Less than Perfect, S. J. Evans [classic literature books txt] 📗

wanted me to work here, and I applied and got the job. I must say that I really can’t complain, I mean, it’s a rewarding job when I get costumers like you.” He smiled again, a small smile that didn’t show any teeth. “First day on the job and I’m already really enjoying it.”
She almost gagged on her own saliva, surprised by the words that were echoing in her ears. She couldn’t believe this kid, he was suddenly showing up a lot in her life. She didn’t want to break her promise with Bryan, but, in a way, she already had broken it and what could a little more do? She let herself smile, flattered that he was actually taking the time to make conversation with her. She glanced around the shop and realized that the place was practically dead, there was only one other customer besides her, and it really surprised her. “This place sure is quiet today.” She commented, trying to change the subject.
He followed her gaze and quietly laughed. “Really? Because I thought the place was hopping.” He grinned, showing his perfectly white teeth.
She looked at him and found that he was staring at her again, his bold eyes making her shiver. His smile was breathtaking. “Do I sense a sort of sarcasm in those words of yours?” She said playfully.
“I believe that sarcasm would be right, Stool girl.”
“Thought so,” she said quietly, tapping her fingernails against the cold tables’ surface. She could feel his stare, burning a slightly wonderful yet uncomfortable sensation in her body. She shifted in her chair and cleared her throat, trying to break up the silence that was between them. The silence hung in the air, almost as overwhelming as the humidity outside.
Jules took out his order pad and stenciled a quick sketch of Skye. She kept her gaze straight ahead of her, her mind drifting off into another world. When he had finished the drawing he realized that it was almost identical to her actual profile, he had a real talent for it. He hastily tore off the picture and stuffed it into his pocket, giving her a few quick and timid glances.
She watched him as he fumbled with the order pad, wondering why he didn’t just ask her what she wanted to order. She opened her mouth to speak but closed it again, timidly looking into his eyes.
“What would you like to order?” He asked her, pencil poised over the pad of paper, his stare unwavering.
She swallowed on her nerves and shook her head. “I’m waiting for someone, I’ll just get something when he’s here.” It’s not just someone though, it’s my boyfriend.

She whined in her mind.
Jules was slightly surprised, but he held himself back from showing it. “Sounds good,” he said distractedly glancing back at the girl at the counter. She was staring at him as if she was pleading with him for something, her eyes challenging him. “I have to go, I’ll be back. Let me know if you need anything, and I mean anything

