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My smile falters. Two can play at this game. “Actually, I missed a shift because I was filing a report against your asshole of a boyfriend and then Hunter went missing. But don’t worry, we found him. He was a bit beaten up and needed to go to the doctor, but I guess you wouldn’t really care since your soul is as black as the coffee we serve. Now, what can I so kindly get you?”
Lauren presses her hands against the counter, leaning toward me, scowling darkly. “You really are something, you know that?”
“I can say the same,” I whisper harshly. “I sure hope you know what you’re doing with Josh.”
“And I sure hope you leave us the fuck alone.” Lauren flicks her hair over her shoulder, looking haughty as she stares down at me. “I have everything I have ever wanted.”
I give her a look like I don’t believe her. Because I don’t. I think she’s lying. I think deep down she acts like this, haughty and thinking she’s better than me, because she knows Josh is evil.
“We’re fine,” she says, her tone bitter and harsh. “You’re nothing, but a liar, Rachel. A fucking liar.”
I smirk. “And you’re in denial.” I take a step back, crossing my arms while I stare back at her. Her eyes widen and her mouth falls open as she trips over her words.
“I-I am not,” she stutters.
The door opens and the bell rings. Both Lauren and I turn toward the sound. I stifle a groan as I watch Josh stride inside, walking toward us. Wonderful. I have to deal with them both now.
“Rachel,” Josh says while giving me a bitter look. “I didn’t know you worked here.”
“Want me to change jobs, as well, Josh? That way you don’t have to see me?”
Josh stiffens. His hand grabs Lauren’s elbow and he turns her away from me. “Come,” he murmurs. “Let’s go find the others. We’ll order coffee later.”
I watch them leave, my gaze narrowing as I hear Lauren say, “What did she mean by changing jobs, Josh?”
Interesting, I think while watching Josh and Lauren sit with a group of art students in the corner. So she didn’t know about the whole switching classes thing. Wonder why he didn’t tell her about it?
Josh turns toward me, his gaze meeting mine and making my heart stop. Quickly, I look away, not wanting to give that snake any more of my attention. But, it’s difficult for me to work with their prying eyes. I’m so aware of them. My hands shake with each pour of the coffee. My feet trip over themselves as I walk the few steps to the sink or toward the syrups. I nearly drop a mug, but thankfully, a hand underneath mine catches it in time.
“Are you alright?”
I look up, finding Lucas looming above me, placing the mug on the counter. “S-sorry,” I murmur. “I’m a little out of sorts.”
“What’s going on? Is everything alright at home? Are your parents—”
I clamp my eyes closed and shake my head. “It’s not that.” I purse my lips and tilt my head. “Well, maybe it is partly that.” I open my eyes one at a time. “Things are going well there, but also…” I sigh, my shoulders slumping. “Josh is here. And Lauren.”
“What?”
Lucas scowls, his gaze scanning the room until his eyes land on the group in the corner. He rolls up his sleeves, as if he’s going go over there and punch Josh in the face. The thought brings a smile to my face, although I doubt violence would solve anything. Most likely make it much worse.
“Do you want me to throw him out?”
I quickly shake my head, my hand grabbing his arm just in case. “No, please, don’t. I don’t need any more drama today.” I rub my temples and lean against the counter. “I just wish I didn’t have to look at them. It sucks not being able to leave.”
“Hang in there. One more hour.” Lucas smiles and waggles his eyebrows. “Or I could throw him out.”
I chuckle. “He’s here with his girlfriend. I doubt she’ll let you put a finger on him.”
“Girlfriend?” Lucas frowns and turns toward Josh. “That asshole has a girlfriend. Who?”
I sigh. “Lauren.”
Lucas’s eyes widen. “Wasn’t she your—”
“Friend,” I finish for him with a nod. “Yep.”
“But, doesn’t she know he attacked you?”
