come out and play (billie eilish christmas story)

7

I placed the cup upside down on the washer and pressed down, rubbing my eyes sleepily while I waited for it to come clean.

Today, only Leah and I were working. Although I'd only worked 3 days so far, I'd already proven myself competent and so she felt comfortable scheduling only two of us at a time. I'd gotten Sunday off as well, so I could spend the day at Billie's, and I was a little nervous about it.

I felt touched by her sweet gesture, but I didn't know how big her family was or anything, I was scared they wouldn't like me, I was worried they would be annoyed I was there when it was supposed to be a family gathering. I knew her mom was nice from the few minutes I'd spent with her, but I didn't know about her dad, any siblings she had, or any other relatives that would be there.

The bell ringing had me shooting to attention, since I was supposed to be manning the cash register. I abandoned the cup I'd been rinsing and quickly made my way over.

Without looking at who it was, I rushed out, "Welcome to The Cozy Cup, what can I get for you?"

"Hmm, don't you think it's a little distracting for the other employees when there's such a pretty girl working with them?" My eyes shot up at the familiar tone, and there stood Billie, smirking at me while leaning against the counter.

My mouth dropped open and heat crept up my neck to my cheeks. Is she hitting on me?

I had no response to what she had said, so I stammered out lamely, "H-hey Billie, um, what would you like?"

A flicker of disappointment crossed her eyes, and her smile faded a little, making me feel bad. But what was I supposed to say?! I have no experience with flirting, and besides, what if she was just joking and I made myself look like an idiot?

"You're off in fifteen minutes, right?" She avoided the question, looking down at her nails and picking at them.

I'd forgotten I'd told her my schedule over text. "Yeah, I am,"

"Then a vegan peppermint mocha, and whatever you want," She looked up at me again, her eyes twinkling again. She was wearing her glasses again, they made her look so cute.

"Oh- you don't have to buy me a drink, Billie," I protested while I put in her order. "That'll be $3, by the way. I used my employee discount," I beamed at her, handing over the terminal.

Billie shoved it back to me. "I want to buy you a drink, so put it on my damn card or I'll be very very offended Willow," She gave me that cold glare, but a moment later was smiling again, so I knew she wasn't joking.

"Uh, fine," I quickly glanced back at the menu, picked the cheapest thing that I knew I would actually finish, then tapped it in and handed her the terminal again.

Billie tapped her card, then stood straight and smirked at me again. "Better hurry, you've only got ten minutes before you're late for our date," She teased, leaving me flustered once again.

Okay, she's definitely serious, I tried to convince myself. But there was still a little nagging voice, what if she's not?

Feeling a bit dazed, I walked over to the machines and began absent-mindedly making her mocha, more focused on my thoughts.

Does she want to be more than friends? Am I reading into this wrong? Am I just reading into it too much? Billie could just be a naturally flirty person, I mean, I've only known her for a week, what do I know? I've never had friends like that... I've never even had any sort of love interest, besides those random boys I had a crush on before I had my gay awakening that I didn't actually care about but just felt like I was supposed to like... God, I need to stop overthinking! But what if I'm not overthinking?

I was able to distract myself for a moment, since I had finished Billie's drink. While setting it aside, I glanced unconcerned at the clock, then did a double take.

4:58??? I must've been moving in slow-motion! I panicked a little, and quickly set about making my drink, cutting corners to make it faster since it was just for me.

When I finished, I threw my apron on its hook and glanced at the clock again while making my way to Billie's table at the back corner of the shop, and thankfully it was only 5:03. I was only a little late, Billie probably wouldn't even notice... why do I care so much??

But I already knew, truthfully. Because I have a crush on her. After one fucking week. 

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mine's rain by sleep token

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