Page 19 of The Jerk in Apartment 1B

“No. I wasn’t invited, which is fine because I’ll be here working.”

“Stop by when you’re done. And you don’t need an invite. We let pretty much anyone in the building come, especially hot girls.” He smiles and I feel my face getting warm. Does he really think I’m hot? He’s gotta be joking. I’m wearing a red plaid smock. No one would look hot in this.

“Well, enjoy the pineapple,” I say, not able to come up with a better response.

He laughs. “I will. And hey, I’m serious about stopping by. The party will go all night. Come and have a drink when you get off work.”

I smile and nod, but there’s no way I’m going to that party. When I’m done here, I’m going straight to bed. Cole better havebeen exaggerating when he said the party goes all night. If it does, I’ll be having a talk with the landlord.

When Cole goes over to Rose, or whatever her name is, to pay for his pineapple, she smiles. I wasn’t sure she was capable of smiling, but apparently she can do it when Cole shows up in her lane.

As the hours roll by, I go back and forth from the store to the storeroom, restocking items as they get low. It’s really easy, and good exercise. I bet I’ve walked a couple of miles already. The store got busy around six and has continued that way, with a steady stream of customers coming in.

Rose left at seven and was replaced by Steve, an aspiring novelist in his forties who left the corporate world to pursue his dream. Those were his words, not mine. He said he’s working here part time until he finishes his novel and finds someone to publish it.

It’s almost ten now, which means my shift is almost over. I’m really tired. I’m looking forward to going home and laying down on my bed.

My bed! I forgot to get the air mattress from Sara! I have nothing to sleep on. Checking my phone, I see a missed call and two texts from Sara, asking if I still want the mattress. Maybe I could get it after work. She’s not close by, so it’ll take a while to get there, but I really need that mattress. I text her and ask if I can come over. She texts back that she’s out with friends and won’t be home for a few hours. I guess I’ll be sleeping on the floor tonight.

“It’s over here!” a girl yells. A skinny brunette wearing a short red dress and three-inch heels comes up beside me.

I’m in front of the dairy case, restocking the sour cream, which is a popular item on Saturday night. I’ve restocked it twice.

The girl opens the dairy case and grabs a can of whipped cream. “There’s only one left.”

“Maybe there’s more in back,” a guy says, coming up beside her.

I look over and see it’s him. The Jerk in Apartment 1B.

CHAPTER SIX

Trina

What ishedoing here? He’s supposed to be at his party.

“Hey.” He smiles at me. “You get everything moved in?”

“Yeah, eventually. It took longer with all your stuff in the way.”

“Send me the bill. I’ll pay for the extra time.”

“Forget it. It’s already taken care of.”

I’m trying not to stare at him, but my eyes aren’t cooperating, which is really frustrating. I mean, it’s understandable I’d stare at him when he’s only wearing a towel, but now he’s fully clothed. I should be able to look away.

The girl clears her throat, getting the Jerk’s attention.

“Bridget, this is Trina,” he says to her. “She’s subletting Jenna’s place.” He looks back at me. “I didn’t know you worked here.”

“I just started.”

“How do you like it?”

I shrug. “It’s a job.”

His gaze lowers to my smock. “I like the uniform.”

I almost roll my eyes but then stop myself, knowing how annoying it was when Rose did it.

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