Page 16 of Semi Sweet
Well, I supposed I hadn't mentioned the last one to him, so it probably wouldn't have come up in conversation. Not that I would ever divulge that information to him. I wasn't dumb. He'd probably have his parents fire the entire department.
Oh yes, perfectly normal relationship. Healthy. People envy me.
"The bakery department needs paid stickers. I can bring them some."
"Sure," he replied as he checked his watch. "Isn't it almost break time for you? I'm not even supposed to be here today. I've got to get back to corporate." He kissed my head as he always did. I almost wished Evan kept it more professional than that. I could see a few girls whispering in front of their registers after the public display of affection.
"I'll see you tonight after class," he said with a smile. "Something Italian for dinner maybe?" Evan never cooked on the nights I had class, so I knew the fanciest place in town would be providing takeout when I returned.
As soon as he was out of the building, I grabbed the stickers and got someone to cover my break. I practically flew to the other end of the store.
I slammed the paid stickers on the counter and Beth looked at me, bewildered. "We don't need those…."
"Can you pretend that you do? It's a long story."
Beth placed them by the register under the roll they already had going. Then she smiled broadly and snatched a white box from the pick up shelf.
"Come on, you have to know something," I pleaded.
Beth looked at me sheepishly. "If I did, I would tell you, trust me. I want to know who this guy is just as much as you do."
"So you think it's a guy?"
Beth's eyes went wide for the quickest of seconds. She nodded excitedly, getting ready to state her theory, when Sean was suddenly behind her, carrying the self-serve coffee canisters that apparently needed a refill. I didn't know why, but my stomach flipped just like it was going to in a few minutes when I opened up my new cupcake.
"I think it's two girls blocking my counter space," he snapped, setting the canisters down with a loud thud. "Beth, happy birthday doesn't write itself."
"Sometimes he just sucks," Beth hissed as she rolled her eyes and headed toward a prep table. I studied the man for a moment as he walked into the back, still trying to figure out why he was allowing this to happen. Couldn't he get into trouble for helping someone put fancy treats and notes into Cash Value Market boxes? I almost wished I had the nerve to ask him. Instead, I took my box and went to my usual spot. I wondered if Sean had delivered my message as I opened it up. His behavior just now gave no indication.
Inside was a cupcake more beautiful than the rose one before it. It was vanilla cake with frosting that looked like the night sky. There were stars that seemed to twinkle and the frosting was shades of blue and purple. I turned it and even stood up, trying to get the best angle for a picture. Social media would be a blaze tonight. I picked my favorite one and the best filter before I typed,
I think this one might be out of this world.
Then it dawned on me that I hadn't checked for a note yet! That was almost more important than the cupcake itself. I was nervous when I found a folded up piece of paper where the cupcake had been sitting. My fingers were clammy and strange as I reached for it.
Tell you who I am?
Sorry, but that's lame.
Wasn't it you yourself
That called this a game?
I can't reveal my name,
But perhaps a clue:
You've talked to me before
And I'm older than you.
Writing is definitely your talent,
I'm afraid I can't tell you mine.
I live alone, have a dog,
And did I mention I think you're fine?
