Inferno: Part 1 Read Online Free PDF Page A

she doesn’t argue.
    Sam watches as she passes by him and then turns his attention back to me. “By the way, here is the application for that brunette. She wants the waitressing job.”
    I’m curious, but don’t want to read it in front of him.
    “Hire her,” I say it a little too quickly which Sam reacts to with a confused expression.
    “Okay. Also…your brother showed up after you left tonight.”
    I run my hand through my hair, shake my head slightly and then say, “Find out where he staying.”
    Sam nods, never questioning or hesitating. He turns to usher the girl onto the elevator, and I’m left alone with my imagination.
    Why is Phillip back in town? He only visits during the holidays, especially the ones involving gifts. Otherwise, he’s impossible to reach. Why is he home now?
    I lean over the island for a minute, resting my forearms against the cool white marble. Then I reach under the island, and pull a bottle of pinot from the wine fridge.
    As I sip it directly from the bottle my mind races, trying to reason why he’s in town. It must be his terrible performance at Dartmouth.
    Phillip went to another state, saying it would keep him out of trouble, but he was so bored he ended up missing school to find entertainment. Mother came down hard, not just about his performance but comparing my record to his, asking why he couldn’t measure up. Hopefully he’s not coming to me for a bail-out.
    The stress is building between my shoulders—with my brother’s mysterious appearance and the blonde’s public tantrum it can’t be helped. Wine can’t dull the tension, so I hope to sleep it off.
    And then my mind drifts to the brunette. There was something in those eyes…

CHAPTER EIGHT
     
    Mila
     
     
    My hair will not cooperate and I know I need to look my best to get good tips. Finally, I just settle on a simple ponytail. Before I can decide whether I should attempt make-up, there’s a knock at the door.
    I crack the door and peek to see who it is, but the landlord’s face is red, so I open the door without delay.
    “Mila, you’re three months behind on rent. I need a payment,” he barks at me.
    “I know, Mr. Welsh. I’m really sorry, but I’ll have a partial payment after tonight. I got a job and I’ll bring you everything I make.” I’m hoping he understands the desperation in my voice.
    “It’s not enough. You’ve had three months and I need payment in full—now!” He’s really angry, I’ve never seen him like this.
    “Please, I know it’s not perfect, but I’m in school and I just got this job. I promise, I will work as much as it takes to get back on track. Can I just have more time?”
    “I can’t. This is my livelihood. When you don’t pay, that income is gone. I have a family.” He looks at me through furrowed brows and his glance implies that he’s not going to be understanding.
    He turns on his heel and stalks towards the entrance of the building, and I beg for just two more days to his back, but he doesn’t stop. Without even a glance in my direction, he shuts the door.
    My stomach is in knots but I have to get ready for work. It’s the only chance I have of making things right.
    I finish getting ready for my shift and choke down every single sob that wants to boil its way to the surface.
    When I step outside, I’m glad I didn’t waste much more time on my hair. It’s raining, and even with the umbrella, I can feel the frizz coming.
    A few steps away from Inferno a gust of wind blows my umbrella inside out, and I hear a snap. One side is collapsed in, and funnels the rain directly onto my head. I run for the door, but it’s locked.
    Just my luck.
    The windows are cloudy, but I don’t see anyone inside or any lights on when a hand grabs me from behind.
    “Ahhh!” I scream, before realizing it’s my new boss. I look like a drowned rat, and he pulls me under the umbrella with him. Not a single hair on his head is out of place. It’s not fair.
    He doesn’t move to