Burn My Paranoia One Last Time

21. Now Hiring

"I'm hired? Thank you so much!"

"You're welcome Miss," my new manager, an older woman with grey hair in a tight bun and deep frown lines between her pale brows, says in a monotone voice as she manages a smile and places my resume on the round pastel pink table in front of me. "Orientation is Monday at 10 a.m. Please," she pauses to look me up and down. "Don't be late."

"Of course, I'll be here Monday 10 a.m. sharp," I assure her with a gentle smile while slipping my resume back into my folder. I'm not sure why she gives such a warning when I arrived early today, but I suppose it's better to be direct about expectations regardless.

After that, the days pass by in a blur of soap bubbles, dollar bills, and whirring sticky machines. Conveniently, the mall is only a twenty-minute walk from home. When I'm not handling transactions, I spend most of my time mopping the lobby, the space behind the counters, as well as restocking toppings, and ensuring the frozen yogurt machines are functioning properly.

My manager, Lenore, rarely smiles, and I'm beginning to suspect that even my efficiency isn't enough to soften her grouchy temper towards me. I've found it best to just give her a "Yes ma'am" and continue working.

It's been quite busy this past week and a half, as the mall in our city only recently opened a few months ago. To save time for my classes I come in four days a week-- from morning till afternoon. Joel and Sloane aren't the happiest about how it takes up most of the weekend, but they're proud of me for finding a way to make money early.

Up until now, the only other person working these shifts with me was Lenore. I could hardly believe my eyes this morning as I walked in to see that absolute hunk of a man himself— dressed in full uniform— standing attentively next to Lenore while she shows him how to work the cash register.

The short sleeves on Darren Banks' starch mint green work shirt are tight around his smooth biceps. I swear, I nearly have a nosebleed being able to see the gracious outline of his six-pack.

His soft eyes meet with mine as he looks up. Recognizing me, he flashes a coy smile and nods. Lenore looks up, and I quickly change my expression from what I'm sure is starstruck to a more serious one.

"Good morning," I chirp, unable to take my eyes off him. I'm like a moth drawn to a flame at this point.

"Morning, Rain," he muses.

"Mm, I see you two know each other," Lenore looks between both of us. Is that a smile I finally see on her face? It seems like I'm not the only one starstruck. "Rain, why don't you show this handsome young man around? Teach him how everything's done. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to come to me, Mr. Banks. I'll be in the back."

Whoa, she's never talked to me that much. I still remember how bored and curt she spoke when it was my first day. Either way, I'd ensure that Darren was up to speed on everything.

"I didn't expect to see you here," I said while smiling when Lenore left.

"Neither did I, but it's a pleasant surprise," Darren responded. "Honestly it's great to know someone around here, it makes things a lot more comfortable."

He could say that again. "Ditto. Is this your first job?"

"Yeah, you?"

I nod. "I've been here a week and a half now, but it's only been the manager and me. We could really use your help around here."

***

"Oh, you really didn't have to," I say flustered, as Darren Banks sets down a box of hot pepperoni pizza. It's after our shift, and we're sitting in the mall's shiny and bustling food court.