Tessa's POV

"Woah," Niall looked amazed by the sight of the town, while acting like a child. It was an old-fashioned town, but it had many modern aspects. There were no cars or trucks, and people walked and rode their bikes around. The place seemed like it popped out of one of those really old movies. "This place is awesome!" Niall exclaimed.

I just chuckled. I felt the same way when I first came here. I really did. Although, it was actually okay for a six year-old to act like a kid. Not much could be said for others.

"When did you first come here?" Niall asked.

"Well, I've been coming here with my family every summer since I was six. At least, until three years ago. So this is the first time I've been here in three years." Than brought back old, unwanted memories. "My family still came, but I just didn't want to." I explained before he could ask.

Niall looked disbelieving at my incredulous statement. "Why didn't you want to?"

"I don't really want to talk about it." It was a bit abrupt after we had been conversing rather well, for us. Sadly, it caused us to go back to walking in silence, but it didn't really matter since we were practically there. "So if I'm going to help you get a job, what do you like?"

"I love music. I love footballs too, but I already play for a team here. So a job with lots of music would be good." His blue eyes lit up with excitement when he talked about his interests. He looked almost giddy; that's probably as much excitement as I was ever going out of him.

"Great! I know the perfect place." I started to walk toward Sizzlin' Sam's Music Shop. It was the only place in town that sold music and musical instruments.

When we walked in the familiar smell of pine mixed with a dash of smoke hit me. It was the owner, Sam's, favorite room scent. She said it made her feel as if she was in the woods, instead of being stuck in a so-called paradise. I took in a deep breath.

"Would you look who it is? None other than my favorite party girl, the only girl who could best my drinking skills, the wild child herself! Everybody, this is Tessa Gold!" Her voice boomed. The entire store looked at Sam, then at me, before someone started clapping. Which led to everyone else clapping and my cheeks flushing to a deep red. In spite of my burning cheeks, I took a mock bow while sending a rueful smile Sam's way. Soon, everybody went back to their business, but Niall looked at me with a bewildered expression. I shrugged, and then was attacked by a smashing bear hug.

"Tessa! It has been forever! Seriously, where have you been?" Thankfully, she had lost the megaphone.

"I've just been in New York, you know, college stuff." She crushed me with another hug.

"For three years? Girl, you are only nineteen. Please tell me 'college stuff' means tons of hot guys at wild parties." Niall suddenly became very interested in his shoes.

I gave her that look. "You know how it is there, Sam."

She slapped her hand to her forehead. "Aww, stupid me. I forgot." I smiled at her. It honestly felt good to be with one of my old friends.

"Well, I actually came here for a reason." She looked at me as if to say, uh duh. "My friend, Niall here, wants a job in the music business, so I immediately thought of you."

Sam turned to Niall. She just seemed to notice Niall for the first time. She drew her eyes down his body slowly and then back up to stare into his eyes. She repeated the process. It was like she was inspecting a piece of meat. He didn't appear to be at all uncomfortable under her scrutiny; it seemed as if he was used to it.

"Can you play?" She asked, looking directly into his eyes.

"I can play guitar and piano." He met her stare directly.

She appraised him. "Fine. You're hired." Niall looked surprised, but then quickly accepted it.

"Really?" I asked, confused. "He got it? Just like that?" I snapped my fingers to emphasize the point.

"Yeah, he's hot. You have got to admit that. Plus, he can play. And if he knows you, he can work with people. He's the total package." Niall smirked at Sam's description of him.

"Hmm, nice. I'm not complaining; takes a lot off my hands." It really does. One job search done, one to go.

"Can you start now?" Sam asked Niall. "All I have to do is get you your polo." When he nodded, she rushed to the back room to get said polo.

"So do you need me to come back after your shift to take you home? Or you can hang out with me and my friends? Whatever you want." I told him.

"I'll hang out with you then, I guess."

"Sure, see you then. If you get off before me, occupy yourself or go down to Denarii's. I'll probably be working there." I left with a wave, and didn't look back once.