On the Rocks by Alyssa Rose Ivy Read Free Book Online Page A

leave for work. “Live with two guys? Are you crazy? Mom and Dad would kill you and me by association.”
    “They already want to kill me, so it’s just you we’d have to worry about.” I smiled. Colin could be so uptight sometimes. “Besides, you don’t want me staying here all summer.”
    “I could help you find a summer sublet or something.” I could practically see him going through his contacts in his head. If I’d agreed he would probably have had me a place by the end of the night.
    “Which is what I’m doing. I’m not signing a twelve month lease or anything.” We hadn’t exactly agreed on lease terms, but Macon had made it sound very informal.
    “Come on, Colin. It makes sense for all of us.” Maddy gave me a reassuring smile. “I want to move in with you, but I can’t leave Macon hanging. This way we all win.”
    I watched acceptance cross Colin’s face. “Fine, but I’m going to have to have a talk with those guys first.”
    I groaned. “They aren’t into me. I wouldn’t worry.”
    “Oh, I’ll worry, but that doesn’t change anything.”
    I rolled my eyes. “The whole big brother protective thing is supposed to have worn off by now. I’m twenty-two.”
    “Why would it wear off?” He stopped pacing long enough to look at me. “It’s just as present now.”
    Maddy laughed. “Macon and Brody are good guys. At least she’ll be well protected.”
    “Fine, but how are you going to pay rent? Want me to get you something temporary at the office?”
    Work at his real estate firm? No thanks. “Actually Brody is going to talk to Max for me.”
    “You want to work at the Grille?” Colin asked incredulously.
    “Hey, watch it, Mister.” Maddy scowled.
    “What? I’m not saying it’s a bad place to work, I’m just surprised Carly would want to work there.”
    “And you think I’d rather work at your office instead? At least I’d get to work with cool people at the Grille.” I resisted the urge to stick my tongue out at him. That wouldn’t exactly help my whole ‘I’m not a little kid anymore’ argument.
    Colin sighed. “What kind of job are you applying for exactly? You don’t have any waitressing experience.”
    I hadn’t thought that far through the plan. Thankfully Maddy saved me. “I know Max needs more hostesses. Carly would do great at that. She’s friendly.”
    Colin seemed to relax. “Hostess? Ok. I guess I can see that.”
    “Why don’t you come in with me tonight and talk to Max?” Maddy suggested. “Unless you want to wait a while.”
    “Nope. I’d like to get the ball rolling.” The sooner I got a job, the sooner I’d have money and could move in with the guys. I refused to be dependent on my brother for too long.
    “I have an out of town meeting today, but I’ll stop in to see you guys when I get back.” He shot me a look, and I figured out exactly what the meeting was. He was going to see Maddy’s parents. I hoped for his sake and mine that it went well. Clearly it was a bigger deal for him, but I really wanted Maddy as a sister-in-law.
    “Okay.” Maddy kissed him on the cheek. “I’m going to get ready for a run. Want to join me, Carly?”
    I laughed. “Yeah… running, not exactly my thing.”
    “I run slow.” She smiled, and I could tell she was really hoping for the company.
    “How slow is slow?”
    Colin chuckled. “I’m sure you’ll survive, Carly. See you girls later.” Colin picked up his black briefcase and headed to the door.
    “So, are you in?” She started up the stairs.
    “Sure. Let me get changed.” It’s not like I was completely out of shape, but I was more of an elliptical kind of girl. It had been awhile since I’d actually run any real distance. I figured it couldn’t hurt to go with her. I could always turn around and walk home. I didn’t want her to think I was completely lazy or anything.
    I dug out some gym clothes and my tennis shoes.
    Fifteen minutes later Maddy and I jogged down the back steps and out