Page 2 of Good Vibes Only
“And those dicks would most definitelynotbe the ones we want molded,” I said.
“Seriously. Why is it always the guys with the grossest choads sending unsolicited dick pics?!”
We laughed even harder.
Yeah, like I said earlier—it’s strange work, this business we’re in, but the laughs are nonstop.
But our laughter ceased when a power tool began to shriek, its ear-piercing wail coming from next door.
“Ugh. Great,” Raven groused. “They’re at it again.”
“The heck is that?” I asked, turning my ear to our shared wall.
“Sounds like construction. You didn’t hear it earlier? It was going onallmorning long.”
“No, I didn’t notice,” I said. “I guess I was too busy running around.”
“Well, you’re lucky. It was driving me crazy over here on the cash register.” The screeching saw was joined by a barrage of pounding hammers, and Raven tutted, annoyed. “I guess the construction workers are back from their lunch break.”
“Someone’s finally moving into that spot then, eh?” The spot next to us had been vacant ever since we moved in. “Huh. I wonder what they’re putting in?”
I was about to go next door to investigate, but before I could, the door bells jangled, and a young woman slinked into the store. She was a pretty girl, with long and tousled hair, and looked to be college-aged. She moved around the shop stealthily, as if she didn’t want to be seen, her flats barely making a sound on the hardwood floor. The loudest thing about her was the sweater she wore, which read, in big block letters:
“MAY THE BRIDGES I BURN
LIGHT MY WAY”
“Hi! I’m McKayla. Just let me know if you need any help,” I said, performing my patented, no-pressure, swoop-by greeting. “I loveyour sweater, by the way.”
“Oh, thanks.” She avoided eye contact, keeping her gaze trained on the floor or the wall over my shoulder. “Yeah, it’s a little angry, but I’m kinda in thisfuck it allphase right now.”
I stopped to chat. “We’ve all been there before. Maybe it’s a little angsty, but I like the message. It’s like, learn from your mistakes and take back power of your own life. You know?”
“Yes! Exactly,” she said, and her eyes finally met mine. “So I’m getting ghosted by this really hot guy. Right after I slept with him, of course.”
I wasn’t surprised she’d shared something so personal out of the blue. One thing I’ve learned about the younger kids today? They tend to be incredibly open, even the ones that seem shy and sensitive. And I totally love ’em for it.
“Oh no! I’m so sorry,” I said.
She sighed. “Yeah, it sucks, because I was super into him. But now when I see him in the dorms, he pretends like he can’t even see me. He’ll walk right past me like I don’t exist.”
Raven, standing behind the counter, couldn’t hide her disgust. “Ugh.”
“That’s really messed up,” I said. “He sounds like a complete ass.”
“Yeah. Sorry for dumping my drama on you. I’m just really sick of getting ghosted by guys, you know?”
“Aw, hun, you’re totally fine. Whoever that guy is, he’s an idiot. I don’t even need to see him, and I already know you can do way better. You aresopretty.”
“Thanks. You’re sweet,” she said with a shy bob of her head. “Anyway, I’m going to try to avoid guys for a while. My best friend said I should invest in a really good vibrator, so …” She shrugged as if to say,So here I am.
“Can I just say Iloveyou and your friend already?” I chuckled, my hands on my heart. “I wish I were as wise as you girls when I was your age, because that story sounds pretty familiar, honestly.”
“Please tell me it gets better,” she said, pleading with her eyes.
I snickered. “Youget better. The men, unfortunately, don’t. They stay the same.”
She stuck her tongue out. “Blah. Great.”
