Free Going Nowhere by K. M. Galvin Page A

writer to help out my column since it’s taken off, so it’s working out well.” She said, but I detected some bitterness there.
    “Is that weird? Someone else working on the column you created?” I asked interested.
    To be honest I was having a hard time not being completely envious of this girl in front of me. Here she is, with every obstacle that can be thrown at her and she’s handling it beautifully. In fact she’s excelling and for the life of me I couldn’t figure out my inability to do the same.
    I pull myself out of my thoughts and focus back on Emily. “Sorry. What were you saying?”
    “Oh! I was just saying that I haven’t even met the guy yet so I can’t really hate him; they just hired him actually. Anyway, I have to pick up Mikey in about a half hour. Why don’t you take the rest of the day to think about it?”
    “I will, thanks Emily.” I stood up with her and we made our way outside.
    “If you’re interested, Marisol, come to dinner tonight with Jase and meet Mikey.” She said as she made her way over to a black Jeep.
    “That sounds even better, I’ll see you tonight. It was really great meeting you Emily.”
    “You too, Marisol!” With a wave, she hopped into her car and took off down the road. I rocked on my heels and checked my watch. I can’t believe forty-five minutes went by, it felt more like five minutes.
    I made my way over to Shenanigan’s and noticed that they weren’t open for another two hours. Why the heck would he have me come after the interview if they were going to be closed? Pulling my phone I texted Jason.
    Hey Bartender! I’m at your bar, why aren’t you tending?
    In less than a minute he texted me back.
    LOL! We’re closed to everyone but really special people. I’ll be right there to let you in.
    I tucked my phone inside my back pocket and a second later the door swung open to reveal Jase in his Shenanigan’s Henley and some black jeans, his ever-present Converse encasing his feet. He held the door as I walked by and like some stalker I inhaled his scent, wood cleaner and something spicy.
    “I guess I’m special then huh?” I asked as I followed him up to a booth covered in paper and sat down.
    “I find myself refraining from making a very middle school joke.” He grinned as he took the seat across from me. I plopped my feet up next to him on his seat and rolled my eyes.
    “What’s all this?” I asked, gesturing to the paper that covered the table.
    “Payroll, orders, other extremely responsible and important things that you couldn’t possibly understand.”
    “Ha. You’re on a roll this morning. Where’s Mr. Shenanigan?” I ask looking around for other people, but we were alone.
    “Mr. Shenanigan?” He asked amused.
    “The owner, dumbie.”
    “The owner’s name is Jackson Tate, not Shenanigan. And he’s on vacation with his family for the week so I’m running this ship.”
    “Impressive.” I said, nodding respectfully.
    “You should be impressed. I’m very trustworthy and multi-talented. Anyways, since I didn’t get an S.O.S. text from you or Em, I’m guessing it went well?”
    “Jason.” I folded my arms on the table and leaned forward with mock seriousness.
    “Marisol.” He imitated.
    “You have, quite possibly, the coolest sister in the world.” I smiled.
    He leaned back into his seat and put his arms behind his head, causing them to flex. Stupid muscles. “I like her.”
    “Dude, you have no idea. I am girl crushing so hard right now. You have major competition for the position of best friend. I like her so much better than you.” I grinned.
    “I’m not worried. I’m pretty crush worthy myself.” He winked. Gah.
    “Don’t be annoying, Bartender.” I warned, mostly because he was right.
    “Finding me irresistible there, Crazy?” He smiled a sexy grin at me. I squirmed in my seat.
    “Oh, I’m finding you something. Your sister wants us over for dinner tonight.”
    “Cool. Want me to pick you up? I’ll be