At least we don’t rely on tips here, and my hourly pay is decent. My phone vibrates a few times in my pocket, but before I’m able to check it, a line starts forming in front of the register.That’s just great. I still had two hours before Brooke arrived, and I was going to get slaughtered by an early rush. I quickly pull my hair up into a messy bun and prepared myself for the clusterfuck that was about to happen.
I started taking three orders at a time. I’d ask them what they wanted while preparing the previous order. Luckily for me, most of the orders were for baked goods and that was a simple bag it and go. I rang up the order as I handed it to them so they could pay as I grabbed what the next person asked for. It may have looked like a chaotic mess, but to me, it was organized, and that’s all that mattered. I didn’t stop moving. I thought I saw Atlas at one point, but I didn’t have the time to check. The moment I stopped to take a break would be the moment I got behind.
Brooke came in just as the last few customers placed their orders. She didn’t even have to ask how my shift went. She can tell that it was super busy based on the empty display case and lack of cleaning the lobby. I haven’t been able to leave from behind the counter to clean, so it currently looked like a tornado hit it. She sprung into action immediately. She bussed the tables then started to bring out fresh desserts and pastries to restock up front. Once the last customer leaves, she takes over completely and lets me go home.
That was the busiest shift I’ve worked in a long time. I just want togo home. I want to put on some super comfortable clothes and eat brownies while I watch a movie I’ve seen a dozen times already. I’m exhausted mentally and physically at this point. My couch was calling my name. I put my headphones on and pull my phone out to turn on some music for my walk home, and notice I now have five unread messages from an unknown number.
Crap, I was so busy I never texted Atlas back. I didn’t even remember he texted until now. He’s probably so mad right now. Trevor always got rude when I didn’t answer him right away. I start walking towards the house as I brace myself for the worst as I open the text thread.
Unknown
It’s Atlas by the way. I thought that was pretty clear
from my first text but maybe you agreed to go on a
date with more than one person.
Unknown
Damn. I get left on read then ignored by none other
than my stalker. That’s just rude.
Unknown
I’m serious about wanting that date though. What
about tonight? Are you free?
Unknown
I guess you really meant it when you said you might text back.
Unknown
I went by your job and saw that you were super busy.
I didn’t want to bother you so just text me back when
you’re off work. Yeah?
So thatwashim in the bakery. I ignore him for hours and he doesn’t get mad? Not what I was expecting. What does he get out of this anyways? I still can’t figure out why he’d want to go on a date with me to begin with. I’m nothing special. Maybe he’ll just stand me up. I’ve had it happen before. The cool guy asked me out on a date, I got all dressed up and he never showed. When I asked him about it the next day, he laughed in my face. Told me he was joking and I was stupid if I thought he would ever date someone like me. No point in refusing this date when I doubt he’ll show up. I add his number to my contacts and text him back.
Emily
So I’m busy at work and you go and decide to stalk me for once?
Atlas
That’s not really the point. So that date?
Emily
What about it?
Atlas
Are you available tonight for that date you promised me?
