Love Bait

9| Sweet taste of revenge

The moment I wake up, I know a storm is coming. I've lived on this island long enough not to rely on the weather channel: I can feel it. Sense it. The air feels thick, like something is behind it, a gentle hum among the stillness.

For a few minutes, I stare at the ceiling, counting the cracks in the plaster. Jordan's words still play in my head, turning and turning: You're going to regret it. I stay in bed until the last possible minute. For the first time ever, I'm dreading my shift at the Big Fish Cafe. It's not that I'm scared of Jordan, but his words have left me unsettled.

At breakfast, the first few drops of rainfall. They come slowly at first, light patters on the window pane. But there's a saying on the island: when it rains, it pours. And several seconds later, it does.

"You're not riding your bike in this," Dad says. He's sitting across the table, sipping his coffee as usual. "I'll drive you to work today."

Lexie's made omelets again, so I have a mouthful of egg when I say, "Thanks, Dad."

He smiles and returns to reading the paper while I stare out the window. It's his least favorite weather, but I prefer the rain. There's just something so beautifully chaotic about it.

When I get to the cafe, Jordan is there, but he's not at a table. He's standing near the counter talking to Kali, who doesn't look very happy with him. I ignore them and get straight to work, serving the next nearest table.

The place is packed, thanks to the weather. Those who usually stroll the harbor or prefer to eat outside have been forced to take shelter, so I'm busy all afternoon. Every so often, though, I'll sneak glances at Jordan. He doesn't particularly look like he's in the mood to kill me, but it's still early.

He's wearing a pale green t-shirt that's a little too tight but shows off his thick, brown arms. His jeans are slightly darker today, nearly black, but I'll allow it – it's cooler than usual with all the rain.

I hate how handsome he is. I hate how awful people are always the ones blessed with good looks. He should look like a turtle with a personality like his, but he doesn't–it's not fair. He's still talking to Kali, but he glances over, his pale eyes darkening. I stare back at him and smile, but he looks away. So, he's still mad, then.

Rain lashes the windows, followed by a rumble of thunder. A few tourists huff and puff like it's something we can control.

"I have a boat tour booked this afternoon!" one woman says. "They better give me a refund if it's canceled."

I smile tightly as I write down her order. "They will, the tour companies around here are pretty good, and this rain will clear up in an hour or two. It always does."

The woman nods, seemingly satisfied. "I sure hope so. I've been really looking forward to spotting some dolphins. We don't get any of those down in Texas!"

I nod and tell her I'll be back with some coffee before heading to the kitchen. I pass Jordan on the way, thinking he'll look at me, but he doesn't so much as turn his head. I'm desperate to know what they're talking about. Kali usually has a rule that we can't stand and talk, so whatever Jordan's saying must be important.

I've just finished getting coffee for my table when Kali beckons me over. Reluctantly, I walk toward them, standing next to Jordan. He stiffens but doesn't look at me. 

Kali sighs. "Evvy, Jordan will spend the next few weeks trying to fix some of the problems before he shows another buyer around."

I look at Jordan, who is still ignoring me. "About time."

This is the wrong thing to say. Slowly, he turns. When Kali disappears to take a phone call out back, Jordan leans down and, in a rough, quiet voice, says, "I forgot to mention." Quick as a flash, those silver eyes flit to mine. "You're fired."