“Okay,” I concede. “Maybe I’m not at my best
and a little rest would be good for me.”
“Well then go, I’ve got you covered,” Jay
concludes, resting a hand on my shoulder.
“But today is your day off,” I protest.
“I seriously have nothing to do.” He smiles,
squeezing my shoulder. “Go on, I’ll stay here.”
“Maybe just a half an hour,” I add.
“Erin, you go lay down and don’t think about
it,” Aaron concludes in an affectionate tone.
I smile and thank them with my eyes while I
back away towards my apartment. I go up the
stairs and flop down on the couch, close my eyes
and abandon myself to the desperation and solitude
I feel right now.
I’m never going to make it,I tell myself, before
falling into an anxious sleep.
Patrick
“Okay, guys, quick meeting before we open.”
Jay calls everyone’s attention before opening
the doors for the evening.
“What are you doing here? Wasn’t it your day
off?” I call from the counter.
“It was, but Erin said she wasn’t feeling well so
I sent her upstairs. I’m taking her place.”
“She’s not well? What wrong with her?”
“She didn’t go into details, Patrick, but if
someone says they aren’t feeling well, I believe
them. It’s not my business, right?”
“You could have asked.”
