So no. No dating. No Derrick. No anyone.
I focus on work. I build my savings. I take care of myself. That’s the plan. That’s the only plan.
I finish the towels and move to the break room, tidying up the counter and starting a fresh pot of coffee. The bagels from Stanley’s are still in their paper bag, so I arrange them on the tray, setting out napkins and little packets of cream cheese. Busy work, but it keeps my hands occupied.
The door opens behind me.
I don’t have to turn around to know it’s Derrick. I can feel his presence in the doorway, hesitant and hopeful.
“Hey,” he says.
“Hey.” I keep my back to him, focusing on the bagels like they require my full attention.
He steps into the room. I hear him take a breath, the kind of breath people take when they’re about to say something important.
The front door chimes.
Voices fill the hallway. The other employees arriving, chattering and laughing, stomping snow off their boots. Derrick exhales, and I can almost hear the disappointment in it.
“Guess it’s time,” he says, and when I turn around, he’s holding a clipboard. Professional again. The moment passed.
I follow him out to the main area, where the rest of the shift is gathering.
Keisha is already there, leaning against the wall with a cup of coffee in her hand. She’s got that look on her face, the one that says she’s been waiting for someone to walk in so she can say something clever at their expense.
Her eyes land on me.
“Morning, Imani.” Her gaze travels up to my hair, and her lips curl into something that’s almost a smile. “Rough night? That bun is looking a little... wild.”
I resist the urge to touch my hair. “Morning, Keisha.”
“I’m just saying.” She shrugs, all innocence. “Some of us take pride in our appearance. You know. Professionalism.”
I don’t take the bait. I don’t know why Keisha has decided I’m her favorite target, and I’m not going to waste energy trying to figure it out. I just need to keep this job. Keep my head down. Keep saving.
“Alright, everyone.” Derrick clears his throat, glancing down at his clipboard. “Let’s get through the weekend assignments.”
The room settles. Keisha takes a bite of her bagel, watching Derrick with half-lidded eyes. I stand near the back, arms crossed, hoping my name comes up.
Derrick reads off the names. The Johnson cabin goes to Marcus. The lake house goes to Teresa. The North Ridgeproperty goes to a guy named Devon who pumps his fist like he just won the lottery.
My name doesn’t come up.
I try not to let the disappointment show on my face. No assignment means no tips. No tips means another week of slow progress on my savings goal.
“Alright.” Derrick lowers the clipboard. “That’s everyone.”
The disappointment lands hard.
“Oh, wait.” He flips to another page, frowning at whatever’s written there. “There is one more.”
The room goes still.
“Cabin up in the high mountains. Near Ironwood Clan territory.” He looks up, scanning the faces in front of him. “The client is offering double pay. Weekend job, shopping and stocking the pantry, deep cleaning before hibernation season.”
Double pay.
My heart skips.
