“Not sure what else there is to know,” I say with a shrug.
“Oh, I bet there’s loads of shit to know. You’re not exactly an open book.”
“Well, I’m gonna have to have words with him first. I can’t have him spilling shit.” Whilst he’s loyal, I have no doubt he would throw me under a bus with embarrassing shit for the sake of a good laugh. Like how I busted my wrist when I flung it against the wall when Mamma caught me wanking that time. He laughed his fucking head off for weeks after that, and just to be an arse, he likes to bring it up every so often.
“Don’t be worried, De Luca. I promise that I’ll only use the juicy information against you. I’m not one to gossip.”
I give her a smarmy smile in return. I bet she’ll use anything she can. It’s not much of a threat though, because I’d like to see what she does with it. I’m intrigued by what goes on inside that head of hers.
I finish my mouthful and take in a long breath. There’s serious shit I need to focus on here for a minute.
“Did you really mean what you said? About coming to meetings?” I ask quietly.
“Yes,” she says with certainty. I close my eyes for a second, grateful to have Suds in my corner.
“After dinner, we get rid of the grog. I can’t have it here.”
“No worries.”
With a nod, I think over what I’m gonna say next. I have no idea how I’m going to deal with what’s ahead of me.
“How the fuck am I gonna handle Vegas?” I blurt out.
“Once day at a time. I’ll be there too, so if you need to talk or anything, I’m around.”
“But what about Jones? Some fuckin’ best man I am if I won’t even drink. I might as well not fuckin’ go.” Jesus, I sound like a bloody child.
“I think you should tell Jones the truth.” Is she crazy?
“What! No. I’ll get crucified for this shit.”
“Do you really think a good friend would do that to you? He values you enough to have in his wedding party. Doesn’t that tell you something about him, and what he thinks of you? You need to take a chance and tell him. I think you’ll be surprised how he reacts.”
“I guess,” I grumble.
“Just do it, and then it’s done,” she orders.
“Such a bossy bitch,” I say, and shake my head.
“You love it,” she teases.
Hmm. She’s right. It does get my dick hard.
After we clean up, Suds practically has to hold my hand as I tip every last drop of alcohol down the sink. I need to convince myself that pouring a few hundred bucks of grog down the drain is a good thing.
Two days dry. Small fuckin’ miracle.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
SOPHIE
Tuesday
After a long day at work, I toss my dirty apron in the wash basket at the back of the kitchen and then follow Tarsh into the staffroom. I feel like flopping myself down in a chair but I know if I do, it’ll be ten times harder to get up. My feet are throbbing like mad. Once I get home, I can have a nice hot bath … if Rocco hasn’t used up all the hot water, that is.
“You were awesome today, Tarsh. Today was flat out and you totally handled it.”
“I wouldn’t have been able to do it on my own. How am I going to cope when you’re gone?”
“You were fine. I tell you, though, I’m impressed how you handled the guys in the kitchen. You’re on a fast track to making them your bitches.”
“You really think?” she asks, all doey-eyed.
“Absolutely.”
I grab my bag from my locker and slap it down on the table. As I reach for my jacket inside, a muffled ring makes me jump. I search for my phone in a mild panic before it rings out. It’s a private number, but I don’t hesitate to answer. It could be the call I’ve been waiting for.
“Hello, Sophie speaking,” I answer in my most polite voice. Even I surprise myself with how I sound. Very professional.
“Good afternoon, Sophie. It’s Julie Walker from Walker & Wilde,” she says, her tone all business.
“Nice to hear from you,” I say, mirroring her tone.
“I’ll cut right to the chase, Sophie.”
“Sure,” I say, feeling hopeful, yet bracing myself for disappointment.
“I’m offering you a job on my team,” Julie says.
She’s what?
“Oh my God, you are?”
I cover my hand over my mouth to stifle my scream and do a very wild version of a happy dance. Tarsh has to duck to avoid being poked in the face.
“I’ve got an eye for people. You don’t get to where I am without it. I see something in you, Sophie. You’re hungry, you know your stuff, and I know given half the chance, you’ll flourish.”
“You … you have no idea what this means to me.”
“I was lucky enough that someone gave me a chance … but I’m not taking a chance on you. You’re a sure thing.”
“Thank you. I’ll take it,” I gush.
A soft laugh flows through the phone. “You haven’t even asked me what the job is.”
Wow, I am flustered. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s a junior position to start, but we’d like to help you fast track your studies so you can finish your degree. We’d be happy to offer you some study leave.”
“Oh my God. I … I don’t know what to say. Thank you so much.”
“No problems. I’ll email you the employment package for you to take a look at it. I’m assuming you’ll give four weeks’ notice to your current employer?”
Four weeks. It’ll be after I get back from Vegas. The timing couldn’t be more perfect.
“Yes, I’d feel better about giving him as much notice as possible. I’ve offered to do some extra training with another staff member to make sure she’s up to speed before I leave.” I throw a wink in Tarsh’s direction. She’s grinning like a child model with Vaseline on her teeth, and clutching her hands in front of her chest.
“Just another confirmation that we made the right decision to hire you. Once you’ve had a look through the papers, give me a call and we’ll catch up and get this thing squared away.”
“Thank you. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.”
When I get off the phone, Tarsh is blinking and fidgeting on her feet like an excited puppy. “Did you get a job?” she probes.
“Yeah, I kinda did,” I say, almost not believing the words falling from my mouth. I don’t even need to read the contract to know I’ll say yes, but I’ll be checking over all the conditions and my entitlements. I won’t be walking in blind. I’ve learnt my lesson when it comes to the fine print.
Tarsh wraps her arms around my shoulders and squeals. “I’m so happy for you.”
Wow. It seems I actually made a friend. I guess there’s the lesson in opening up to people. There’s definitely nothing wrong with having more people on my side.
“Thanks.” I give her a gentle squeeze and then reach for my phone. I ring April to share the good news. Unfortunately it goes straight to voicemail, so I leave a very squeally message for her to call me.
When I know who’s next on my list to call to share the news, pride swells in my chest.
“I got a job,” I yell.
“Shit. That’s awesome,” Rocco says, competing with a loud pop-pop-pop noise in the background.
“I’m thinking a feast of popcorn, jelly and noodles is in order.”
“You trying to piss me off? Don’t be fuckin’ stupid. I’ll cook,” he demands.
“Jelly for dessert then? I stuck a batch of limey goodness in the fridge last night.”
He grumbles. I can’t tell if it’s an affirmative for glowing green dessert or no.
“What time are you home?” I ask.
“I’m leaving the workshop now, so maybe in an hour. I’ll pick up some shit on the way.”
“I’d prefer you picked up food,” I joke.
His deep voice chuckles into the phone before the call ends.
I’m serious about the jelly. I didn’t make it last night for nothing.
I say goodbye to Tarsh. Tony isn’t in the office, so I make my way to my car. I’ll send him an email when I get home, and talk to him properly next shift. I hope he’s okay with me leaving. It’ll certainly be weird saying goodbye after working for him for so long.