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‘Bullshit.’ Deb looked taken aback. ‘No, Naomi. Don’t fuck with me.’
Her shift in energy was like a slice to the heart.
‘I’m dead serious. I have the papers in my bag.’ I dug for them and raised them to show her.
‘I don’t understand. It’s so hard to get a job at Patrick’s restaurant. Like, it’s one of the most sought-after restaurants to work at in Australia.’ She narrowed her eyes again and frowned.
‘I guess I did something right.’ I shrugged, put the papers back, and pulled off my boots. I wasn’t surprised by Deb’sreaction – I didn’t quite understand what had happened myself this afternoon.
‘Naomi, this isn’t normal. You know that, right? This is seriously a big deal, and you have no idea how many people would kill for that job.’
‘I know. When I walked in, Clara, the waitress, said one hundred other people applied for the position.’
‘So, they aren’t even going to test anyone else out?’ She raised her brows with annoyance as her skin flamed red.
‘I’m not sure.’ I shrugged.
‘Hmm.’ She stared at me, a strange look on her face. ‘I think he’s got the hots for you.’
‘Oh, shut up. That’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever said to me.’
‘Well, think about it. Why else would he hire you so quickly? It’s weird. Like, I know you’re talented, but so are many other people who happen to also bequalifiedchefs, and if you couldn’t make it at Mon Amour, what makes you think you can make it at Patrick’s restaurant?’
‘Are you serious, Deb? What, you can’t be happy for me and have to bring up the one label I hate and remind me I’m just acookand not aqualified chef?Why are you criticising me right now? You sound like frickin’ Daniel.’
No wonder I always doubted my skills when the line of being just a cook got shoved in my face constantly.
Victor snuck outside with a cigarette in his mouth to avoid the tension building in the room.
‘I’m happy for you, but that’s just bullshit, and, yes, I reckon he’s got the hots for you. Why else would he add you on Facebook and message you for a coffee? He’s clearly just another arsehole who wants to bang a young blonde. I bet he’ll end up being just like Daniel and abuse you too.’ She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.
I turned away from Deb, my heart beating faster with anger, and took a deep breath to steady myself. After a few seconds, I swirled back around to face her and blurted out the first thing that came to mind. ‘No, Deb, he’s nothing like Daniel. He is a decent person who has manners.’
She sat back so hard on the couch, one of the cushions fell to the floor. ‘You don’t even know him. You’re stupid, Naomi, absolutely stupid. Get the hell out of my face.’
My jaw clenched as I stormed off to the bathroom. Inside, it was killing me how our friendship was deteriorating, and I didn’t have the faintest clue how to patch it up.Maybe I’m the one who should move. Would that save our friendship? Hmm. I don’t know what to do.Why does Deb have to be so scornful right now? If it was her that got the job, I’d be ecstatic for her.
After I undressed, I stepped into the shower and turned on the taps until they could no longer twist. Water came pelting out and fell hard on my chest, making it hurt more than it already did. Then the tears came gushing, and I just let myself cry until my throat stung and I couldn’t cry any longer.
Nothing in life was ever smooth sailing, was it? It was a vicious cycle of gain followed by loss or a struggle, and no matter what, those elements balanced each other out like salt did with sickly sweet caramel.
I chucked on my nightie after my shower and went straight to bed, sandwiching my head in the pillow to block out Deb’s music. Remembering her words about Patrick having the hots for me made my skin go funny again.Could it be? Does a thirty-five-year-old, sexy-as-hell restaurateur really have the hots for me?I knew older guys liked to sleep with younger women, but for real, I wasn’t exactly a model. I was only five foot five with short legs and small boobs. He could have anyone, truly anyone,so why would he even look at me that way?
My thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.
‘What?’ I groaned.Why didn’t I lock the door?
‘Naomi, it’s me. I’m so sorry. I know I got carried away. I’m just drunk and jobless. Please don’t be mad at me. I’m your best friend. Come have a few drinks and loosen up. Let’s celebrate your new job.’ Her voice was laced with sadness.
I felt a tiny bit of my anger start to melt, and I lifted my head from the pillow. ‘It’s unlocked.’
Deb swung open the door, sat on the end of the bed, and tickled my feet.
‘I’m sorry, Naomi. I really am. I know you’re going through a rough time. It’s just I am hurting so bad at the moment. What do I even have to look forward to when I wake up in the morning? A ciggie and drink? Is that all I’ve got?’ Deb said with a frown.
‘Deb, you’ve got so much more to look forward to than just smokes and drinks, and you know it. Plus, you having a house all to yourself is pretty great, isn’t it? Lots of people would kill to have a house to themselves.’ I sat up and moved beside her, ready to offer my emotional support.
‘It’s okay. Could be bigger.’ Her face was full of sorrow.
