Fireworks

25

"Opening day, guera, how do you feel?" Isa says excitedly from next to me as we price boxes of flash pots together.

I probably got like two hours of sleep last night, and my shoulders and back are all stiff from being still for so long. I feel pretty terrible, and it's so hot out today. I had tried to put extra effort into my appearance since we'll have customers for the first time, but had struggled immensely. I braided my hair into a neat crown around my head and tried to cover my dark circles with concealer, but it seemed to be futile. My outfit was cute, but other than that I felt and looked rough. I think Isa knows this, but she doesn't question anything.

"I'm pumped!" I try to put as much pep into my voice as possible, but even I can hear how fake it sounds.

"Honestly we get like four customers on opening day, but it's still exciting. The real action happens on the third and the fourth. You'll see." she winks and dumps a few flashpots in the display container on the table.

I nod and try to keep my smile plastered on my face.

She sighs dramatically and puts a hand to her forehead. "Alright, you know what? I tried my best, I really did. I've never pried before, but I need to know if you're okay. You've barely said a word all morning."

Arlo, who was collapsing cardboard boxes a few feet away, perks up a little when he hears Isa's words, his head discreetly turning in our direction, his hands slowing down a little.

Isa notices as well and she rolls her eyes. "Don't worry about him," she mutters so only I can hear.

I just shrug. "I'm fine, just didn't sleep very well."

She sighs again and says, "Look, I'm not trying to be pushy, but you'd let me know if you weren't okay, right?"

"Of course. Thank you for asking." I say in the most reassuring manner I can.

I see Arlo looking at me out of my peripheral, but I continue pricing flashpots.

Monse stoops behind the tables and plops down on the pallets where Isa and I are working. "I'm already bored. I'm sick of overstocking, I wish we'd have some customers or something."

She leans against a support beam, pulling her phone out of her pocket.

"You'll be regretting those words on the fourth." Isa chuckles, and Monse snorts.

"The third and fourth are the exception. Every other day of working here is the same." she drawls

To me, it feels the opposite. Every single time I've come in, it seems there's some kind of emergency going on. It's stressful and exhilarating and honestly pretty fun. I didn't really think I'd enjoy working here as much as I do, and it's just getting started.

"Shut it, Mose. You're just mad because Arlo hasn't made a move on you yet and it's probably his last summer working here." Isa says with a Cheshire grin on her face.

I glance over at Arlo, but if he's heard Isa's words he gives no sign he did, still ripping boxes expertly. Montserrat gasps and whacks Isa's arm. "Callete, tontita." she hisses, worriedly watching Arlo.

"What, it's not like you don't make it obvious enough. You and Cecily just can't keep your hands to yourself." Isa croons.

Montserrat glares at her and says, "So what if I like him, it's not like he'll be able to stay away for much longer. This is the third summer we're working together and I feel like every year we're getting closer to at least hooking up."

I feel my eyes widen a little but I don't lift my head. Isa snorts. "Puta, you wish. Look, I'm saying this as your friend. Arlo doesn't do relationships. He's never taken a girl to his apartment before, not even me, and I've known him for forever. You should stop pining after Arlo and wasting your summer on him again. If you really need closure, just ask him if he feels the same way and get it over with instead of letting yourself get hurt again."