{Banana Smoothie} ✔️

Chapter 143 (Atlas's POV)

April 8th

Atlas's POV

"Just because there is a two for one sale for a certain display doesn't mean the whole store is two for fucking one" I rant to Aaron who was next to me at the counter. "Welcome to my life... I'm always trying to help them by telling them what would be best for their sort of party and they go crazy at the thought of being wrong!" He huffs crossing his arms.

I shake my head hating people. "I've seriously had somebody buy wedding stuff for a funeral because they didn't want to be wrong and put it back" he rants and I nod along with it before bursting into laughter.

"How's that going to work? People arrive at the funeral and it just says, welcome to the best day of our lives or something" I bend over trying to keep my laughing to a minimum. I hadn't seen anybody come in, but I wasn't sure. Those pesky customers always seem to pass by me.

Aaron chuckled beside me as I just continued to laugh. "I really suck at this job" I shake my head in my hands. "Me too- but it's a family thing, I gotta try for mom at least... plus dads worse" he explains and I nod understanding that.

Aaron and I had never been that close considering we think of him as our cousin but ever since I got this job, I've realized he isn't that bad. I actually enjoy his company.

The door opens with a ring of the bell and both Aaron and I cringe with a silent groan. I immediately pipe up when I see Auntie Willow. "Auntie!" Aaron gets it out before me running around to get to her.

I of course needed to win this race, so I jumped over the counter and ran up to her. She had little Esmay in her arms. The poor child was still very socially awkward which I knew was worrying her parents.

I pulled away from Willow who had a glowing face along with her bright smile. "Hi Echo" I crouch over to hug her. "Hello!" She cheers hugging me tightly.

"Cheater" Aaron huffs hugging Willow.  "Are my siblings here?" She asked while Esmay pulled at her hair which was in a loose ponytail. "Rowan is upstairs and Aspen is helping Neville get confetti off of him... I don't know where" I inform her looking to Esmay.

"Hi" I wave my fingers at her and she looks to her mom first. "Can say hi" she whispers and I give her a sad smile. "Yes baby that's your cousin Atlas, do you remember him?" She asked and Esmay nodded. "Hi" she waved back to me.

Aaron walked up to her and kissed her forehead. "Good morning little Esmay" he backs away bowing to her. She giggles as he turns to bow to Echo "and good morning to you as well Miss. Echo" he smirks getting both girls to clap in excitement.

"Looks like I won that" he whispers patting my shoulder. I glare at him but put the smile back on my face as I face the girls. "Willow my baby!!" Rowan shouts out of nowhere running over to us. "Oh, how I've missed you my dear sister" he cries kissing her head repeatedly.

"I saw you last week Rowan" she reminds him but he shakes that off as a customer comes in so I hurry back behind the counter followed by Aaron. "Look at that- I didn't cheat and still won" I mock him.

The elder woman immediately came up to the counter smiling a toothless smile. I hate this job. "How can we help?" I ask trying to be as cheery as possible. "I need stuff for my grandson's party" she explains looking around the huge store.

"Well, what kind of party?" I continue and she freezes. "Well I don't know" she sighs shaking her head. "Do you happen to have a list" I try to help but she doesn't say anything? "Here ma'am come with me and I'm sure we can jog your memory" Aaron cheers moving around to help her.

She smiles and nods "thank you, dear, I really do apologize" she lifts her cloak to help her walk easier as Aaron leads her towards some of the isles.

"Will you just tell me the surprise already" I zoned back into the conversation. "I need Aspen first" she groans bouncing the toddler on her hip. Echo made her way over to me and I smiled down at her.