Relapse (Phan)

SIX

"So you're showing up on time to work was a one-time thing, huh?" Paloma laughed as I trudged through the door, twenty minutes late for my shift.

"Did you really expect anything else?" I joked. She rolled her eyes and handed a broom off to me, gesturing at the dirty floor. "Using me for manual labor now? Is that my punishment?"

"No, but the inch of dust on the floor is mine," she said, turning up her nose.

"It's a record store," I said, "It's supposed to be dusty."

"So why so late?" she asked, leaning on the counter as she watched me sweep. I felt my face go red as I remembered the reason I'd hit snooze six times this morning: Dan.

"Overslept," I said awkwardly, avoiding eye contact.

"Of course," she rolled her eyes, "Are you this late to your classes as well?"

"When I turn up," I chuckled.

"Ugh," she sighed, a bit over-dramaticly, "You're gonna be the death of me."

"That's the plan," I winked.

"So, did'ja call Jason?" she asked with a smirk.

"Yeah," I said, my face burning red again.

"And?"

"We're going out on Thursday after work," I replied.

"Eep!" she shrieked.

"The hell was that?" I laughed.

"Nothing, sorry," she said, "Just-My little manic Phil is growing up."

"Okay, number one, I am not 'little'," I said, "Number two, don't."

"I'm only teasing," she laughed, "Where are you going?"

"Coffee," I said.

"Basic," she criticized, "Is that it?"

"Well, yeah," I said, a little embarrassed.

"You could go to the maze," she suggested, "It's open this time of year."

"I know it's open," I said.

"Ooh! You know what you should do?"

"I didn't really ask for your adv-"

"You should go to The Shambles!"

"I don't think so," I said, skeptically.

"Why not?" she protested, "The Shambles are so romantic at night!"

"It's only a first date," I reminded her.

"So? Don't you want it to be romantic?"

"Not particularly," I giggled, "I don't even know him! He could be a serial killer!"

"Or your soulmate!"

"Whatever," I said.

"Phil!"

"I'll think about it, okay?" I laughed, "Will that appease you?"

"I guess," she groaned.

"Good," I said, "Now let me sweep in peace, Woman!"