My Only Exception (gxg)

Part 4

I didn't even bother to tell Emily about my second fight with Poppy. I wasn't going to mention Poppy unless she brought her up, so as to not upset her.

I didn't work the next day, and it let me cool off a bit.

Usually, on my days off, I won't do much. I'll either lay in bed with Penelope by my side and half pay attention to the TV, or I will pick up my guitar, play some tunes, and sing.

I've been playing guitar for 10 years, and singing for even longer. I've had no formal training for singing, but I've been told I have a nice voice. As for the guitar, I took lessons for it.

Music relaxes me, it always has. I've done music therapy as well, which I find to be helpful.

I did have work the next day, and I barely got any sleep because of my usual sleep habits, and I was concerned about my mom getting home from a night out with friends. Even on a Tuesday night, she was still turning up.

I wound up eating a weed gummy to tire myself out, and she got home an hour later. I could hear her stumbling around the kitchen.

She got home at 2 AM, and she'd have to be at the practice she worked at 8 AM to see patients.

How the fuck does she do it, and has done it for so long?

I worked that next morning, and when I got to work, Layla asked me if she could have a word with me in her office.

I immediately knew it had to be about my closing shift with Poppy.

Layla is the best boss I've ever had. She owns the coffee shop, and she's in her 50's. She doesn't have any children, however she is married to her partner, Erica, who has a daughter. Layla is a very warm person, firm when she needs to be, but always fair.

She closed the door to her office after I stepped in after her and leaned against her desk. She rolled up the sleeves of her flannel, showing her half sleeve, and she asked me, "What happened with Poppy on Sunday?"

I sighed, "We got into a disagreement. I'm sorry that we were yelling at each other."

"Don't you two know each other previously, do you not get along?" Layla asked, however her tone was gentle.

"Not really," I said back.

Layla nodded and said, "Just try and keep it professional at work, please. I understand some of you might have your differences with each other but try your best to be civil at least."

"Will do," I said to Layla, "It won't happen again."

"I believe you, Delilah. I wanted to talk with you about something else. You sing and play the guitar, right?"

"I do, yes."

"I am planning on hosting an open mic night here on Saturday. I've already got some people interested; I wanted to know if you'd like to perform as well? No pressure."

"Sure, I'd be interested. I'll play something and sing."

Layla smiled brightly, "Wonderful! Tell any of your friends or family they're more than welcome to come as well."

For the rest of the week, I thought about what song I was going to perform at the open mic night. I asked Emily for help.

"You sound good singing anything," she said to me.

"I really appreciate the compliment, but I'd love an actual suggestion," I laughed as I spoke to her on the phone.

"What about "The Only Exception" by Paramore? I've heard you play that before and it sounded great."