hair. While I expected it, it still kind of hurts. I look at Miranda and nod. "Ok". She seems unsatisfied with my response and huffs.

"What did you do to get fired?" I know that she's curious, but I don't want to add to teh rumours. "I'm not exactly sure" I evade the question and look down at my phone when it dings. I have two texts. One is from Jesse and the other from Hannah, the events manager. I ignore Miranda and unlock my phone.

Jesse 2:45PM
You got this! You've always been too good to be a waitress!

I send him back a smiley face and open Hannah's.

Hannah 2:50PM
Once you're done with Miranda, come see me in my office.

I realise that Miranda is still sitting in front of me expectantly and I smile at her innocently. "Thanks for the heads up". I slide off the barstool and give her a small wave.

"It's been... interesting"

I don't stick around to hear her response, instead I walk to Hannah's office. As I stand outside the door I remember that just a few weeks ago I had been standing here freaking out about a small event, and now I may be getting fired. I knock on the door and when she calls for me to come in, I take a deep breath and open the door.

-----------------------------

"Alexis! How are you?"

For once Hannah isn't staring at her screen or frantically typing on her phone. She even seems, dare I say it, relaxed?