Chapter Ten

At the beginning of October, I found a part-time job at Goodwill near Eli's house. It was very fortunate that I made friends with the owner's daughter a few months ago. I'm not exactly hurting for money, but I need something to do.

You wouldn't believe how good the Australian government minimum wage is. I worked part-time for a seafood buyer. Most fishermen over there weren't looking to catch your standard trout or bass. They were after the much bigger and more dangerous predators. Such as gators, common shark breeds, and the occasional illegal whale. You really had to have a strong stomach to work there.

I thank God that I don't have to be a part of that anymore. Now I just have to put up with crazy old people that want their deals and they mean now.

I'm just going on break when Veronica called my cell. " Hey, sis. "

Hey I know you're at work but I have some information that I just have to share.

This piques my interest. " What is it? "

You know miss, James?

The guidance counselor? " Yeah, she works in the office. "

Well, I just checked our machine and I'm pretty sure she and dad are dating.

Cue breaks screeching. " What! Tell me everything. "

I don't know anything for sure, just that they're talking to each other about non-school-related things.

" I don't know how to feel about that. " I say more to myself.

Mom left a year ago and I understand dad has needs... But someone that works at our school? It definitely is not a good look.

Listen, I have to go. I just wanted to let you know.

" Okay, I'll see you at home. " I say before hanging up.

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My phone rings just as I'm walking to my car after work. Seeing Eli's face flash across the screen I smile. " Hey, you have perfect timing I just got off. "

Not yet you haven't baby. He says with a low, sexy tone.

Oh, how I love sexual innuendos. " Like you could handle a girl like me. " I say with a smirk.

Ooh, baby that sounded like a challenge. I have a reputation to maintain you know?

I laugh. " Seriously though we both know my dad will kill you on sight if you deflower his baby. "

MMM, another challenge. Don't worry querida I think he's warming up to me.

I shake my head. " Tread lightly around Keith Mars. Look I have to go home and finish some homework. Maybe we can have lunch tomorrow? "

If you don't mind hanging with a bunch of bikers.

Ahh, the PCHers. " I'm cool with Felix and Cervando I'm sure it'll be fine. Unless they're not cool with you going coconuts? " I'm not stupid I know the fact that I'm not Mexican makes most of PCH'ers mad as hell.

No one will give you any trouble about that okay?

I nod knowing full well he can't see me. " Then it's settled. I'll see you tomorrow. "

The next morning I get ready for school. Since I'm basically going to have everyone's attention at lunch I decide to do something cute with my hair other than letting my crazy natural curls take over my head. I wish we could go to a school where sitting with someone you like is acceptable, but this is Neptune we're talking about.

I go out to make a cup of coffee to find dad beat me out of bed once again. Veronica walked into the kitchen right after me still in her pajamas.

" Good morning loves of my life. " He says putting things in a box.

Veronica eyes the box. " What are you doing? "

" Just putting the rest of your mom's stuff in storage. I don't think we need the reminders anymore. " He says

I look at her knowing that she isn't okay with it. " Yeah. " She says like it wasn't nothing.

Knowing her as well as I do I give her a side glance and shake my head. Dad had a talk with us a couple of weeks ago about mom not being the bad guy in all of this. Ronnie is mad that she left, but deep down she believes that mom is coming back.

" You wanna take a look? " He asks the both of us.

She gets a bowl and cereal and looks back at him. " Not so much, no. "

" Well I'm gonna leave it here, for now, I get an eight O'clock. " He says going to get his jacket.

Veronica looks at the box and then at him. " So you and miss James huh? I wouldn't have pegged that one. "

Oh please don't do this now! Dad put his jacket on and looked a little guilty.

" We only went out a couple of times I didn't want to make a big deal. " He says walking over to us.

" Then don't. I get it. Companionship needs... Yadda yadda yadda. It's fine. " Veronica says with a smirk.

Dad nods. " Well, I'm sorry you two didn't hear about it from me first. "

" Don't sweat it pops. Do you know how many things we don't tell you? " I say kissing him on the cheek.

He gives me a look. " I'm kidding! "

Veronica laughs. " Next time could you shoot for an actual teacher? This has no potential benefit whatsoever on my grade point average. "

They then started talking about her new boyfriend Troy and I don't really like him all that much so I excused myself. I guess I'm heading in early.

Pulling into the parking lot I saw Eli just getting off of his bike. " I didn't know leaders of bike gangs came to school early. " I say as I get out.

He looks over at me and smirks. " I have a few things I need to get done in auto shop. "

" I love the smell of motor oil in the morning. " I joke.

Shaking his head he grabs my hand and pulls me into his hard chest before kissing my neck. It's a ticklish spot so I can't help but giggle and squirm. I can feel him smile into my skin. He lets me go and we head into the school.

Eli looks up at one of the many clocks and shakes his head. " I know why I'm here so early, but why are you querida? "

" I had to get away from Veronica and dad's sentimental-ness. I love them both but my mom leaving wasn't that much of a loss. I have to be honest, I'd rather not watch her drink herself to death. " I know my words are harsh but they're also true.

If anyone can understand what I'm going through it's him. His own mother left him for her own addictions. " So I'll see you at lunch? " He asks as they get to my locker.

I nod. " Yeah. I'll stop by to talk to Veronica first since I bolted before we could talk about her boyfriend getting his car stolen in TJ. "

He chuckles. " Those rich white boys have no common sense. Bye. "

" Bye. " I say rolling my eyes before walking to homeroom.