First message
The bell chimes at the door. My whole face lights up in excitement. It’s 3:15 on a weekday afternoon in Atlanta, which can only mean one thing—
The cute guy is here!
The one who smells like nice cologne, smiles at me like we’re in on a secret together, and is always in tank tops. He always orders two big bottles of water, a pack of trident, and a 3$ scratch-off—his vice before the gym, he once joked to me.
I unconciously sigh in delight when he looks over and winks.
Y’know it’s kinda manipulative to hit on me on at my job, right? I huff, unable to contain my smile as I lean over the scratched-up counter. I gotta be nice to you no matter what.
My tone makes it clear I’m not mad. I’ve been an anxious wreck all month. His daily visits keep me tethered more than film school ever could. My eyes shamelessly follow him as he saunters around the store.
He finally steps up to the counter, smiling and saying something about how I look extra handsome today, that it’s a real shame I’m stuck here. My heart leaps like it’s trying to win gold at the Olympics. Emotions war in me. Excitement. Guilt.
He wouldn’t say that if he knew what I’ve done.
He’s looking at me as if I’m some precious diamond in the rough of Vine City. I’m not. I’m the coal that’ll stain his hands, ruin his lungs. I wanna tell him as much.
Yet, my words betray me.
I get off my shift in fifteen. Maybe you can show me your workout routine?
Oh God. What have I done.
NOTE: Please read comments!