Page 106 of The Disasters of Dating
I thought you’d be at work. Aren’t you always at work?
Usually. But I took some time off before school starts. Besides, my shifts don’t start until 3.
Lincoln
Are you a graveyard shift or something? What kind of ‘sundry’ shop stays open until midnight?
We cater to vampires, werewolves, and other nocturnal creatures.
Lincoln
Am I to assume that response was because my questionviolated rule No.1?
Lincoln
Point taken.
Have a good rest of your day.
Lincoln
You, too.
I sit back in my chair, crystal beads scattered all over my desk. I received three new orders yesterday. I want to get them done before I’m back working my full schedule and school starts.
I glance back at my phone. Should I ask Keaton to fly in early so he can come to the dinner with me? It feels very boyfriend-y. But isn’t he kind of my boyfriend? At some point last night, whether it was the cute nickname or the kiss (The thorough one. I’m not counting the others as kisses), he moved from tourist or friend or whatever categories I’ve put him in to boyfriend. Maybe his involvement with everything that happened with my mom also slid him across the finish line. But anyway I look at it, he’s my boyfriend.
A giddiness that I can’t quite contain shoots through my body, but there’s still an underlying unease. I can’t seem to shake it or figure it out.
I sigh. But whether Keaton comes or not, I still need the day off, and I can’t procrastinate asking Kendra like I am with asking Keaton. I pull up our company text app and pull up Kendra’s name.
Hey, Kendra. I know you’ve taken several of my shifts this week, and I so appreciate it. But is there any way you can take my shift on the 6th? There’s some family things going on and a meeting has been called. I need to be there if it’s at all possible. I’ll make it up to you.
I put my phone down because Kendra has never been known for her speedy replies. We’re required to check the chat daily, but I don’t think she does. Which is fine with me. I know to give her plenty of time, if possible. Otherwise, I just call her.
That’s why I’m surprised when I look over and see a new notification. But when I open my phone, I see it’s from Keaton, not Kendra. Not that I’m disappointed. I’ll always take Keaton over Kendra.
Keaton
Hey, you busy tonight?
Not really. Just the usual stuff.
Keaton
What is the usual stuff?
Cleaning my bathroom.
Keaton
So… fun stuff.
Totally.
Keaton
You want an excuse not to clean your bathroom?
