The bitterness of summer

1. I can't seem to move fast enough. I need help. I feel I am trapped in my old job.

2. I want to be more upbeat. I don't want to let Macy down. 3. I have to remember that if I can get this person trained, I can move on. 4. Find that job in Chicago that I really need. I don't want Macy thinking she has to support me. I want us to be a team.

-Jake

It felt so endless. And summer started on Father's Day. Jake felt downright numb. He was growing restless. More than a bit depressed these days. It didn't help that he'd spotted Macy's ex at the library. He even asked Jake if he'd heard from her.

"Yes, I mean," Jake pressed his lips tight about the matter. He didn't want to tell her ex anything. "Not really. She's busy." He sucked in a breath. "She's working."

Dean nodded as if he'd expected it. "I just don't know why she hasn't called me, or even sent a postcard." He shrugged.

Jake nodded as if he hoped Dean wouldn't pry anymore.

"Do you think she has a boyfriend?" Dean squinted as if this was the question he'd wanted to ask all along.

Jake thought he might crash into the floor. He could barely keep his senses together. His heart began to race. He nodded in an attempt to keep his mouth shut, but he sputtered, "Maybe." He looked up at Dean, thinking of all the things he'd done with Macy that Jake hadn't had a chance yet.

"Maybe?" Dean's eyes shot wide open. "Is she with that old high school friend of hers?"

Jake shrugged as if he needed to do something quickly at Reference. If only he had a cup of coffee to reach for. Even so, he was certain he'd spew most of the drink on Jake.