The Peach Pits

Chapter 3

Mae thanked God that her shift had finally come to a close. She sat at the back counter and pored over her textbook, trying to teach herself the math lesson she'd missed that day. She expected a call home from the school secretary regarding her attendance would come soon. Luckily, her mother wouldn't care. 

"Later, genius," Walter waved to her, tugging his jacket on. If he noticed she was waiting for Jesse to finish, he didn't say anything. He clapped her on the shoulder as he passed her. 

"See you tomorrow night," Mae smiled. She turned back to her schoolwork. On the other side of the kitchen, the chefs prepared for dinner service. She and Jesse were the only two people on their side of the kitchen. He kept stealing glances at her as he finished with the dishes. 

Jesse slammed shut the dishwasher and started it. He came to stand next to Mae. "What are you doing anyway?" he asked.

"Calculus. It's math," she added after hearing Jesse's confused grunt. 

Jesse leaned over her shoulder and looked at her textbook. His chest brushed against her back. "Lot of letters in that for it to be math."

"They're variables." Mae had half a mind to ask if Jesse had ever set foot in a high school. 

Jesse frowned like that meant nothing to him. He took off his apron. "You like jewelry?" he asked matter-of-factly.

Mae put her schoolwork in her bag and turned around to look at him. "What?" she noticed the small scar just under his right eye. It made him look dangerous. She wanted to ask how he got it but felt that might be a story for another time.

Jesse smirked and it made his scar crinkle. He reached into his apron and pulled out a diamond necklace. He dangled it on the end of his finger, just in front of Mae's face. Her eyes went crossed just looking at it. It reflected so much light it looked like it was glowing.

"Where did you get that?" Mae demanded, looking around to make sure no one was watching them.

"Lady left it in the booth," Jesse said nonchalantly. "Want it?"

Mae shook her head. Of course, she wanted it. Or at least, some diamonds in general. The necklace was beautiful. She stared at the pendant as it caught the light, teasing her. "It's not yours to give away."

"Well, if the lady wanted it she would've made sure it was on her damn neck. Don't know how a necklace falls off," Jesse reasoned. He balled up the necklace in his fist and gestured for Mae to follow him out of the back door. She threw her bag over her shoulder and walked behind him. When they left the kitchen they were hit with a wave of hot, sticky air.

"I think it'd suit you," Jesse said once they were in his truck. "You got a nice neck."

Mae put her bookbag on her knees. "Well, I have so many other diamond necklaces, I'd never have the chance to wear that one."

Jesse snorted. He looked at Mae, and his dark eyes gleamed. "You're something else."

"And you're a thief," she argued.

"You can't insult me in my truck."

"Did I lie?" Mae asked. Their stupid banter made her toes tingle.

"Guess not."

Mae turned to look at Jesse while he drove. His knuckles tensed on the steering wheel. Luckily, the roads weren't busy or else Jesse's speeding might have been a problem.

"Do you go to school?" Mae asked. "Never seen you around." If she'd seen Jesse at school, there was no way Mae would let him get around with at least trying to speak to him. After all, it's not like she ever liked a boy who could be good for her. Jesse didn't seem to be much different.