The bell above the door dinged as I rushed through, nearly knocking someone over. "I'm so, so sorry."
The guy looked at me before nodding. "It's fine." I rushed past to the work station. I quickly put on my apron and wash my hands.
My boss stood in front of me as I went to go out the room. "S-sir," I stammered. "I'm so sorry I'm late!"
He glares at me. "Its the fifth time this week."
"My sister-"
"Save it," he said, lifting his hand up.
"But sir-"
"No, Olivia. You're fired."
"Sir, please."
"I've given you too many chances," he said, shaking his head.
"Please." I beg.
"No. Sorry, Olivia," he said, turning away. "You can finish today but you can't come in tomorrow." I sigh but nod.
As my first shift dragged by, I tried to keep my tears back. What was I going to do now? I'll have to try to get another job. I rubbed my forehead and sighed. When I leave I'll have to go job looking. My other job at the book shop wouldn't be enough. None of my jobs were enough on their own. I have to find something. I leaned against the counter and forced a smile for the next few customers.
By time I was finished, I was tired and ready to break down. I go to the office in the back and I'm given my check.
I met my boss' gaze and forced a smile at him. "Thank you for everything. Bye." He doesn't say anything. Turning to leave, I breathed out slowly and shut the door behind me. I rub my eyes and try not to cry.
Before I knew it, I was walking along the beach. I really should be looking for another job... The comforting waves crashed against the shore a little bit away from me. I sigh. The further I walked down, the more I felt calm and relaxed. I finally sit down.
The water lapped gently at the edge of my converse. I move back, I cant afford to get these wet. Literally. I tucked my knees under my chin and sighed. What am I going to do? I turned my head away from the sea and noticed someone sitting under the pier, throwing rocks into the sea. I hope they're having a better day than I am. The person's head turned towards mine and I blinked, noticing it was the guy from earlier. The guy that I ran over. He cocked his head to the side and watched me, and I noticed him lifting a cigarette to his mouth. I look away from him and get up. I really need to get going.
"You work at that restaurant, don't you?" he called out, making me pause. I shake my head. "I could have sworn I bumped into you..." he said, frowning in confusion.
"I don't work there anymore." I say and I really hope my voice doesn't crack.
He gestured me over and I joined him without even thinking about it. "What happened?" I don't say anything. Nudging me, he smiled. "Come on, what's telling a stranger something private?"
"I was fired." I mumbled.
He blinked and just stared at me. "Sorry."
"I should really go.."
"I know you've been fired," he said, stopping me from getting up. "But why do you look like its the end of the world?"
"That's really not any of your business."
He rolled his eyes. "Okay."
"Well its not."
"Just thought I'd offer you company, forget it then," he said as he stood up.
I sigh. "I'm sorry."
"Whatever. It's none of my business, right?" he told me, looking down at me before turning and walking further under the pier. I sigh again. He leaned against the rocks and looked out at the sea. Great, now I'm acting like a bitch.
I quickly walked over to him. "I'm sorry." He shrugs. I nudged him. "Come on, don't be like that, stranger."
"You seemed upset, I was just curious."
"I know. It's just.. hard. I've lost my job and I needed it to support-" I stopped. "Never mind."
"No, go on."
I sighed and looked down at my bare feet. "I needed that job because my parents can't work."
"Oh."
Rubbing my forehead, I turned away. I shouldn't have told him. "I'm gonna go.."
"Why?" he asked.
"I have to go look for a job."
He stared at me a moment. "I have a job," he blurted.
"What is it?"
An awkward expression passed across his face. "Well.. I need-"
"Need?" I pressed.
"Uh... this if going to sound weird.."
"Just tell me."
"I need a girlfriend," he blurted then winced.
"How does that have to do with a job?"
He sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "Okay, it would mean you'd have to live with me and pretend for my parents. I'd pay you."
"Uh..." what the hell?
He rubbed his forehead. "Never mind."
"I'll do it."