Granite City; A Manaverse Novel, Book 1

1.01 - Doughnuts and Three Coffees

Granite City Grocer
3:00 a.m.
Granite City

Kyle Jaxon wiped at his brow, the sweat starting to sting his eyes. He finished setting the last cans of green beans on the appropriate shelf and dropped the leftover cardboard in the trash cart each employee kept nearby. Finishing aisle five never felt so good. It was almost time.

He ran his fingers through his strawberry-blonde hair, contemplating his next task. Running the freight crew at the local grocery retailer "Granite City Grocer" had become a science for him over the last five years and he took pride in what his team could do. Just as he was about to head to aisle seven to check on the newbie, a voice caught his attention.

"Jut, man, kill five already?"

"Diggy, how many times have I told you to not call me by my gamer tag while at work? And, yes, five is finished." Kyle scowled as he stuck his hand out to the other worker.

Daniel Digsby and Kyle did their secret "bro's handshake", hands waving, bouncing, and performing many gestures before they ended with a snap.

Kyle considered himself average in height and build. He could easily see over Diggy, the man being nearly a head shorter than him. Where Diggy was lacking in height, though, Kyle relied on the man the most out of any other member of the crew. Diggy was fast, accurate, and well-mannered, even if he was a little on the heavy side.

"Ah, come on man. We all play. Why does it matter if there aren't any customers around?" Diggy whined his usual question.

"We never know who is around, Digs. And, while you don't care who knows that you're a level one hundred and seventy Warrior on Prime, I do." Kyle explained like he did every freight night. Just because it was three a.m. didn't mean there weren't customers around.

"But why? You're the best Shaman on the server, dude. The golden standard for support players. You should have pride in that." Diggy said reassuringly.

"Having the best uptime, statistics in combat, and rotation in a video game doesn't pay the bills, Digs." Kyle sighed. "How we lookin'?"

"Lame." Diggy deadpanned. "Fine. Aisles three and eight are left, with Jo slacking on seven." Diggy was interrupted by a feminine voice coming from aisle seven.

"Hey! I'm above target!"

"Maybe by company standards." Diggy jabbed. "Anyway. Marvin is starting aisle two and Sandy volunteered to do pet and essentials. Over all, we are ahead of schedule."

"Now that deserves praise as the best support." Kyle said reverently. "I hate essentials. Very good, Digs. I'll head upfront to run the registers after the break. Speaking of..." Kyle stopped and pulled out his radio which could broadcast over the speakers. "Break time, crew. Good hustle. Take thirty then back to it."

Loud thumps could be heard from various Aisles as the crew all stopped to get food. Diggy and Kyle made their way around to ensure all equipment was tucked safely off to the side while the crew made purchases and relaxed in the back. It was their nightly ritual.

"Are you coming out for drinks with everyone?" Diggy asked when they were about to ring out food for themselves. "It would be great for group cohesion."

"You guys still do that?" Kyle complained.

"Do we still do the tradition you and I started our first week on night crew, that we have done for almost five years? Hell ya, man. I still don't understand why you don't come anymore."

Kyle gave Diggy a flat look. Diggy threw his hands up in mock defense.

"I'm not the one who decided to to diddle the server and it ended badly." Diggy said quickly. "Besides, the sea witch doesn't work there anymore. Didn't I tell you?"