1 Chapter 1: Time to Start Over

Brenna POV

“Where in the world did you send me, Kat?” I asked myself as I grabbed my suitcase from the bus.

Everything had happened so fast last night, that I wasn’t really even sure where I was. All I knew was I had all of my worldly possessions in a duffel, my purse, and the only piece of luggage I was able to leave home with.

As I looked around at the quiet seaside street around me, I felt the brand new phone vibrate in my pocket. The numbers weren’t saved yet, but I knew from habit who was calling.

“Hey, just made it,” I huffed on the phone as I tried to figure out which direction to go for my job interview.

“Good! I didn’t realize the bus would take you so long to get there. Should have sent you on a plane,” Kat sighed as I made my way up the street looking for a coffee shop.

“Kat, I’d have walked up here if it was my only option. You and Leo pulled through for me last night.”

“What are best friends for? You know me and the little brother got you. Always. That’s why this job fell in your lap at the perfect time. So what’s it like up there?”

I paused to look up at the dark gray clouds that were rolling in from the coast. I don’t think I managed to grab my umbrella.

“Well, it’s not So Cal. Way more quiet than LA.”

“That’s cause LA is a cesspit where everything is beautiful and fake at the same time.”

“Just like Scott,” I felt the name slip out before I could realize it. The name I had once cherished more than anything in the world sent shivers down my spine. How quickly could things change in one night?

“Speaking of, Leo and I were up all night dodging calls from that bastard. He’s pissed off, like either of us cared.”

“Did he figure out where I went yet?” I could hear the tremble in my voice as I worried about the answer I’d get.

“No, I mentioned Orange County, so he’s hopefully focused on that area for now. We’re just lucky he slipped up and gave you the chance to get out.”

I didn’t feel lucky, but I knew what she meant. Even though I didn’t have much of a life beforehand, it was still a loss that left me on uncertain ground.

“So,” Kat broke the pause, “did you find the shop yet?”

“I think it’s up ahead. How did you even find this gig for me? It almost sounds too good to be true.”

“Having three jobs gives you connections, and mine helped me out with the place up here. I mean, it’s the kind of work you always wanted to do, and they provide lodging.”

“That’s the thing, what if they don’t hire me. You said this place is elite, but I have no experience in hotels. What if they don’t pick me, I legit have nowhere to go.”

“It’s been a minute since your hospitality classes from undergrad, but you will be fine. It’s entry-level, so it won’t be the most glamorous life, but between lodging and the pay, you can build yourself back up now.”

“I shouldn’t have wasted so much time on him,” I could smell the odor of coffee mixed with salted air just before I saw the shop ahead of me.

“That doesn’t matter now. Don’t think about the time wasted, Brenna. Think about the freedoms you gained back from leaving last night. No more controlling trash tearing you down. No more hiding your tattoos.”

“Should I take the ring out?” I absentmindedly touched the lip ring that started my night in hell.

“No! Keep it in. It’s part of you. Go in, get that job, and call me when you’re at the hotel and settled.”

“It’s like you know I’m gonna get the job already. It’s a group interview, remember?”

“Group interviews suck, but you’re fine. I’ll keep an eye on my phone. Love you, Brenna,” Kat sounded so cheerful compared to normal. She’d been worried about me for so long. Wished I realized sooner.

“Love you too,” I said before hanging up the phone. Calling her a best friend felt like such an understatement. She and Leo were the siblings I had always wanted in life.

When I entered the coffee shop, the bustling sounds of a busy morning faded away. I looked around only to realize that the baristas and guests had quieted down once I had gotten inside.

This was so awkward. Not like I had more than the essentials, but it wasn’t my finest moment juggling the last of my possessions through a café entrance.

I hoped I had enough time to tuck my things in a corner of the shop, so the interviewer didn’t see me with all this stuff. I was still pretty early, so maybe luck was finally on my side.

I opened the door and the smell of coffee intensified. There was a small line, but the shop was large, so I tucked my bags at an open table toward the back.

I got in line behind a woman that looked like she could be on the cover of a business fashion magazine. She dressed as Kat did for her office job, but the vibe she gave off made me think she’d own the office rather than work in it.

I looked over the menu and was thankful to see non-dairy options. The last thing I needed was to make myself sick during the interview. I was debating between a vanilla latte or a cold brew with honey when a phone began to ring.

The woman ahead of me rifled through her purse and pulled out a phone.

“What do you want, Kieran? I have stuff to do.” I did my best to not overhear her conversation, but she wasn’t exactly being quiet either.

“I told you, after today I’m going to be gone as long as it takes. You know what Mom wanted for you, and I’m going to make sure things are taken care of just like she would if she was here.”

I could hear a voice growl out through her phone.

“Well, I don’t know how long I’ll be gone. As long as it takes. As your twin, it’s my job to help you, so just deal with it. I gotta go, I’m next to order.”

The voice growled again as she hung up, oblivious to whatever was being said to her. I wish I had the confidence to be assertive like that.

I looked at the time on my phone. Still another hour to kill. I could probably start scoping out other jobs on the recruiting site with the account Kat set up for me. Just so I had a plan if things went south right now.

“Can I get a large cold brew with oat foam?” The woman asked as she inserted her card into the reader.

“I’m sorry ma’am, your card has been declined. Do you have another form of payment?” The barista asked sheepishly.

The woman pulled out a wallet from her bag only to find other cards.

“Will you excuse me for a moment? You can take the next order,” the woman said as she stepped off to the side and pulled her phone out.

The barista waved me up, but as I started to open my mouth there was a loud sound next to me that made the barista and I jump.

“What do you mean you shut off my cards?! Turn them back on. Now.” The woman’s voice grew louder as she spoke on the phone once again. She didn’t sound angry but seemed to be annoyed more than anything else.

“Why are you being so petty? You may not get it, but it’s just something I have to take care of.”

The woman put her free hand on her hip as she sighed loudly to whatever response was given on the other end of the call.

“I swear, Kieran, when I get home—”

“I can pay for it,” I jumped in before the woman said anything else as I made eye contact with the barista.“I can pay for her drink.”