I might be better off calling in sick. But my sister hated when people ditched their shifts last-minute. And Giselle already didn’t love me. I frantically messaged a few coworkers through our scheduling app to see if I could trade with anyone.
Most of them ignored me. Others declined with the excuse it was too early, they weren’t ready, and they couldn’t make it in time.
Kat lived relatively close to the mall. Walking would take too long, though, and I wasn't much of a runner. I'd hate to call my parents right after declaring my independence.
Cursing, I ordered a ride from the app. Someone would be here within five minutes.
I messaged Giselle that I had car troubles, but I’d be there relatively soon.
The driver pulled up and asked, “Do you mind if I keep listening to my podcastwhile we drive?”
“That’s fine. I just need to get to the mall as soon as possible.”
The driver chuckled and glanced in the reflection of the rearview mirror. “Did you forget to get someone a present?”
“No, I’m late for my shift.”
“Ah, that’s what’s great about my job. I’m never late or early. I just hop on when I want and clock out when I’m done.”
“Sounds nice,” I said. They didn’t have to be on their feet all day or answer to a typical boss.
Once there, I hurried through mall security and got to the store about ten minutes after my shift was supposed to start, panting and sweaty. “Sorry I’m late. Did you get my message?”
Giselle plucked through dollar bills to count the cash box. “Yes.”
“So, should I get started by restocking the main display?”
“I recommend you freshen up and dry your hands before touching anything,” she said.
“Okay.” Wouldn’t want to damage the merchandise.
I worked extra hard to make up for my lateness, but my boss was eerily quiet throughout the shift. She ignored every smile, and evaded any attempt at small-talk. The silence was oppressive.
If only we had a stronger stream of customers to put her in a better mood.
The store phone rang. I went to answer, but Giselle snatched the receiver before I could get to it.
“Hello? Yes. Yes. Wait a moment.” She side-eyed me, then headed to the back.
Was being ten minutes late really that bad?
I texted Angel for a glimmer of reassurance.
Maybe he was still taking it.
This was going to be a long shift without visiting him. Maybe I could eat lunch with Kat for some perspective. Just as I started to text her to ask, Giselle strode back in.
Ah, scrubs.I hoped she didn’t catch me on my phone again.
I stuffed it in my pocket and approached the tangled thong bin. Stringy underwear didn’t intimidate me half as much as that woman did.
What was the worst she could do, though? Fire me?
Soon after, Meg came in with a giant tote bag, her normally pristine, shiny hair frizzy.
“Hi. I thought you weren’t scheduled for another hour,” I said.
