She suddenly squeals and begins hopping from foot to foot. “I loooooove clothes! I didn’t know you sew!”
Confirmed. Just like from the movie Gremlins, I will not be hydrating Mairead after dark again. Especially not with coffee.
“Yeah… I actually went to school for fashion.” I check the time, realizing I have a mere twenty minutes to get across town to The Black Sheep.
“Here!” She places the colonial hat on my head she five-fingered, just hours prior. “It’s going to be a trend; I can feel it…” she promises.
I give her a tight smile in return.
“Let’s get together later this week. We can do each other’s makeup ooooor go to Copley Place to shop! I’ll text you now that I have your new number. We’re going to have so much fun together! Just you wait and see.” She pulls me into a tight hug before skipping off down the street.
Jesus, I was ready to sleep for an entire week after the day we just had and it still wasn’t over. My body is exhausted… Mairead’s idea of fun was inconceivable.
“Nice hat!” Jada calls out upon me entering the bar.
Schooling my features, I bring a slightly opened hand to my face, before closing fingers together beside my mouth, signingshut up.
When I started here, my coworkers were eager to learn some basic sign language. It made it easier to communicate on busy nights from across a room. Of course, they were more interested in learning curse words likebitchandpussy. Purely so theycould talk shit about problem customers, without them being ever the wiser.
Jada blows me a kiss in response.
Brittany has warmed up to me over the past few months, but Jada can be downright unpleasant at times. I hope she’s more bark than bite and with time, she’ll learn to like me too.
I head straight to the ladies’ room to get changed. I’m glad I brought an extra outfit with me in my bag today. Between rage quitting and sightseeing as a local, there was absolutely no time to run home before my second shift. I set my bag on the edge of the sink, pulling books and clothes out one by one, just as something topples to the floor. I crouched down to pick up the lost item. Turning the earbud in my fingers, I can’t help but consider a different course. No matter what I do… this little piece of plastic will not stay away. I’m accustomed to accepting horrible things at this point. From losing my ability to hear without assistance, to losing my brother, then Brodi, just up and vanishing. Why should this be any different?
“Why do you get to call the shots?” I say to the petite microphones.
Maybe Mairead rubbed off on me a bit today or possibly poor judgment from lack of sleep, but I was done. Is this me dancing in the rain?
“Give me your worst,” I proclaim, as I switch out my hearing aid for the small earbud.
After I change into green, crushed velvet pants, and my weatheredNine Inch Nailsshirt, I tug on my trusty combat boots. I just manage to fit everything back into my bag, including the ridiculous hat. Eat your heart out, Mary Poppins. I toss my bag in the backroom before joining my coworkers on the floor.
Unlike Star Mart, I’m allowed to have my phone on me, while on the clock. If you’re playing on your phone, you're not making good tips, so there’s no use in making a rule about it whenmoney talks. We’re not open yet, so I audited my phone for any messages. One message from the contact:It's Eamon actually. I saved his information earlier, when I was waiting for Mairead to finish tallying headstones. It seemed like the most appropriate contact, plus it made me smile.
It’s Eamon actually: I’m glad I had a chance to see you today. I guess I’ll be visiting Star Mart a lot more for groceries.
My smile from his text quickly turns into a frown.
Cindel: Feel free to shop, but I won’t be there.
A question mark comes through.
Cindel: I quit today. My manager was an asshole.
I was being vague. I didn’t feel like expanding upon the whole, ‘blackmail’ and ‘boner’ part.
It’s Eamon actually: I’m sorry, Cindel. Can I help?
My smile returns.
Cindel: No. It’s okay. I’m at the bar tonight. Maybe swing by and say hi?
Dots appear, dancing across the bottom of the screen for long moments before a message pops up.
It’s Eamon actually: Sorry. I have a big event tonight at my club. I wish I could come and watch you work.
I wondered which club he meant, so I asked. His expensive suits and confidence screamed businessman.
