Under The Lights

Sixteen- Titan Pierce

I wake up confused and realize i fell asleep on the couch. I sit up and rub my eyes noticing I don't have my glasses on any more. I look around for them and my phone. I spot my phone first and check the time. Its 11:33 and a text message from Record telling me she left for her hair appointment a couple of hours ago.

I sigh. I told her to wake me up before she left. I turn off my phone and grab my glasses off the table before leaning back on the couch. What should i do for the day? I already miss her, it's kinda pathetic. I just opened my eyes.

Well i should probably walk Kora.

I look around and notice shes not in her usual places. "Kora?" I call out, getting up when i get no response. I head to the door to see her leash is missing, Record must've took her with her.

I yawn and head up the stairs, i just woke up but i just want to see her face again, what does that say about me? Am i already that attached?

I sigh and head for the bathroom, taking off my shirt and turning on the shower. I guess i could go to the cafe and check on the store. Maybe organize some books. That sounds boring compared to what I've been doing the past few days.

I feel depleted for some reason.

I start thinking about food and it makes me realize the state of Records fridge. I can go grocery shopping.

I smile feeling a little better about my plans, now i can cook more things with her.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

I finish getting ready, throwing on dark washed jeans and a black sweater before grabbing my keys and phone. I head down the steps and out the door, checking to make sure the key is where she said it was before locking it behind me.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

I open the back door to the cafe and come in through the kitchen noticing two chefs working back here, Stella and Levi. I greet them before heading to the front where Astrid is at the register. It's busy as usual with Georgie making drinks beside her as Astrid takes another customers order.

She doesn't notice im here yet so i just quietly grab a strawberry shortcake muffin and begin munching on it while leaning on the counter and surveying the customers. I recognize some regulars and pull out a notebook from under the counter. I look at what everyone's eating so i can know which items are most popular right now and i write them down as well as survey the inventory to see what we're running low on in the display case. I hired another person to work the library but i should have Astrid hire another person or two for over here. With Georgie struggling to make so many drinks i finish off my muffin and help her.

"When did you get here?" I hear Astrid ask from behind me as i finish another drink.

I shrug. "I don't know like ten minutes ago."

"Where have you been, you usually man the kitchen but Stella and levi said they were both put on the schedule for the next two weeks. It's usually you back there with one of them every other day."

I just grin but i know she cant see me.

"I just found a better way to occupy my time. Im thinking about hiring two more people to help you out over here, maybe a server too. Business is doing good and you guys look like you can use the help. And you're the manager so i want you to do the interviews."

I hear her sigh as the cash register opens. "Alright. So what have you been up to? You love holding up in that kitchen. Does it have something to do with Record?" Her voice takes on a suggestive tone.

I finally turn around to see her smirking at me.

"How did you know?"

"Well nothing else has made you leave the cafe for this long so far, and shes the only new variable in your life. Start spilling i thought you bombed that date. She ran out of here like she never wanted to see you again."