Shift Change

Chapter Two

The next two weeks practically flew by, as much as I didn't want them to. I had been sitting in my closet for about half an hour trying to figure out what I should wear. I don't even know why I was overthinking a simple outfit so much, this day wouldn't really be any different from any other one.

I ended up wearing a pair of dark green slacks, a white button up collar shirt with a black pull over sweater. I decided to go with a simple pair of black vans for my shoes, but decided not to wear any jewelry today. I didn't really want to deal with my hair so I just put it up into a bun. By the time I was done putting my contacts in, it was about time for me to head to work. I couldn't help but take a deep breath before heading out the door.

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My heart felt as if it was racing as I stood by the time clocks waiting for my shift to start. I couldn't really understand why I felt so nervous today. I wiped my sweaty palms on my sweater, I just needed to get it together. I just needed to get through this shift, hell, I just needed to get through the next 3 months.

I was brought out of my thoughts, "Hey Nezzy!" He placed his arms around my shoulder.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes, "Hi Fin."

"You finally get to join us on closing. Aren't you so excited?" You could hear every bit of sarcasm in his voice. He knows excited is the last feeling I could possibly have tonight. I think that was probably the most aggravating thing about him, that he knew exactly how much he bothered me, and he had the most fun pushing my buttons as much as possible.

"Let's just get this over with, okay?" I didn't even want to look at him. I hate that it's so easy for him to get under my skin so easily. He always tries to act like such a nice guy around everyone else, and what's worse is that people fully believe he is a nice guy. But I know it's just an act, he's an absolute jerk, I've known it since the day I met him. He's always been that way, and he'll never change, not unless it somehow benefits him.

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The shift actually ended up going a lot more smoothly than I had anticipated. It was definitely a lot busier than what I was used to on day shift, but overall it wasn't bad. It actually went by faster than usual since it was so busy. In fact, there was so much going on that I barely ever had to interact with Griffin. He did try to make some teasing comments throughout the day but for the most part I was able to brush off everything he said.

"So, how was the first day?" Of course I couldn't go the whole shift without having a conversation with him. He just couldn't leave me in peace, why couldn't he just leave me alone. Was bothering me really that much fun for him?

"It was nice and quiet, at least until now."

"Oh come on Nezzy, I am not that bad. I'm sure deep down you have a bit of a soft spot for me." He must have reached out, cause I feel a little poke against the side of my cheek.

Before I could stop myself, my head whipped to the side and I was glaring at him. I had gone nearly the whole day without really looking at him, I was hoping I'd be able to go the full 3 months without really acknowledging him. I could feel my blood boiling as I looked at him. As much as I hated him, I couldn't really deny the obvious, he was undeniably good looking. His eyes were usually the first thing I noticed, even when the rest of him was rugged and rough, his eyes were always this really soft color of green. He was only about 6', even though my height was an average 5'7", it still felt like he towered over me whenever he stood next to me.

Today he was wearing just normal black slacks with a white button up and black jacket. The look was completed with his usual green tie, for as long as I've worked with him, anything he wore to work was always complimented with some hint of green.

"You really need to stop calling me that." I tried to control the tone in my voice. I could feel myself shaking with anger the longer I looked at him.

"Why? You always call me Fin, it's only fair that I have a nickname for you too." A smirk came across his face.

I force myself to look away, if I look at him any longer, I know a part of me will snap and I won't be able to keep myself from hitting him. I really don't know if I'll be able to do this for another three months. Maybe if we were on opposite days, this shift would be bearable but I had to see him three out of the four days I work.

Finally the clock hit the hour, I stepped forward and clocked out for the day. "Bye Fin."

"Goodbye Nezzy."