Before the Horns - A Bob Velseb Story

Chapter 20

It was almost closing, and the employees of Boys & Grills still had a lot of work to do. While John casually ushered people out of the building and bussed tables, Bob and Sarah wiped down the grill and counters. Bob yawned, drained after such a long day, hoping it'd soon be over. Too bad he and his coworkers would have to come in on a Sunday, Bob had really been looking forward to the extra sleep.

Bob looked over to Sarah to let her know what he needed her to do now, but was surprised to catch her gaze. She sure had been staring at him a lot recently. Bob swallowed thickly, hoping she wasn't upset about the hug he'd given her. 

Shaking away any negative thoughts he went to meet her. "So, if that's the whole counter cleaned then I may have ya go help John bussin' tables till everyone leaves. Imma be out back in the alley to make sure the delivery truck's gonna have the space it needs to unload. If y'all get done before I get back, just come meet me outside. Okie dokie?"

"Understood," Sarah replied just as flatly as always.

Bob gave her a quick thumbs up before heading to the back alley to clean up a bit. The most he'd have to do is maybe move around a few pallets or move the dumpster, so Bob let his mind wander as he worked. Sarah was acting weird, staring a lot more than she had been. Sure, the habit started a week or so ago and he'd grown used to the frequent glance, but she'd really started to really stare the last two days. He'd catch her watching him, carrying an unbroken gaze for much longer than just a few moments. Today alone he'd spotted her staring for maybe two minutes or so. Bob did his best not to think much of it, but it was getting to be a little concerning.

Trying to shift to a more positive note, Bob shook away his worries. What else had happened today?  It had been nice to get to see Mr. Carter and Lila today. Lila hadn't come in over the past week like usual, so it was nice to get to say hello. She was a sweet girl, and always brought a smile to his face. Bob wasn't exactly positive what her father had come in for today, as he'd said Sarah had taken care of him. Mr. Carter had also said he and Sarah were friends, which was new information. It was pretty neat finding out he one of his friends was friendly with another of his friends on their own accord. He'd have to ask Sarah where she knew Mr. Carter from.

Speak of the devil, Charlie and John stepped out into the alleyway with Bob. Bob slid the last pallet out of the way, and turned to see if the two needed anything.

"Hey, Bob, we finished the tables and everyone cleared out. Are you needing any help out here?" John asked cheerfully.

"I actually just finished up out here, but I do appreciate the offer. So is everythin' inside all cleaned up?" Bob replied fixing his apron, which had untied itself from bending down so much to carry pallets.

"We wiped down the tables and counters, cleaned the display case, and locked the stock room. I do believe everything should be set for closing," Sarah concluded, listing off their finished tasks on her fingers.

Bob nodded with a smile. "That should be it for today then, thank y'all so much for your help. And again, I'm real sorry ya gotta show back up again tomorrow. I'll find a way to make it up to ya, I promise," Bob chuckled sheepishly. 

The three made it back around to the front of the shop, and John parted ways with Bob and Sarah. The remaining two stood under the street lamp that illuminated the little storefront. Bob wasn't exactly excited to have to walk home in the dark, but sighed accepting the reality. 

"Well, Sarah, I best be headed back home. Thanks for all the help today, it really means a lot ya know," he thanked quietly. The expression on her face shifted slightly, picking up there was something wrong.

"I suppose so. It is a little dark though. How about I walk you home?" Sarah suggested coolly.

Bob was caught off guard for a moment. He really would appreciate it, but he didn't want to be trouble to his coworker. "Thanks for the offer, but I don't wanna get in the way. I can make it alone, it's no problem."