Aaron’s face twists into a grimace. “Did something happen? All the Devils have been acting weird. I know you and he were—”
“No. Nothing happened. Things ran their course. That’s all.”
Julio’s vibrating with anger beside me. I know he wants to say something. He’s made it clear what he thinks about Roman, but thankfully he keeps quiet about it all.
“Well, for what it’s worth, I hope you’re doing okay. Roman is an asshole. You deserve better.”
Julio whistles and the teacher’s head jerks in our direction with a glare. In a quieter tone he says, “You can say that again. That guy is a grade-A asshole.”
Aaron high fives him and I stifle a groan as the two dive into a heated conversation about just how much of a dick Roman is.Great.
Just as class ends Aaron’s phone chimes with a message. He pulls out his cell and scowls. “Shit.”
“Something wrong?” I ask.
He ruffles his sandy blond hair before shoving his phone in his back pocket and grabbing his skateboard. "One of our dishwashers at the diner just bailed. No notice either. Tonight is going to suck."
“You work at a diner?” Julio asks.
He nods. “Yeah. My aunt owns it—the Sun Valley Station. Best burgers in town. I work there after school sometimes to help her out.” He shrugs. “I don’t really need the money but it gets me out of the house.”
An idea forms and before I can talk myself out of it I say, “I can help. I mean, if you think she’d want to fill the position. I’m looking for a job.”
His brows furrow. “You are?”
I bob my head enthusiastically.
“Allie, you sure this is a good idea?” Julio whispers beside me. I give him an affirming nod. This is a great idea. Exactly what I need.
“Yeah. I’ve put in a few applications around town, but I haven’t gotten any callbacks.”
“I’ve seen your place and your new ride. You’re not hurting for cash. Why would you want to scrub dishes at a diner?”
“Because I don’t want to have to rely on my bio-dad for everything. I barely know the guy. You know what he’s like. Would you want anything from him?"
He shakes his head with a grimace, probably remembering Gerald’s words when he’d last been over.
“If you helped me get this job you’d be doing me a huge favor.”
His lips twist as he considers it. “You’d be able to work tonight?”
I nod.
“Alright. I’ll talk to her. I can’t make any promises but plan on working the closing shift. It’s four to eleven.”
“Thank you. You have no idea how much I appreciate it.” The bell rings signaling the end of class and we all get up, gathering our things.
Aaron smiles and steps forward. His arms open as if to hug me and instantly I stiffen. Julio intercepts the touch, reaching out to shake Aaron’s hand while pulling him into a bro hug. Aaron’s eyes widen in confusion over Julio’s shoulder.
“Thanks for helping my girl out, man. I’m glad she’ll have a friend around after I head back home.”
“Uh, yeah. Of course.”
Julio steps away and then tugs me toward the door.
“See you tonight,” I tell him, rushing to leave.
THIRTY-ONE
