Chapter 40: Chapter forty

Drayton

“But why? You haven't even interviewed me yet.” Arielle said after snapping out of her shock.

I was just as surprised as she was. Chuck wasn't a judgemental person. He had offered me a job despite knowing my background. It didn't make sense that he would reject her without an interview.

“I'm sorry. It's just that I can't hire you right now because–”

“Because I'm Charles McAlister's daughter?” Arielle finished.

Chuck seem inclined to argue but decided against it.

“Believe me, it has nothing to do with you or your father.” Chuck said, rubbing his temple, a clear sign that he was frustrated.

“Of course.” Arielle said, her hands clenched tightly at her sides. Her posture had gone completely stiff. She seem to be holding herself back from doing something.

“I should probably take my leave then.” She turned towards the door without waiting for a response.

Chuck stared at her retreating figure and sighed.

“You should go after her. She seem upset.”

“Of course, she's upset. You rejected her without even giving her a chance.” I groaned, my anger rising.

I've never gotten mad at Chuck before. He had always been like a father to us. Suzie, Brett, and I. He took us in and helped us in many ways. Chuck treated all of us like family.

But it was getting hard to remember that fact when I was this pissed at him. I was about to ask him the reason behind his decision but stopped when I noticed his solemn expression.

“Are you okay?” I asked instead.

“Yes.” He replied stiffly without meeting my gaze.

“Chuck?” I insisted.

Something was clearly going on with him, and I had a feeling it had to do with why he didn't show up yesterday. Chuck was the most bubbly person I know, when he's not dealing with difficult customers, it was rare to see a frown on his face. The sight of it was a clear sign that something wasn't right.

Chuck released a heavy breath.

“It's just… I haven't told Brett and Suzanne yet.”

I moved forward and settled in the chair across from him. My mind raced with several reasons that could have made him like this but I could only think of one thing. The coffee shop.

Chuck loved this place more than anything. Ever since he lost his family to a car accident few years ago, he had focused all his attention on building this place. It had given him a reason to keep going. I couldn't imagine him losing it.

I might not have worked here as long as my colleagues, but I had fallen in love with this place too. Working here had started as a way to spite my father, but I had also found something I lost when my mother died. A family.

“I made an investment with a beverage company few months ago, but it turned out to be a scam. I lost a lot of money and had to get a loan from the bank to keep paying your salaries. I used the coffee shop as collateral. I haven't been able to repay it. I could lose this place if I don't come up with the money soon.” Chuck explained with a grim expression on his face.

I stared at him in stunned silence. It explained the reasons behind his recent moodiness. We'd all assumed it was because he was missing his family. There had been a few times in the past when that happened. We always gave him enough space during those times.

“But why didn't you say anything to us?” I asked.

“I didn't want you guys to worry about it or try to make me cut your salaries. Brett has to save for college, and the coffee shop is Suzie's only source of income. She isn't old enough to get another job easily.”

I understood his reasons. Chuck had always put other people first. He knew we would insist he cut our salaries if we knew.

“What about me? My condition isn't as serious as the rest. You could have held off on paying me till the bank issue is sorted.”

“I know how much working for your own money meant to you. It gave you purpose. I don't want to take that away.”

His words took me by surprise and I became speechless. I had convinced myself that the reason I took on this job was to reduce Jonathan's hold on me, but at that moment I realized Chuck wasn't entirely way off.

Coming here everyday gave me something to look forward to for the past two years. As I pondered on it, I realized how true that was.

“I'm going to figure it out, but I can't employ anyone until then.” Chuck's voice broke into my trail of thoughts.

“You're not going to figure it out alone. We're all going to help you. I'll talk to Suzie and Brett about this.”

Chuck's nose flared for a split second. He seem inclined to argue but he must have seen the determination in my eyes. He shook his head and leaned into his chair.

“Thank you.” He muttered.

I gave him a simple nod and stood up. I turned to the door and was about to walk out but stopped.

“I never realized it until now but you were right. Working here gave me purpose. And right now Arielle needs that more than anything. You gave me that, you should consider giving her too.” I said.

Chuck nodded at me and I walked out. I saw Arielle at the counter chatting with Brett. She didn't seem as upset as she was few minutes ago.

I leaned against the wall and watched her from a distance. The stiffness from earlier was still present but not as intense. She seem to have gotten over the rejection.

She laughed at something Brett said. I found myself staring at her, soaking in the sound of her laugh and her relaxed expression.

It had been a while since i heard that sound, and I realized in that moment that I would do anything to hear it again. The thought caught me so unaware but it didn't freak me out like I expected. It was like acknowledging something that has always been there.

“I've heard a lot of things about you and the McAlister girl rivalry, but I'm not seeing any of that rivalry now.”

I whirled around to see Chuck standing a few meters away, a knowing smirk on his face.

“We're still rivals. We've just learned to tolerate each other.” I said, my eyes darting around.

“If you say so.” I didn't miss the amusement in his tone. I glared at him but he merely chuckled.

He moved past me to where Brett stood with Arielle. I cursed inwardly and strode after him.

Arielle stopped laughing immediately she saw Chuck, her posture tightening again. I tried to ignore the sting I felt at seeing her uncomfortable.

“Arielle dear, I apologize for my behavior earlier.” Chuck started.

Arielle merely stared at him, her gaze hardening. If Chuck expected a response from her, I knew for a fact that he wouldn't be getting one.

“If you're still interested in getting a job here, you can start tomorrow.” He added.

“What? Why the sudden change of heart?” Arielle asked, her voice laced with surprise.

“Let's just say, someone reminded me of something I had long forgotten. The reason behind all these.” Chuck said with a smile.

“What about my interview?”

“After how much of a jerk I was earlier, I think you earned the job.”

“You were a jerk, but thank you so much for the opportunity.” Arielle said, her eyes lighting up.

Chuck and I broke chuckled in unison. Trust Arielle to deliver insult mixed with appreciation.

“I have a feeling we'll have a great time working together.” Chuck said before strolling away.

Arielle turned to me and said,

“So I guess I have you to thank for his change of heart.”

“I don't know what you're talking about.” I smirked.

“Of course, you don't.” She rolled her eyes chuckling.

“I really appreciate this.” She said and I could feel the sincerity in her words.

“Arielle McAlister thanking me? Hell must have truly frozen over.” I chuckled.

“You're not making this next part easy.” She took a few steps towards me and I found myself holding my breath.

She stretched her hand towards me. I stared at it, my brows arched in confusion.

“I'd like us to stop being at each other's throat and be friends.”

I continued staring at her outstretched hand, wondering if I was somehow making this moment up in my head. But when I heard her grumble about how her hand was hurting, I knew this was real.

I took her hand in mine, trying not to think of how small and perfect it felt. How right it felt.

“Friends.” I said.