Beautiful Secret

Chapter 2

Nicole's POV:

"Nicole!"

I turn around as I hear my name called. A smile makes its way onto my face as I see who called me.

"Korbyn," I nod my head in acknowledgement of his presents.

"How have you been?" he asks me.

"Just fine, what about you?" I inquire.

"Still alive," he chuckles.

"Well, that's got to count for something," I observe.

"You can go on register 11 for Caleb. He's heading home," I tell him.

"Ah, you're self-check today. Do you do it often?"

"Enough. But go on for Caleb. He probably wants to go home," I tease.

He sends me a smirk, "Yes ma'am."

I roll my eyes and get back to watching the lights. I start a small conversation with a few other coworkers. I check the schedule to see who else is coming in today.

Korbyn clears his throat to get my attention. I turn my head and raise my eyebrow at him. Know that he knows he caught my attention, he takes a few steps closer.

"Are you a dwarf?" he asks me.

"Excuse me?" I ask puzzled.

"Are you a dwarf?" he repeats the question. Then decides to rephase it, "How tall are you?"

"5'2", why?" I wonder.

"A dwarf is 4'11". I guess you're not one then," he stated aloud.

"I'm short, but not that short," I huffed in annoyance. "That's just rude of you to say."

A smile plays on his lips, "I just thought I'd make sure you weren't a dwarf."

"You aren't even that much taller than me, only like 4 inches taller," I cross my arms defensively.

"That's a pretty good amount," he pointed out.

"I honestly don't mind being short," I said raising my chin. "I fit a lot of places others can't. If I need something on the top shelf, there is such thing as climbing. It's a talent of mine."

He chuckled as an amused smile crossed his face, "Is Delilah aware of your talent?"

I grin and nod my head. I've seen our boss, herself, step on the bottom shelf for a little extra boost.

As my shift finishes, I get ready to head out. I exchange a few words before I go clock out.

"Bye Nicole. Have a good night," I'm startled by the voice so close to me.

I look behind me to find Korbyn standing a few feet away.

"Thank you," I send him a small smile. "You too."

I walk outside to an awful storm. I was grateful I decided to drive to work instead of walking. I went home and changed out of my work uniform. I shake my head as I hear my mom yelling at my siblings for ignoring her. I recall all the chaos that has made up my life. My got mom got married last May. My grandpa, the only person I knew loved me inside and out, passed away. I didn't even get to spend the last few months of his life with him. We moved to another state when my mom got married. It wasn't even worth it. My step-dad could have been a fun, loving, energetic guy; he was the complete opposite. My step-dad treated us all like shit. He was SO mean. I wasn't sorry when he left my mom a year later. The divorce is still not finalized because he's being a total asshole about it. He can't agree with my mom about anything. I'm convinced he's narcissistic and a bully. I have/had a step-sister? I guess she still is until the divorce is finalized, right? Anyway, she was super sweet, we got along really well. It's a shame she has an ass as a father. I'm being a little bitchy, but I really don't like him.

I snap out of my thoughts as thunder rumbles and shakes the whole house. I walk to my window and gaze outside. The storm is worse than I expected, and the wind is blowing hard. I sighed in anoyance as I thought about the mess that it would leave. I guess this weekend we'll be doing yard work, cleaning up all the branches that fell. I glance at my phone as an idea crosses my mind. I grab it and check to see if Korbyn had followed our facebook page for work. A silly smile plays on my lips when I find his name. I debate for a few seconds before I select his name and message him.

From Nicole: Hey, did you make it back home okay? This storm's pretty nasty