“To each their own, but no.”
“Yeah, not my thing either.” I grab a candy from the bowl sitting on the counter and pop it into my mouth. “So, what do you do around here for fun?”
“I work.” He snorts out a laugh.
“Yeah, but what's your favorite part?”
“I like getting first dibs on the new game releases. We’re allowed to test them out if the store is dead.”
“Okay, that's pretty awesome. All I do is get dirty.”
“Your job helps people though. It’s important. This?” He looks around. “Not really.”
“That’s not true. Some people use these games and hobbies as an escape from real life. You’re giving people a safe place and joy.” I shrug. “Pretty cool to me. At least they can come here and talk about the things they like, with someone who actually knows stuff about it.”
“I guess,” he says. “Never looked at it that way.”
For the next hour, I look around the store to see if there’s anything that catches my eye, talk to Blake and send side eyes to Bailey every time she talks to Blake.
I know I have no right to be jealous, she’s just a girl he’s friendly with, but I can’t help it. I know the things Blake has been through and I should be happy he’s making more friends, coming out of his bubble, and seeing just how much he deserves to be happy. It’s just that he’s only been this way with me and my friends, and I guess I’m a little jealous of the idea of someone else doing the same. Like, what if he becomes good friends with her and doesn’t want to hang out with me as much?
God, when did I get so needy?
This man makes me crazy sometimes.
“Alright. The store is closed.” Blake locks the front door.
“Hey, Blake. My brother just called. He can’t come get me because he’s working late. Can you give me a ride home?” Bailey asks.
“I can take you,” I blurt before I even know what I’m saying.
“Ah.” Bailey looks at me. “You sure? It’s over by 90th street.”
“Yeah for sure. Blake lives the opposite way. I live closer to 90th. So no problem.”
“Okay. Thanks.” Bailey eyes me up again, a small smile twitching on her lip. What does she think is so funny?”
We leave the store and head for our cars. “See you tomorrow, Blake.” I wave bye as he gets in his car.
Unlocking my doors, I get in and Bailey gets in on the passengers side.
Everything is awkwardly quiet as I pull away from the store.
“You know, you have nothing to worry about,” Bailey says, breaking the silence.
“Huh?” I cast her a look before bringing my attention back to the road.
“With me and Blake. We’re only friends.”
“I’m not worried.” I scoff.
“You sure?” she asks, amusement in her tone. “Because you gave me the evil eye all night. I thought you might murder me.” She giggles.
My shoulders slump. “Was I that obvious?” I sigh.
“To anyone else? Yes. To Blake? I think you’re good. Although, if it makes you feel any better, his eyes were on you all night, even when you weren’t looking.”
“Yeah?” I grin over at her. “They were?”
