If I Didn't

9 -Scott

I know Alex's Starbucks work schedule by heart. Today, it is Wednesday, and he works from eight am to six pm, after which he has volleyball practice. And I walk in without hesitation.

Alex is at the register, talking to a woman and a little girl who is propped up on her mom's hip. He's smiling when chatting with her, but when he sees me, his smile fades ever so slightly. I walk up to the far side of the counter, and he follows me soon after.

"You couldn't stand it, could you?" He asked, his arms crossed. I tried to puff my chest in a little so I could look stronger. But it wasn't really working out. I eventually gave up and leaned up against the counter.

"I hate not being able to talk to you."

"Well I'm sort of busy now. I'm sorry, Scott...we'll talk later. Okay?" His arms went down, and his face softened. I saw it. Maybe he's just as miserable as I am. Before thinking, I wrap my arms around him, embracing him for a couple of seconds. He doesn't at first, but he eventually returns the action. I leaned in so I could whisper in his ear without people hearing.

"As long as we talk. I love you," I said, pulling back. He rolled his eyes, but the corner of his lip curved upwards ever so slightly.

"You tire me out, babe," he said in a low voice. I blushed and looked down. He didn't say I love you, but he did smile and call me a pet name. That's a start in along line of apologizing for whatever the hell I did.

"I know."

"Okay. Now I really need to work. You gonna order coffee or what?" He brushed his fingers against mine on the countertop. The action wouldn't be thought of twice if you were a bystander, but with me being me, I knew he was teasing, and he has probably already forgiven me. I nodded, and leaned closer so I could smell his light cologne.

"Of course. My usual, please."

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