Page 8 of Summers at the Saint
“Livvy?”
“Yes, ma’am. That will work.”
“Wonderful. Tell me your full name again? I’ll let Charlie Burroughs—he’s our GM—know to expect you tomorrow, and I’ll leave you a parking pass at the security gate.”
“It’s Olivia Grayson.”
“Did you say Grayson?”
“Yes, ma’am. G-R-A-”
“Never mind,” Mrs. Eddings said hastily. “I know how it’s spelled. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow, then.”
After she disconnected, Livvy sat very still on her bed, wondering what the hell she’d just gotten herself into. She’d worked atBluePointe since they’d opened. Mr. Godby had hinted about the possibility of a raise, after a year. She liked the other girls she worked with well enough…
Her phone dinged, notifying her of an incoming text.
She looked down. The photo was blurry, but the subject was unmistakable. A man’s unzipped fly with an erect penis, followed by a series of hot dog emojis interspersed with tongue emojis.
It was just the sign from the universe that she needed, gross but convincing. Livvy tapped the photo to download, then forwarded it to [email protected]. With a brief message.Hi. Olivia Grayson here. The attached photo was sent to me tonight by your grill cook, Eddie Argentau, who sexually harasses all the waitresses at your restaurant. I quit. I’ll turn in my uniform when I pick up my last paycheck.
Livvy smiled as she pressed Send. No turning back now.
CHAPTER 4
SHANNON
Shannon tried Livvy’s bedroom door and was annoyed to find it locked. She rapped on the door, twice. Livvy had been acting strangely during dinner. In fact, for the past few weeks her daughter had been quieter than usual. Shannon’s mama-mind went to a dark place, imagining all the possibilities.
Livvy opened the door and Shannon stepped inside.
“Liv? Honey? Who was on the phone? And what’s this about a new job? I thought you were making good money at BluePointe. Why would you want to leave?”
Livvy flopped backward onto the bed. “Let’s just say there are issues. Like today, two girls called in sick, and Mr. Godby didn’t cut me any slack, even though I was working my ass off. Anyway, one of my customers today was super impressed by how hard I was working. She’s shorthanded at her business, and she’s made me an amazing offer. Which I just accepted. I’m going over there tomorrow for an interview, but she’s already told me it’s just a formality.”
Shannon sat down on the bed beside her daughter and tucked a lock of Livvy’s still-damp hair behind her ear. Livvy’s natural color was a gorgeous shade of chestnut. She hated this new hair color; the obvious bleachy blond was just plain trashy in Shannon’s opinion, but she didn’t dare share that assessment.
“You’re quitting? Just like that? Without even a week’s notice?”
“I emailed Mr. Godby. Told him I’d pick up my last check when I turn in my uniform. It’s a done deal, Mom, so don’t even try to talk me out of it.”
“That’s a terrible thing to do to an employer, Olivia. Word gets around, you know. What if your new boss calls over to BluePointe to ask for a referral?”
“They won’t,” Olivia said, with a snotty attitude that Shannon didn’t at all care for.
Livvy had never given Shannon a moment of heartache, not even when all her high school friends were out getting tattooed and noses pierced and running wild in the streets—much the way Shannon had at Livvy’s age. She was a good, sensible girl.
“You’re so lucky to have a daughter like Livvy,” her nurse friends from the hospital would say. “My daughter never has a civil word to say to me,” her friend Angela said. (Which was true. Angie’s daughter Bree was a total brat.)
Maybe it was Livvy’s time of the month, Shannon rationalized.
Livvy read her mind. “And before you ask, no, I am not on my period. God! Can’t I just stand up for myself without you handing me a box of tampons?”
“I don’t understand,” Shannon said. “It’s irresponsible to quit a job this way, without even giving notice. And don’t forget, Angie was the one who put in a good word for you at that restaurant. If you up and quit, it’s gonna make her look bad.”
“I don’t care,” Livvy said, stony-faced. “My mind is made up. I’ve had a really sucky day, and now I’d really appreciate it if you’d butt out of my business. Just leave me alone, okay?”
“Young lady!” Shannon said sternly. “You’re living under my roof. As far as I’m concerned, your business is my business. Now please explain to me why you’re being so irrational about all this.”
