SugarCOAT

7. For the Last Time 😁

I've never had so much fun at work. I even looked forward to clocking in. Like, I've learned more about my employees in one week than the entire time I've worked with them.

On Tuesday, A.B. found out that Nate liked to dance. They had a whole dance competition. Randomly, a customer got involved with their Soul Train dance moves, and it was up from there. In the end, Nate won and A.B. said Nate could leave early and he'd pay him in cash for his three remaining work hours. Nate took the money and vanished. 

On Wednesday, Brivona talked to me more than I've ever talked to myself IN PUBLIC. Most of her questions were about A.B. By the fourth question, I figured she liked him. She eventually got brave enough to talk to him herself, and somehow it led to a cook-off. Everyone is participating on Thursday for the food challenge. Whoever has the best dish gets Friday off and $50 in cash.

On Thursday, Jessica was the judge since she hadn't been to work all week. She ranked Brivona's red velvet cupcakes a 3/5, Nate's spicy chili a 4/5, my garlic bread a 3/5, and A.B.'s store bought rotisserie chicken and mixed veggies with ranch a 5/5. Guess I should've made spaghetti along with the garlic bread or brought everyone frozen dinners. None of us  were eager to give A.B. our money, but we didn't have to. He gave the runner-up, Nate $20, and he gave the rest of us $10 each. A.B. said he wasn't going to take Friday off, but we could all come in an hour after our shifts started. If A.B. became our new boss, I don't think any of us would complain.

I was enjoying going to work so much that I didn't even notice today was Friday. Nate and Brivona were off today, but Jessica and I were handling the normal Friday crowd. Around 5 p.m., things had slowed down. I was ready to take another break until Jessica realized we had an instrument ready for pick-up.

"Oh, shoot! I forgot to call that customer. That instrument has been here since this morning," I admitted.

Jessica smiled, "Mmm-hmm. That's 'cause you and Brivona been fawning over A.B."

I quickly faced her. "What? I do not fawn over anybody." I leaned against the counter. 

Jessica laughed as she handed me the phone. "Girl, call that customer before we close. I'm trying to get out of here and go home."

I rolled my eyes as I took the phone and walked over to the pick up shelf. I read the tag on the instrument's case for the customer's name and contact information. After the second ring, the man picked up. 

"Hello. This is Jamie at Music Bravos. I'm calling to let Mr. Vance Henry know that his instrument is ready for pick up... Yes, sir, we close at six-thirty today... Yes, sir... Okay. We'll see you soon... Bye." I hung up the phone and decided to head to the breakroom.

I took a seat at a small table and pulled out my phone. I had 10 text messages from my cousin.

Monica: Hey cousin! It's Friday!
                It's decision day!
               It's been a few hours. Have you made your decision yet?
               Don't clock out without telling your boss you're going to LA.
               Reply back before I annoy you with random texts
               Hellooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
               Have you heard from Zeke???
               JAMIE!
               Your shift is almost over. Don't try to get out of this by quitting after you get to LA.
               That's okay. I'll be at your house when you get off work. 

I took a deep breath as I began to text her back.

Jamie: Please don't show up to my apartment. I'm about to talk to my manager now. I'll call you when I get home. DO NOT text or call until I call you. Okay?