Vision

Chapter Two

Edited

I race to the store knowing what's waiting for me. Thinking about an annoyed Opal is different from actually seeing it. Walking into Opal's boutique feels like walking into danger. Opal stands behind the counter with her arms crossed, glare set to her too bright blue eyes. They have to be contacts.

2 Of Hearts opened a few months ago and is struggling to stay afloat. I don't need to see the paperwork, because I can see the clues. The price tags and the lack of customers. Maybe Opal scares them away. That thought brings a smirk to my face.

"What are you smiling at?" She hisses at me as she swings her designer bag over her shoulder. "You're ten minutes late."

"I'm sorry that my other responsibilities in life cut into mani pedi time." I know my sarcasm is going to get a scolding from Dylan, but I can't help it.

She huffs at me, her shoulder knocking into me as she passes. "You could use a little pampering. Don't be jealous." The door chimes as she opens it, but before gracing me with her exit she turns back, "you could've dressed a little cuter at least."

Bitch, I groan to myself. She should be thankful I'm here. Again. This is the fourth time this week. How can Dylan stand her? How can anyone stand her? But at least I get the last laugh, because the tag to her blouse she's wearing hangs out from her back collar. Testing out the merchandise again, I see.

Trapped for the next several hours, I snoop to pass the time. I rummage through the stack of inventory in the back. Why is there so much? The racks out front are jammed with merchandise. She has enough to sell every piece out front and immediately restock it.

She's an addict. A shopaholic. And shopaholics shouldn't own their own shop.

The day goes by long and slow. A couple of customers here and there. Mostly middle aged women trying to be younger than they are or mothers with their daughters, daughters that are too much like Opal.

They give me weird looks, which I return. Maybe they won't come back. The last hour, I start the closing process. I highly doubt anyone will coming in this late. It's a Monday night and The Bachelor is on.

What is Opal gonna do if I close up early? Fire me? Yes, please.

"Bianca." The unexpected visitor startles me. I didn't even hear the bell chime that someone entered.

I whip around with a pair of scissors in hand pointing them at the intruder, but bring them down to my side when I see who it is, "Dylan, what the hell?" Dylan looks perturbed by my nervousness, but his friend, Colton, bluntly laughs at me."Don't laugh at me, loser. What are you doing here anyways?" I point the tip of the scissors at Colton. I thought my brother had a date with with obnoxious wife? Why are you tagging along?

"Double date," Colton chimes with a cheesy wink.

"Oh. Who's the unlucky girl? Although she can't be more unlucky than Dylan." I tease. Colton isn't nearly as bad as Opal. No one is as terrible as Opal.

I've grown up around Colton. He's been Dylan's friend since junior high. He's just another older brother figure. And my dislike of Opal is accompanied by Colton's dislike of her too. That's a sign, but Dylan is too blinded by a girl who purchases her prettiness to actually listen to outside opinions.

Dylan dangles a pair of keys from his finger. "She forgot to give you the key to lock up."

I snatch them from his hand, "thank God. I've been wanting to go since I got here. I need to sleep. My head is killing me after blacking out at Oasis." I regret the words the minute I say them.

Dylan's gaze turns cold as he stares at me. Colton remains silent, but concerned.

"You blacked at that voodoo shop?" Dylan snaps. "I know Lillian is your friend, but-"