Just Friends

Chapter 1

"Ok so remind me, it's John I need to talk to about the job, right?" I asked to my nervous reflection in the mirror as I put the finishing touches on my light make up.

I've been waiting tables at a family restaurant near campus, but seeing as I am on my own financially without a single penny from either of my parents, I am still in need of a second job to help make ends meet with rent, bills, groceries, gas, the works. My boyfriend, Marshall, has a job on campus at the gym where they also host events in a downstairs ballroom and his neighbor, John, is on staff there. I've been told there is an opening as a receptionist in the front office. All I have to do is meet John to see how I'd fit in with the other girls working there.

Luckily, he is supposed to be super chill and he's having a cookout tonight to wrap up the summer before classes start back up for fall semester. It's the perfect time to meet him and make a good impression. Marshall and his roommates were invited, so I am naturally tagging along.

Marshall and I have been not-so-happily dating for the past year after being friends for a few months beforehand. I don't typically do relationships, but Marshall pestered me for so long I began to worry about our friendship if I didn't accept.

"Uh, yeah. I've already put in a good word for you so just relax. It's not like you have to interview for it or anything. You'll get the job, I'm sure," Marshall finally responded without even looking up from his phone. I gave him a small smile that didn't reach my eyes - not that he saw anyway.

I can't quite put my finger on what changed between us or when, but I know neither of us are happy and we aren't willing to say the words that will inevitably end us and possibly sever our friendship. I swear I'm not a heartless bitch, but I wouldn't be all that heartbroken if we did break up. I'm sure he wouldn't either. It's not like I ever imagined anything lasting between us through college or even longer to marriage.

God, no. Marriage is just not for some people and the Rackley's are those people. Divorce runs deep in our blood, like a curse.

Marshall's voice breaks me from my thoughts. "You ready yet? I think I hear the guys downstairs."

"Hm? Oh, yeah." I check my reflection once more. I don't know why I'm so nervous. It's just a cookout, and Marshall's right - there's no interview.

When we walk down the driveway there's already quite a few people standing around talking while music plays in the background. Everyone seems to range in age from early 20s to early 30s. I don't recognize anyone, but I quickly realize Marshall and his roommates have already disappeared into the crowd.

Cool.

"Would you like something to drink?"

I turned around to the sound of the deep smooth voice. It's owner, I find to be a pretty attractive guy I assume to be around 30. His thick built chest is hardly held at bay by his tight fitted polo. His steely blue eyes pierce my own blues as he awaits my response.

Shit. What did he ask me and long has it been since he did? A blush eases its way up my face.

"Um... who... what did you say?" I stutter out.

He smirks and looks down before meeting my eyes again. "I'm John, and I asked if you wanted anything to drink."

"Oh hey! I'm Eva. Marshall has told me about you. I'd love a bottle of water!" I said it way too high-pitched and he shot me that damn sexy ass smirk again. I should not be thinking this way about a guy I'm hopefully about to work for. Heat rises up my face quicker than I can hide it though.

"You do look flushed. This late southern sun gets the best of us..."

Oh God.

Just as he disappeared back into the crowd I looked around desperately for someone - anyone I knew. Someone please save me from this embarrassing first impression. Where the hell was Marshall? I wiped the sweat from my forehead and upper lip just as John reappeared with an ice cold water bottle.