.” He winked at Skye before hurrying over to the counter, bending over to talk to the red-head.
Skye couldn’t really believe how much they had talked together, he was being kind to her and that surprised her. She hasn’t really ever had very many friends; in fact, Rachel and Leah are her closest friends.
She ducked her head down and sighed as sincere happiness took a place in her heart. Seeing Jules again brought her stomach butterflies and her heart to a racing but pleasurable beat. She felt good for once.
Maybe she shouldn’t let herself feel good though. “There you are, beautiful.” Bryan said to her. She popped her head up and her smile instantly disappeared. Bryan stood above her, forcing her mind to wrap itself around the past night with him. She hated that they were meeting together; it only made her want to be sick and run away.
He was grinning, and when he brought himself down to kiss her forehead, she hoped Jules wasn’t watching. He was the only one on her mind in a good way. “Hey, Bryan,” She said around an inaudible sigh.
Bryan moved his lips around her lips and kissed her forcibly. “Did you miss me?” He whispered in her ear, letting his lips brush her cheek. She winced as even the softest touch hurt her swollen cheek.
“Of course I missed you,” she said uncomfortably. She wanted to scream at him so that he would stop kissing her, but thought better of it. Not only would he ignore it and kiss harder, but Jules would see them together. “Bryan, can you please stop? It hurts,” She breathed. His lips were on hers again in a flash and she wanted to gag.
“Okay,” he said pulling himself away from her and dropping onto the chair across from her. She took a breath of relief and glanced over to the counter for Jules; only, he wasn’t there. “About last night,” Bryan began.
“It’s okay Bryan, I know you didn’t want to hurt me.”
“You’re right, I didn’t. But I still shouldn’t have done what I did. I mean, you would never do anything to hurt me like that, right?”
“No, I wouldn’t Bryan. And I understand it could’ve looked bad with me and that boy, but please Bryan, don’t worry so much for me. I’m a big girl; I can handle talking to a boy.”
“I know that you can handle it, that’s why it’s so hard. I couldn’t have you trying to be with anyone else, and you shouldn’t let me have to feel this way. If you stayed away from him I wouldn’t have to worry about it all.
“Bryan, I already promised that I wouldn’t do that to you, so why are you still making this such a big deal? I couldn’t do that to you, I’m not going to cheat on you. Not with that boy, not with anyone. Okay?”
Bryan grinned with satisfaction. Again he had gotten what he wanted, full and complete access to Skye. “Okay, I believe you. I’m done making a big deal out of it all.”
“Bryan, what happened to you getting here at noon?”
“I got stuck in traffic.”
“I didn’t see a lot of traffic.”
“I went the long way and there had been a bad accident blocking the traffic flow. Sorry,” he said it all with sincerity. But she was having a hard time believing it.
“You promise?”
“Are you saying that I’m lying to you?” He said loudly, his tone jumping a few notches louder. He stared at her in complete innocence. “Skye, I’m not lying, promise.”
“Okay. Where were you?”
Suddenly Bryan looked more uncomfortable, and before he could answer, Jules came up behind him carrying pencil and paper in hand. “You must be the one she was waiting for,” he said looking at Bryan. When he saw Bryan’s face he seemed uncomfortable and off. Bryan was staring at him with a look of confusion and distress.
“Have we met before?” He asked, his voice coming out in total confidence.
Jules looked taken aback. “No, I don’t think so. Although, somehow you remind me of someone I used to know.”
Skye coughed dramatically, “Bryan what do you want to get?” She asked, changing the subject. She didn’t want Bryan getting into a fight with Jules, not over her anytime.
He shook his head and ran his hand through his dark and scruffy hair. “Coffee, black.” Suddenly he looked tired and weary, as if he was holding back a whole lot of anger.
“Okay, a cup of coffee for the man. What about for the lady?” Jules said, turning his gaze to Skye.
“I’d rather not have anything. I’m not really hungry or thirsty.” She said nervously, biting her lips as she could feel the awkwardness between Bryan and Jules. She knew why Bryan was acting so strange around Jules, but why would Jules be strange around him?
“Are you sure, babe?” Bryan snapped, oddly concerned sounding.
“I’m sure, Bryan. I don’t want anything.” She hissed, awkwardly slumping down in her seat afterwards, feeling embarrassed about how she reacted. She was mad at Bryan, she didn’t want to put her in such an awkward position. “No thank you, Jules.” She said, looking at Jules carefully again. She didn’t make eye contact because she didn’t want Bryan to react to her.
“Okay, well, I’ll be right back with coffee, black.” Jules announced as he put on a smile and walked away.
Bryan glared at Jules as he let his gaze follow the employee. He turned his head back to Skye and clenched his teeth. His jaw tightened and he growled a few harsh words about Jules under his breath. “Skye, did you know he works here? That’s the boy from last night isn’t it? Jules

.” He spat.
She was taken slightly aback at his rage, she expected as much, but it still startled her. She wanted to cry out to him that she didn’t want his scolding. “Yeah, that’s him, but I didn’t know he works here, I swear! And why would it matter if I did?” She said a little too loudly, taking in the realization of just how angry Jules makes him. “I love you, Bryan, I couldn’t love anyone else.” There was a sour taste in her mouth and it was hard for her to even say the words. She did love him, but she didn’t actually think that he was the only she could ever love.
“I love you too, but he’s just—I don’t want you around him. Okay?” There was a certain amount of warning in his voice and she was not about to disregard it.
“Okay, I won’t go around him, promise.” She sighed on the inside, feeling regret to have promised staying away from the one person she really could feel anything with.
Jules came back to the table and gave Bryan his coffee, silently. The table was dead silent, no one really even bothering to look at each other, except for Jules, he was staring at Bryan, almost as if he was trying to figure him out. Skye peered up at Jules as he walked away, giving her one last smile before slipping back into work. Bryan had his hand on the table in a fist, staring out the window across from them. She felt her heart drop into her stomach when she thought of Jules leaving her again. She didn’t believe that she would see Jules again, and according to Bryan, she wasn’t supposed to.
“I think I should go. Just stay away from him, okay? Later, babe.” Bryan kissed her on the way out and shot a glare at Jules as he worked behind the counter, cleaning the blender. Jules watched him leave slightly unnerved, and the moment Bryan was out of the shop, he took a quick glance at Skye. She had her head off in the clouds, but around her eyes tears were slipping down her fragile cheeks.
Jules made his