UNMASKED

#22

Things had more or less gone back to some strange form of normal.

He was able to go back to work, which wasn't all that great to be honest. And actually, going back to school wasn't something Eli particularly enjoyed either—and would have enjoyed a whole lot less without Collin's godly note taking skills. Still, there was something to be said about getting back to a routine. For the first time in a while, Eli felt like his life was back on track.

Which was good, even if Eli still had those moments where he would pause in what he was doing to consider how his life choices had led him to where he was.

Like when he walked back into the front of the coffee shop carrying a new tray of muffins and caught a glimpse of Mikey sitting in a corner of the shop. And sure, Eli knew he would be there at some point. After all, Mikey was a regular now. Mostly because he had to keep an eye on Eli, but also because he loved the banana nut muffins judging by the way he practically inhaled them.

It was still jarring to see the goon sitting there, sipping a cup of coffee and not at all looking like he would shoot someone in the face.

"You know, sometimes I wonder about the regulars we attract," Michael said as he sat by the counter snacking on chips.

"I blame the shitty location." Eli was only half joking. There was an abundance of weirdos in the area. Matthew was very much included in that.

"I mean, yeah, probably. But also there's you." Michael popped a chip into his mouth while staring at Eli, smug as always.

"What? How's that my fault?"

"How is it not? You're literally a weirdo magnet. Look at who you're dating!" Eli would rather not think about that.

Which is why he just huffed indignantly and walked off to arrange the muffins. He still heard Michael snickering behind him. Which was why he was almost relieved when he heard someone enter the shop. Right up until he looked up and found himself face to face with Tucker and Collin. Eli could have cried.

"Break! I want my break," Eli said, doing his best to not sound desperate. As was usually the case when he actually tried, he failed.

"What? And leave me with all these wonderful customers?" Michael looked downright gleeful. Eli suddenly wished he hadn't bothered arguing with Matthew about going back to work and school.

He supposed he could blame it on a moment of madness, like most of his dumber decisions. Dating Matthew, for instance.

"Yeah, and we have a surprise for you," Tucker said, grinning in a way that Eli just knew meant he'd want to toss his friends out. It was exactly that grin that made him turn to look at Michael.

"If I kill them I'm blaming you."

"Rude," Michael said, still looking particularly gleeful.

"Your face is rude," Eli muttered, deciding to go back to work. He figured he might at least try to pretend his horrible friends weren't there.

"That doesn't even make sense," Michael pointed out. Eli dutifully ignored him.

It was almost a relief when a group of students walked in, all looking very much in need of some coffee. Granted, most students were in need of something to keep them going. Eli just preferred greasy burgers, but he supposed that might have been because he was just tired of the smell of coffee.

Either way, he was, for once, glad to have to fill orders while Michael basically fucked around with his friends like he was just there to gossip and be petty. Which, to be fair, he kinda was.