A Moment We Lived In.

Y's

ago. She couldn't afford to hire anyone, and I couldn't afford to sit at home wallowing. So I pra

-it was grounding. A far cry from the "best job I ever had," where I traveled out of town in heels that didn't fit, pitched fan

motionally unavailable, and, in the end, mortified to be associated w

ne-night stand I had just days after. Easily the best sex of my li

s hot chocolate sloshe

oving behind the counter with practiced ease and pas

skin. "I'm sorry, Em. I am probably ruining this for

dickhead ex. Honestly, that might be t

e. I can't stop thinking about it and I won't

o back

s, I bailed on him while he was still asleep, remember?

l. Don't give it much thought, Olly

tic, oddly comforting hum. I loved watching people pour into the shop. Students,

ike

.. of

into reality. A man with a suitcase ordered his usual.

ust by breathing next to her. Her energy filled the room. She looked like she had her life perf

he reached the counter. Kn

s phon

. "It's Richard. If he's calling dur

," I said

nds as I had made it a hundred times, for a lot of customers and myse

r you to ask. I didn'

double cream," I repeated t

Thank

ipped from her grasp and splash

d, grabbing a wad of tissues and r

"Oh no! Don't worry. But

, more tissue-Thank God it was just the lower hem of the dress.

tly. "I'll probably toss the dress

that dress within an inch of its life a

uncomfortable? I

e as much tissue as you want, I am

ce flushed with excitement-until

what did you

aid. "It wasn't

y things at once. My bag in my hand, a cup of coffee on th

es. "Sorry about that. W

out the cash before you acce

"Oh yeah! Le

m sorry, but. . ." Emily said as she stretched to

y mind. It is my fault anyway." She released

gain, leaving behind only the fai

mily, "what was the excite

u've just been offered an i

paused.

he interview's tomorrow.

urse I'm interested."

esitation in my vo

ve gone for so many interviews in the past few

ne's di

t doesn't exactly scream 'team play

g. You called out corru

verything. My job

was ashamed to be seen with someone who

ifferently. Kept my head d

e beans and something else I couldn't name but had come to depend on. She'd be

. "And they'll see what you're worth. And if t