The lot is a ghost town with a few cars scattered throughout. I arrive at the perfect time with an hour before closing, which should give me some time to fuck around and catch up with Jared.
Crossing the threshold, Closer by The Chainsmokers plays and I spot him manning the front register with a grin plastered on his face.
“My man, Tyler.” Jared lets go of my hand and places his hands on the side of the register’s monitor. “You going to Beckham’s party later?”
I let out a sigh while holding onto my chin, considering the open-ended invite from our friend. “You know I’m done with parties for a while.”
Jared eyes me down, waiting for any signs that I’ll give in but eventually, he does. Yeah, I used to go to parties all of junior year. Partly because of Cassie, who had to go to every party because of her girlfriends’ insistence (it’s not like she didn’t want to go either), and I tagged along as the keychain boyfriend.
Jared’s still staring me down like he’s reading my mind. He glances at the register, “What can I get for you?”
“Thai green tea, large. No topping, less ice.”
Jared chuckles as he enters the order and motions for me to stop when he sees me pulling money out. “Nah, it’s on the house today.”
I wink at my friend. “Thanks, baby boy. You’re the best.”
“Call me that again and I’ll double charge you.” Jared spits out before he backs up to make my drink.
“Cassie isn’t going to be there, FYI.” He says as he draws out a straw from the counter and places it on top of the drink. “I don’t know why you’re avoiding her. You guys aren’t together.”
I stab a hole in the cap. “No one is avoiding anyone. I’m not interested in partying all senior year. It’s just not a priority for me.”
Jared shakes his head while crossing his arms over his chest. “Okay…” He clicks his tongue and his brows furrow along, “I don’t get how you like that drink. You’re obsessed.”
I take a long sip before answering, “It gives me life.” I shoot a glare at Jared. “Don’t disrespect the greatness, Mister I-Drink-Strawberry-Slushies. Basic bitch.”
He places a hand over his chest like my words broke his heart. “One, hurtful. Two, strawberry slushies are refreshing.” He relaxes his stance, hands on his hips. “So, what are you up to–”
“Jared, it’s your turn to clean the bathrooms and take the trash out.” A familiar voice calls behind Jared. “Can you get to it so we can leave?”
Jared tilts his head back. “I’ll catch you later.” With that, he drags himself towards the restroom for his nightly work duties.
I catch a glimpse of her as she stands with a sack of what I assume to be dirty rags slung over her shoulder. Her focus is unwavering as she tends to her tasks. She carries the sack to another counter, and it’s then that our eyes meet.
“Oh, hey. Thai green tea.” Serena chirps, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Her eyes trail down to the drink in my hands. “I see you ordered your favorite.”
“Can’t get enough of this, or seeing you.” I smile unintentionally, my head tilting instinctively as I take my first sip.
Serena’s eyes widen slightly, and for a moment, there’s a flicker of surprise before she offers a polite but shy smile in return. “Oh, well, I’m glad you like the tea.” She clears her throat, tucking the same loose strand of hair behind her ear nervously.
“Are you done for the night?” I ask, trying to keep the conversation going.
Serena slaps her hands together like she’s wiping them clean. “Pretty much.” She bends down and grabs a drink carrier from their counter fridge, holding four drinks.
My eyes drift down, I jut my chin towards her drink carrier. “Hot plans tonight or are you drinking all four of those?”
Serena’s laughter echoes through the room, pulling me back to the present. It’s light and melodic, making me wish I could capture her laughter and save it in my back pocket. I steal a glance at her, taking in the way her eyes sparkle like honey catching the sunlight. Her hair falls around her face in soft black waves, held back by a simple blush pink flower clip. Even in an apron, oversized t-shirt and denim shorts, she looks effortlessly beautiful; like it’s her signature style.
She shrugs lazily, and a smile graces her lips. “No hot plans tonight. Just a movie night with friends at my house.”
Placing my drink on the counter, I inch closer, resting my chin on my palm. “No invite?” I tease, forming a playful smirk on my face. “Thought we were besties?”
Serena laughs again. “Well, we don’t really know each other that well for me to invite you.”
I withdraw my hand and tilt my head slightly, keeping a playful smile on. “What do I have to do to receive an invitation?” I ask, sipping my drink, giving her a smirk.
“You could be a serial killer for all I know.”
