PURE HONEY | spencer agnew

1.12

   LAYLA AND LONDYN WERE in the back office, just the old Christmas lights and lamp on. The older sister was on the computer, cancelling orders that were put in since they weren't getting the business they needed. It usually started slowing down once August hit, but it was still slower than usual.

   Londyn was sitting on the floor, hunched over while putting together more of the 'Blind Date with a Book'. Those are the things that are selling the most right now. Which, does help since they just pull from books that are already stocked, and wrap them up all pretty to sell.

   Since the two of them came back to work, they have just been hiding out in the back and doing their work there. Hanah and Indigo were fully taking over in the store, helping customers whenever needed. And then when they were closed, that's when the sisters would do anything else needed.

   There was still fear that their brother would show back up, so neither was taking the risk of it. It was safest in the back where only the employees could access, and it was comfortable.

   But now, outside of the situation with their brother, there was some fear over losing the store. Layla had no idea what was going to happen with it. Business was slower than ever, and it's cost them a lot of money.

   Layla was the only one on the money side of the business, not getting any help with it. So even though the sisters have talked about it briefly, Londyn had no idea what was happening.

   This was getting Layla into deep thought, losing track of what she was doing on the computer. Instead, she was zoned out, her eyes blurry and her hand slowly slipping off the mouse, the cursor finding way on another part of the screen.

   "You okay?" Londyn spoke up, bringing her older sister out of her trance.

   Layla's head snapped into focus, immediately turning around to look at Londyn who was still sitting on the floor. "Yeah, I'm good. Just zoned out."

   Londyn nodded, putting back in one of her airpods and getting back to work. Layla noticed the progress made in the short time, proud of how fast she was getting things done. Only two more books were left in the pile that started at twenty.

   Londyn was really good about getting her work done on time, if not earlier. But also it sometimes would cut into her mental health, and she would push back those feelings until they could no longer be pushed, and would all surface at once.

   This was something Layla always had to help her guide growing up. Feelings are definitely hard to control, but they learned to do it in the house they grew up in.

   A knock sounded on the door of the office, but before either could answer, it opened to reveal Hannah. "Hey, Layla, Spencer is here."

   Layla nodded with a shaky breath, standing from her chair and walking out into the store. Only a few of their regular customers were in, no sign of Logan. But if there was, Indigo would handle it again.

   The two have been texting a lot since Layla decided to come back to reality. Spencer was constantly checking on her, but in a loving way that meant a lot. Since she didn't have her family to fall back onto during times like this, it was nice to have a friend around.

   She has appreciated everything he's been doing for her, so grateful for every moment they spend together.

   There stood Spencer, iced coffee in hand with his bag over his shoulder. She smiled at him, and walked over. "Here, I know you only get one free one a day." He put the iced coffee out, handing it to her.

   "Thanks." Layla said gratefully, taking a sip. And of course, the order was perfect as usual. "You really didn't have to."

   "I know, but I wanted to. You mentioned getting kind of tired around this time of day. And i'm on my lunch right now." Spencer replied.

   Her heart fluttered, knowing that he paid attention to the little things that most people wouldn't care to pay attention to. Her cheeks turned pink, not being able to control it.

   Spencer sighed, ignoring the blush on her cheeks. "I can't stay for long, I have to get back to work soon. We're filming a games video right after lunch."

   "At Smosh, right?" Layla said. Spencer looked a little taken aback, but nodded. "Sorry, I just realized a while ago and never brought it up."

   "No, it's fine. I just didn't realize we never talked about it. But yeah, I'm one of the games producers at Smosh." He smiled.

   Layla smiled. "That's so cool. I used to watch Smosh when I was in middle school, but kind of stopped watching after that."

   "Yeah, I really like my job. I can't complain." Spencer started. "But speaking of it, I do have to get back. I'll text you later, though."

   "Yeah, for sure."

   Layla walked him to the front of the store, gave a quick hug goodbye, and then he was on his way.

   She went back into the office, seeing that Londyn had now moved onto a new project, seeing the books she finished stacked on the cart, and she was unboxing some bookmarks and tote bags.

   Layla sat down at her desk, continuing with her task from earlier, but thinking about Spencer again.

   A few nights ago was when Spencer came back over after work. Spencer came over with food, and instead of watching a movie like intended, Layla fully opened up about her past.

   There was a lot to get through, and Spencer politely sat their, giving her his full attention, listening to every word she said in great detail. It was a healing moment for Layla that she really needed, and she felt although she could never repay Spencer for those moments spent together.

   Spencer stopped by the store a few times over the past couple of days, just to check in on Layla since she didn't have her phone on her while she was working most of the time. He would come in with an iced coffee, chat for a few minutes, then head to work.

   The little things like this are what mean a lot to Layla. No one was really questioning much about it like they originally were, which made her feel a lot better about the whole situation.

   She knew feelings were creeping up on her slowly. Yet this time she isn't turning them down like she usually would. Instead, welcoming them with open arms.

   Later in the day, right before the store was about to close, Layla received a text from Spencer. Her heart rate picked up as she read the text.

   'Hey, the weather seems to be good this weekend. Wanna go to this flower garden?'

   Layla replied, happily accepting the offer. After all the plans were made, Layla went home with a smile on her face, excited for the rest of the week to play out and for the weekend to come.