He smirks as he opens the van door, “And that is why I’m glad I don’t do deliveries anymore. Dealing with people was the easy part, but sitting in traffic…not fun at all.”
“Traffic doesn’t usually bother me, but today was a nightmare on the road.” I sweep the fallen leaves and petals into a pile. “Where did everyone go? And why are you the only person I see here?”
That may have sounded slightly accusatory, but it’s weird. Usually nobody leaves until everyone is back at the shop.
He grabs the dust pan and holds it on the van floor. “The ladies do a weekly get together. I don’t know what they do, but I know better than to interrupt their tradition. All the new guys went home, I guess. But I plan on hitting the bar as soon as we get locked up. Want to join?”
Do I? There's a small chance things could get awkward. Or, he could use this moment to confront me about his sister. Maybe we haven't been as secretive as she hoped. I'll be fine with everyone knowing, but I'm trying to keep my promise to Kate. Her pace is what's important to me, even if it's driving me bananas.
"Sure," I finish cleaning out the van, and lock it up, "is your girlfriend working tonight?"
"Yep. And if I'm lucky, she'll be able to sneak away from the kitchen for a bit."
"Are Wednesdays typically busy?"
Kai shrugs. "I don't actually know. I've never been on a Wednesday since it's not usually her day to work."
"I'll set the paperwork in the office, then I'll be ready to go."
"Sounds good."
I rush past Kai and put the delivery slips in a neat pile on the desk. Messy stacks are a pet peeve for Kai, and the last thing I want to do is piss him off since he's kind of my boss.
He's standing by the alarm when I return to the warehouse. "I'll meet you over there."
"Right behind you."
Realistically, I could walk. The bar isn't far from the shop. But I don't want to walk back when I'm ready to go home. Speaking of...
Xander
Hey, Mom. Going to the bar with a friend. I may be home later than usual.
Mom
Okay. Have fun. ;)
What the hell? She must think I'm meeting a girl at the bar. It'd be preferred, but a guys' night sounds pretty great. It's much better than hanging out at home watching TV game shows with my parents.
I'm pulling out of the driveway when I see Kai walking to his car in my rearview. My stomach grumbles as I turn onto the road. It's a good thing they have food for a couple more hours.
The parking lot isn't as full as the last time I came, but there are a decent amount of people here. I find the closest spot I can to the door and head inside.
The first person I see is Mr. Jones, and I turn my back in hopes he doesn't see me. He's a nice man, but he likes to talk, and I don't want a redo of Valentine's night. I don't have an excuse of having to get back to work to cut him off.
The woman standing behind the stand smirks. I don't come here enough to know anyone by name, but she's totally laughing about my reaction.
"You saw nothing."
"I don't know what you're talking about." She glances at the top of her stand for a second. "Will you be heading to the dance area, or are you looking for a table?"
Good question. Kai said he wanted to eat, surely, he doesn't want to stand to do it. "Table, please. My buddy should be here soon."
The woman grabs two sets of utensils and menu before motioning for me to follow her.
"Hey, wait up," Kai calls from behind me, "I would have been here sooner, but I forgot to turn off a light and had to go back inside."
"Oh, hey Kai," the woman waves at him. "The table you usually get is open. Do you want that one?"
