Winter Wayhaught

Chapter 5

Nicole turned the sign in the window to 'Open.' Robin was busy unpacking a new shipment of books, ready to go on the shelves. He could see Nicole at the front desk preparing the cash register for the day's business. No customers yet, both hoping the day would be quieter than Christmas Eve. The café would remain closed until the New Year, the only other member of staff still off sick. An elderly gentleman, retained by Nicole as a favour to her aunt. Not the most productive worker, but he was an old friend of the family and well, part of the store.

"So, how was your date?" Robin asked.

"Good. Not married, problems with her ex. He kept texting her."

"At least he's an ex. Not a current."

"True. She seems OK with Shae."

"Any plans for date number two?"

"No. Said she'll see me in the store, which I'm guessing will be Saturday. Ages away."

"Text her. You could always invite her to ours New Year's Eve."

"I couldn't, could I? I mean I don't really know her."

"You've slept with her. I'd say that's fairly high up on the getting to know scale."

"I keep telling you, we..."

"I know. Kept your clothes on. Text her, say you had a great time. Mention our little party. You've nothing to lose."

"Right. Nothing to lose. What if she says no?"

"Then, she'll know you were thinking about her."

"Right. Can't stop thinking about her. That's the problem."

"Text her, or I will. Give me your phone."

"No. Absolutely not. The last time you did that my mother called asking if I was back on drugs."

"Funny though."

"Not funny. Actually, Waves said I was funny. Never thought of myself as funny. Socially awkward, anxiety prone, uncanny ability to say the wrong thing at the wrong time."

"You are funny. We laugh at you all the time."

Nicole shot Robin a look. "I really should fire you."

"See, you're being funny right there. Always cracking jokes like that."

Robin danced off leaving Nicole to the task of texting Waverly. She didn't know what to put. Keep it simple stupid, she repeated, nothing fancy. A short message, not an essay. Her hand reached for her phone. She had forgotten she put it on silent during their date in the pub, not wanting to disturb her moment with Waverly.

One message. Received 7.14am.

Waverly: Thanks for yesterday. Free Saturday night?

Nicole: Yes. Do you want to come to a party with me? We r playing Monopoly.

She stood looking at her phone, waiting for a response. Robin danced past in the opposite direction.

"Have you sent it?"

"She sent me one. She wants to know if I'm free Saturday night."

"This is so exciting. Go, go, go."

"I told her about your party."

"For the love of God, tell me you didn't ask her to play Monopoly with us when she's asking you out on a date."

"OK, so when you put it like that."

Nicole's phone flashed with a message.

"It's Waves. She says, Wynonna having a few friends over. Monopoly sounds more fun!"