The Exception

Chapter 10: Sugary Rush And Excitement

I put on the last part of my lipstick and grinned. I felt like a model, and I swayed my hips at Ellie. "What do you think?"

Ellie burst out laughing. "You look like a princess."

My cheeks grew bright red, and Ellie laughed even more. "I think my brother has a crush on you."

"Oh, please, he's just being nice because I saved his life..." I muttered.

"Maybe," Ellie walked to the mirror and checked herself out. We were in the bathroom stalls, our classes were finished, and I was getting ready for my interview.  "You really put him in his place though..."

"I don't think I managed to do anything to him...it just bounced off him," I muttered. I tightened my jacket and grabbed my bag.

"Trust me, I am stuck in a house with that guy. I can read the small signs he gives off...he was stunned," Ellie said and a small smile played on my lips.

"Good, he deserves it..." I grinned. "You said you could drop me off right?"

"Well...by me I kind of meant..." Ellie looked apologetic.

"Ellie!" I gaped.

"Sorry, it's just, it's Evan's turn to drive the car today, and I can't win an argument against him, like ever..." Ellie shrugged. "Besides, it's just a five min drive to the shop. Then we'll be out of your hair for good."

"I don't want you out, but him..." I shook my head as my stomach churned. This was going to be interesting. We walked out to the parking lot. I swallowed. Another hot cheerleader was there talking to him, and he was smiling.

But then. He was always grinning. He looked at her, and she lightly touched his arm, and shoulder. I glanced at Ellie who only rolled her eyes. I swallowed the large pill of disappointment. I was having an interview for crying out loud. I won't be having my mopey-dopey feelings for Evan screw it up.

"Ahem..." Ellie muttered and Evan looked up at his sister. His eyes quickly then turned to me, and he raised his brow, "Getting a lift with us?"

"For her first official job interview...you know, at Candy Delight?" Ellie responded. "So get cracking."

"See you later, Evan," the cheerleader slurred and walked off. I could see by her walk she was clearly trying to show off. However, as I turned to Evan, his gaze had not left me. I was flattered.

"You look nice," Evan said and unlocked the car he was leaning against. He opened the door. "Princess..."

"Oh, so he can be a gentleman," I said and climbed in. Damn, the car smelled good. I noticed that the inside was pristinely clean, and neat. Unlike most other people's vehicles.

Ellie climbed in at the back, and I noticed that Evan just completely ignored her. Yet, it didn't seem to bother her that much.

"Interview, huh? Why'd you want a job?" Evan asked me as he started driving. I shook my head.

"Still playing hard to get, huh?"

"I'm not playing at all," I said and looked at him. A smile formed on his lips. "I'm just a very private person..."

"You don't like sharing?"

"Nada..."

"Well good, me neither,"

I frowned as he said that. Could it be possible that his jerkish, bad boy behaviour was  shell of something darker going on inside? I just shook my head. I didn't want to get baited. It was probably a trap.

"Here we go...the shop responsible for diabetes and really bad breath..." Evan remarked as the shop came into view.

"Not all diabetes comes from bad eating you know," I retorted. 

"Good luck," Ellie said. "Want us to wait for you?"

"No, my mom is picking me up later for either celebratory dinner or pity pancakes..."

"Pity pancakes?"

"Got something to say about it?" I asked Evan, who only shook his head.

"A lot, but I'll keep it to myself...maybe tomorrow after work you can stop by at the café and watch me sing again..." Evan winked and I shook my head. He was arrogant. That was for sure. 

"I'll need some time to decide," I climbed out of the car and closed the door. I waved at Ellie, who waved back and watched as the car sped off. I approached the pink and red, lavishly painted shop and was about to open the glass door when it opened. Keith was standing on the other side.

"I hope that wasn't your mom driving..." Keith began. "Hey Agnus."

"Hey Keith, no, it's just some jerk at school and my friend..." I said.

"Ah, is this the said guy you wanted to decapitate?"

"Pretty much," I nodded and laughed.

"Well, I'll give it to him, he's ok for a headless driver...should put him in the Guineas World Record..." Keith grinned. I laughed hard and shook my head.

"So...where do I go?"

"Nowhere," a heavyset guy came walking in. His beard was long and black and he sported casual denim jeans and a bright blue shirt, stained with something yellow. 

"Mr Rogers at your service," he held out his hand and I shook it.

"You know Keith, if you told me such a beauty was coming to work here, I would have told you any interview would be unnecessary..." Mr Rogers winked. "I checked everything out needed about you. Your mom sent the primary details needed and it looks pretty neat."

"So...wait," I swung to Keith then to Mr Rogers. "Are you telling me..."

"You're practically hired, on probation of course, to see if you have the smarts to work here, but Keith can show you round, and we'll set up your shifts comfortably with your school schedule, people are busier in the afternoon anyways..."

"Wow, thank you so much!" I squealed.

"No problem, when would you like to start?" 

"Any time from the weekend..."

"Perfect, your first shift can be Saturday morning, 8:00 sharp," Mr Rogers disappeared behind the corner. I kept smiling, and looked at Keith who was grinning. He looked at me.

"You have dimples when you smile," I remarked.

Keith rubbed his face. "Yeah, uh, got them from my mom apparently..."

"Sweet," I said.

"So, is it you and your mom too or..."

"Well, no, my dad is actually head of the human resources department in some important company," I said and shook my head. "Problem is, he is really dedicated. So I may see him on Sundays and the occasional mornings where he overslept."

"Ah," Keith nodded awkwardly.

"Sorry, I don't know why I just..." I placed my face in my hands.

"Hey, don't sweat about it, we all have truths we need to share..."

"Yeah..." I looked out to see my mom arrive in her classic white polo vehicle. "I better go."

"See you Saturday, bright and early," Keith instructed and winked at me.

"Yessir!" I saluted and walked out. I gave my mom a big thumbs up and she whooped. Boy, were we going to celebrate.