“Fucking epic. I may never sleep in clothes again,” she answers seriously, her voice groggy with sleep.
I shake my head and laugh. Jayden is a mess, but I would be so fucking lonely if she weren’t here with me. I can tell she hasn’t had much direction growing up. After taking on the role of a mother over the years at Aneta’s, I’m sure I can handle one rambunctious girl, though.
“When do you turn eighteen?”
“In six months.” She yawns.
“Well, I’ll get a job and hold us until then,” I offer. It’s the least I can do, considering we’re living off her saved money right now, or what’s left anyway.
“Just try and clean up around here, and stay out of trouble,” I state.
Jayden nods and closes her eyes, falling back asleep. I inhale deeply, relieved she isn’t going to resist trying to help out.
***
The sun is already blistering the sidewalk with unbearable heat as I make my way down the side alley, and it’s only nine in the morning. The smell of coffee and eggs from the café is strong as the small breeze wafts down the street.
The small café comes into view after I turn the block, the little outside tables already holding a bunch of college kids. A spinning football tossed in the air above the crowd catches my attention as I continue to walk by. My eyes follow the ball, and the hot, blond guy from yesterday catches it. He laughs as if the guy sitting next to him just told him something funny, causing his head to look away from the sky where he was tossing his ball, his piercing eyes landing on me. Shit, don’t make a fool of yourself. I flick my hair over my shoulder and pretend not to notice him as I quicken my pace.
“Hey!” I slightly look over my shoulder, finding the football player jumping over the small fence that holds all the tables within the patio.
“Hey, yourself,” I reply, turning back around and crossing my arms.
“You’re new,” he observes, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.
“I am,” I laugh.
“You off to class or something?” He tilts his head to the side, looking me up and down, a smirk lifting at the corner of his mouth.
“No, looking for a job.” I stick my tongue out in distaste, making him chuckle.
“Well, I’ll see you around…,” he pauses, waiting for me to say my name.
“Charlie,” I add.
“Well, I’ll see you around, Charlie.”
“And what should I call you?” I question, laughing and sounding like a bimbo. I grit my teeth, trying to get a hold of myself.
“Chasen.” He jerks his chin out proudly.
“See you around, Chasen.” I give a little wave before trotting down the sidewalk in looks of a ‘for hire’ sign.
Hours later, I call defeat and head back to the apartment pissed-off. Who knew getting a job in Vegas would be so hard?
Not only are my options limited, but my record doesn’t help, either. I was tried as an adult with my last fight. Some chick who was at the foster home temporarily was in my room, stealing my clothes. When I confronted her about it, she punched me, splitting my eyebrow. I, of course, defended myself, but because she was Aneta’s brown mouse, they called the cops, telling them I started it and threatened the girl’s life. They arrested me right there. The court tried me as an adult and I got probation with community service. It was all bullshit.
“Someone looks pissed-off.” I look over and see Chasen leaning against the fence to the café, staring at me like dessert. “I take it the job hunting didn’t go too well.”
“Wow, you don’t miss a thing,” I sneer, walking past. The idea of flirting is not near as appealing now that starvation and being homeless are a big possibility. I need to take care of Jayden, not just myself. And not getting a job is going the opposite direction of taking care of us.
“Wait up,” he hollers, jumping over the fence.
I slowly turn, my hands on my hips.
“I know a place you can try,” he adds, pulling on his snug jersey which is sticking to his sweaty body.
“Mm, where’s that?” I ask irritated.
“Try the kids’ dentistry three blocks up. My bitch of a sister owns it and said they can’t seem to keep a receptionist.” I can’t help but scowl. Where I come from, you don’t offer things unless you want something in return. I tilt my head, eyeing Chasen, wondering what his angle is.
“Why are you telling me this?”
“Because, I’m a nice guy.” He shrugs arrogantly, walking back to the café.
“Yeah, I’m sure you are,” I mumble, heading down the road he pointed to.
“Good luck!”