“Well, I’m not too far,” he said.
What the hell? I was sweaty.
I put my palm to my forehead and sighed. “Okay, you can come up. But you can’t stay.”
His tone got defensive. “I wasn’t planning on it.”
Of course he wasn’t. I’d have to be insane to try to be with him after he rejected me. Although, then he kinda apologized. So where were we?
I went to the bathroom to wipe myself down with a soaped-up washcloth. It would have to do. A ‘whore’s bath’ seemed appropriate, considering what he probably thought of me.
He knocked twice. Might as well have rapped on my rib cage.
I cracked open the door and shielded myself with it. “Hello,” I said.
“Hey, Nic.” He tugged at his work uniform. Was this his lunch break? If so, this was the second time he used one to help me out. Damn his generosity.
He held out the shoe box and frowned. “Do you have company?”
“No. I’m working out.” I snatched the box and propped it on my hip. “Just because I’m a ‘sex worker’ doesn’t mean I’m always ready to ‘receive’ somebody.”
That sounded dirty, but it applied either way, so I steeled myself against his gaze.
“I didn’t mean…” He eyed my sports bra and flattering yoga pants. His pupils dilated. He shook his head and gestured to the TV inside. “I heard voices and music. This song is…I like it.”
“Yeah? I guess it’s upbeat. The playlists all start to sound the same to me.” Were we small-talking? I shifted my weight. “You don’t play any pop music with your band, do you?”
He chuckled and scratched his neck. “Not yet. It takes a while to learn anything new.”
“Right.” I leaned on the doorway and waited for him to turn away.
Silence swelled between us. Did he have something else to say?
He rubbed his ear. “I can stick around to help you make the video. Then, I could take the shoes back for you.”
“And we have to do it now?”
Zack shrugged. “He wants them back ASAP.”
God, these Zeezy’s guys sure loved their shoes. “I still have to shower,” I said.
He gestured to my outfit. “You look great. You could film like that.”
“I don’t have anything set up. I’m a mess.” I floundered.
“I’ll help. Whatever you need,” he offered.
That was a dangerous offer. Of course, I couldn't take him up on it.
This video wasn’tthatimportant. I could scrap it. Or look less fabulous.
But this was supposed to be my big moment. Sure, my sheet-dress video had gotten some good engagement, including some hilarious responses where people made their own sheet dresses, but I wanted to make a video with the shoes that started this whole mess.
I furrowed my brow. It would be rude to send Zack to the car to wait until I was done. He’d never treated me badly. He just had his head up his ass about my side gig. Still, it was nice of him to bring the shoes here and vouch for me.
I wrestled with my indecision. “Are you done with your shift or are you on break?”
He rubbed his ear on his shoulder. “Lunch hour. But I can eat in the car if you'd rather have your space.”
