Page 131 of Better Than Gelato
“Believe it or not, my good mood has nothing to do with a boy,” I say. “It has to do with me being an awesome photographer and nailing life.”
“I didn't know you were a photographer. I want to see your photos some time.”
“Trust me, you will. Soon they’ll be everywhere.”
He raises an eyebrow.
I give him a cocky smile. “Everywhere.”
That’s when Orange Dreamy Dream comes in for his smoothie.
“Hey,” he says, with a shy smile.
“Hey,” I say back, grinning.
“I liked that Strawberry Surfrider you recommended. I’ll take another one of those.”
“They’re pretty great,” I agree as I take his credit card. “It’s the kick of lemon in there. It keeps it from getting boring.”
“Yeah, I noticed that.”
I make him his smoothie and hand it to him with a smile.
“There you are.”
“Thanks.” He stands there like he’s going to say something else, but then he doesn’t. He glances at Kevin and leaves.
Kevin tries to get me to trade shifts with him so he gets out at six and I stay till closing, but I refuse. I can tell my time of working as many shifts as possible to fill the sad hours is coming to a close. It’s Friday night, and I feel like celebrating.
I give him a smug wave as I walk out the door, and he makes a scowly face at me. I scowl back and then turn and slam right into Orange Dreamy Dream.
Orange Dreamy Dream? What’s he doing here?
“Sorry,” I say a bit too late. “Didn’t mean to slam into you.”
“It’s okay,” he says. “No harm done.”
He stands there for a moment, not going through the open door, so I finally say, “Well, have a good night,” and walk out.
He follows me.
“Actually, um, I came to talk to you.”
What? Why?I think. “What? Why?” I accidentally say out loud.
He clears his throat. “Well, actually I was wondering...My name is Kyle, by the way.”
“I’m Juliet.”
“Yeah, I know. I see it on your name tag every day.”
I look at him and nod. Itison my name tag every day.
“Anyway, I was wondering if you’d like to go out some time.”
“Go out some time?” I repeat stupidly.
“Yeah, like maybe get something to eat or something.”
