Free Blurred Lies (The Blurred Series Book 1) by Elle Ellerton Page A

me.
    “Ciao, Natalie, it’s so good to finally meet you!” Calli gently grasps my shoulders and kisses each cheek before pulling away and studying my face for a moment. “You are even more beautiful than I expected. The boys have talked about you so often, I feel like I know you already.” She’s smiling down at me, obviously waiting for some sort of response, as is customary between two human beings. I’m just so surprised by her familiarity and warmth towards me. I’ve never experienced this from a perfect stranger before, and it’s both nice and unnerving at the same time.
    Maybe you would have experienced it, if you got out once in a while and actually talked to people.
    Ryan chuckles beside me. “She’s kinda shy.”
    “Sorry, hi, it’s really nice to meet you, too. You have a lovely place here. I tried your sandwiches. They’re amazing.” I stop talking before I sound any more like a weirdo-hermit.
    “Natalie’s looking for a new job, so I mentioned you were in need of some help around here.”
    “And why am I in need of some help around here, Ryan? Hmm? Perhaps it is because you break the heart of my best girl and she cannot stand to see your handsome face around here any longer.” Calli playfully pinches Ryan’s cheek as she says this, a teasing tone to her voice. Then she turns to me, folding her arms. “Honestly, Natalie, I don’t know what to do with these boys anymore. They are too good looking for their own good, or the good of my café,” she says this with a jovial tone, but Ryan seems to have tensed beside me, and isn’t finding it as funny as Calli is clearly intending it to be.
    So I guess Ryan dated a waitress here and broke her heart? I don’t know why that gives me a stab of jealousy. I’m just glad she’s not around here now, because I really don’t think I could work with someone Ryan had dated. Now I’m wondering if he’s ever dated Calli. She looks to be about his age, and she’s beautiful.
    God, I hope they haven’t slept together...or are still sleeping together. What if they’re sleeping together?
    I shake the disturbing thought and faux-laugh, trying to keep the mood light, and Calli gives me a discreet wink. What’s that about?
    “So, you have experience in serving of some kind, Natalie?” Calli asks.
    Uh-oh.
    “Um...not exactly... I-”
    “Baking, perhaps?” She raises an eyebrow now.
    Crap.
    “Well, no, but-”
    “Natalie’s a fast learner, makes a mean sandwich, and she won’t let you down, Calli.” Ryan comes to my rescue, finally.
    “Okay, I’ll take a chance, because this guy seems so sure you’ll be a good fit, and I think we will be very good friends, you and I,” Calli says with a smile. “Be here at 6:30am tomorrow morning for your first shift. The only uniform is our branded apron, but please wear comfortable shoes. I have made the mistake of wearing heels in here, and it is no good at all.” She smiles wide as she goes back to the other side of the counter and resumes the task she had been occupied with before our entrance.
    I laugh at her comment, and after I thank Calli profusely for giving me this chance, which earns me a dismissive wave of her hand, Ryan and I head back out onto the quiet, sunny street. 
    I’m so happy right now.
    “Thank you so much, Ryan. I can’t believe you got me that job.” I beam at him and suddenly, without even realizing what I’m doing, I’m hugging him as tight as I can. Ryan’s soft laugh is muffled in my hair.
    Did he just sniff my hair?
    “I didn’t do anything, Natty. Calli obviously liked you instantly, and why wouldn’t she?” 
    I pull back and look into Ryan’s deep green eyes, which I notice have a hint of hazel in the sunlight. Ryan is looking into my eyes just as intently, and I feel like a moment is happening between us...what kind of moment, I’m not sure. 
    Feeling awkward all of a sudden, I pull out of his hold and avert my gaze to the pavement, feeling embarrassed for