Page 16 of Unhinged Cain

“You’re a wildling, but you keep it hidden because you feel repressed by something else in your life…could be a person, maybe a job.” Jorge hesitated and then continued. “You like rich, bold flavors, but nothing too fancy and a hint of spice that will curl your toes on a cold winter’s night. I know just the thing.” His fingers moved quickly along the digital register, and he proceeded to smile. “That will be eleven thirty-five, please,” he practically sang.

I dug around in my purse and pulled out a twenty to hand over but held onto the bill as his fingers touched it. “I’m here because I’d like to apply for the position I heard you have available, but I’ll also take the coffee because I’m very curious how you guessed all that about me with one look.”

A wicked smile spread across his face as he handed over my change.

“I’ll never share my secret, but as far as the job goes….” Jorge tapped his beautifully manicured, hot pink nail on the counter. “Let me see to the rest of these customers, and if you’re still sitting here when I’m through, we can talk about the job.”

“This is your place?”

“Don’t look so shocked, Sweetie.”

“I’m sorry, it’s just this is an awesome spot, and I wouldn’t know the first thing about how to get something so successful off the ground, let alone the cost involved. I’m impressed.”

Jorge smirked as his eyes traveled over my outfit. I looked down to see what he was seeing.

“Coming from one of our next super agents, I’ll take that as a compliment. Your coffee will be at the end.” He pointed to the girl that was busy making drinks faster than I could move my arms.

“Thanks,” I said as I made my way to the end of the counter and thanked the girl working before I sat down.

This felt a lot more nerve-wracking than I thought it would, and my knee was bouncing under the table to prove it. I took a sip of the mysterious blend I’d been served and moaned softly as it touched my tongue. Okay, Jorge was good. I looked at the cup in wonder as I tried to decipher what was in it.

I played some games on my phone and read the daily news. There was another headline about the killer my mother was chasing down. Not that she talked about it much, but I’d seen the paperwork when she left it out and had taken a peek a time or two. The case was fascinating. I found it interesting that the article about another discarded body was on page three while the latest celebrity news was front page worthy. They certainly didn’t want it to be in your face that this person was out killing and dropping off bodies as often as garbage was picked up.

“You stayed,” Jorge said, startling me out of my thoughts. “Here, I brought you a refill on the house.” He sat a cup of the same coffee down, and I smiled wide.

“Thanks again.”

“You can call me Jorge, but some days I prefer Jorgina. You have a problem with that?” He pointed to the name tag that I’d already noticed.

I lifted a shoulder and let it drop. “Not in the slightest, but you may need to tell me which you prefer that day until I get to know you better.”

One elegant eyebrow raised as he bit his lip. The lip liner and gloss were so perfect that I had a jealous moment staring at them. “Honey, I like you. Alright, so give me the goods, and please tell me you have prior experience as a barista,” Jorge asked.

I shook my head no as I took a sip of the hot drink. I think I was officially addicted. “No, I don’t.”

“Do you have waitressing experience?”

“A little. I worked at a Denny’s for a couple of months.”

Jorge sat back in the chair, the metallic silver tips of his stylish haircut shining under the lights. “How about baking experience?”

I sighed and sat the cup down. “I’ll be honest, Jorge, I don’t have any real experience working anywhere. The closest I’ve come to a real job was the part-time one I had at Denny’s, and then there was a school car wash fundraiser I ran. I managed to make more money with my wet T-shirt than I did cleaning cars, so I’m not sure that counts. I’m also great if you want something painted because I’ve done a few murals for money.”

I picked up one of the tube-styled sugar packs and spun it between my fingers as I continued to speak. “You’re right, though. I’m attending Quantico. And it’s kind of frowned upon to work while you’re attending school, but I’m looking to branch out and do more than school all day and workout and study all night. I’ll go insane with only those activities. This must sound ridiculous, but the moral of that really long story is that I sincerely want this job.”

“You say you want to branch out. What exactly does that mean, and why my coffee shop?”

I fidgeted in my seat and looked around as if my mother had ears everywhere and might hear me say this. With her, anything was possible. “Attending Quantico has never been what I wanted, and although I’m dedicated to finishing the program, I don’t think I’ll make it as an agent.”

“Hmm, I’m not sure this is the right job for you to cut your teeth on, Darlin’. We are very busy all the time, so training someone that has no experience is a difficult task, and I can’t pay anywhere near the wage you’d probably be expecting.” Jorge said as he started to stand.

“How about if I work for free for a week as a trial? I learn fast, am efficient, and I’m good with people. Please, all I’m asking for is a shot. If you don’t think I can cut it after a week, then let me go, and if you think I can, then you can put me on the books.”

Jorge tapped his chin as he thought. “What time are you off school?”

“I made up a schedule,” I said and pulled out the paper with my available days and times out of my bag to hand over.

His eyes scanned over the month-long calendar. “Alright, I’ll give you a chance. I’ll see you at three tomorrow, and wear comfortable footwear and black pants. I’ll provide the top.”