The process was made much easier with an extra set of hands, placing the box back on the shelf and walking out onto the shop floor. I took notice of Dan's more reserved demeanour, a change in how he carried himself around me. Despite us burying our differences there was just something about the situation that normality couldn't reach. Maybe he was starting to realise just how far Harry and I were willing to go to make our relationship work.
"Are you doing anything after your shift?" Dan casually inquired, smiling at a customer as he handed them their change and receipt.
"Yeah, we're going to a party."
I shoved the replacement bags under till's shelved area, flicking my hair from my face once finished.
"We?"
Collecting the nuisance hair into one hand I brought it over my shoulder.
"Harry and I, apparently the house is out in the country somewhere."
Patting down my pockets I discovered the tube of lip balm I searched for. Pulling the cap off and twisting the bottom, I smoothed the stick over my lips. My eyes found Dan's, and I quickly came to realise just how intently he had been watching me. I replaced the tube, slipping it back into my pocket.
"That will be fun." He weakly smiled, the usual happy aura he projected dimmed a little.
"Are you doing anything?"
My hands pressed to the work surface at the back of the till area, attempting to hoist myself up to sit. To say it surprised me when Dan caught hold of my waist was an understatement. The shock resulted in me stupidly bumping my head on his shoulder. I winced, rubbing the sore area with my fingertips.
"Are you alright?"
His eyes widened in concern, palms still snuggly holding my hips. I nervously laughed, reassuring him it was fine, only then did he withdraw his presence. It felt nothing like Harry's touch, his was electrifying, brought butterflies to my stomach, warmed me. But with Dan there was just no spark.
"Think I'm meeting up with some friends to mess around on the basketball court."
"I didn't know you played."
"Yeah, I'm not amazing, but it's a lot of fun." The almost childlike excitement he displayed made me smile. "Do you know how to play?"
"Oh no, not really." I admitted.
It was mandatory in school P.E. lessons to take part in ball games, but I had never been very good at coordination. The majority of the time was spent on my bum. But if you gave me something to hit that ball with, say a racket or bat, now that I was good at.
"Maybe I could teach you how, get you scoring some hoops." He joked.
"I don't think basketball is my forte." I humorously replied, swinging my legs back and forth.
My laughter dissolved as I raised my head, Dan had stepped closer, his smile warm. I shifted slightly under his intense studying as an index swiped away stray strands of hair from across my eyes.
"We could work on that." He spoke softly.
***
Dan had insisted on waiting with me until my ride home had arrived. We chatted outside the shop for about 10 minutes before the familiar black vehicle pulled into the car park, becoming stationary in a spot where spaces still remained.
"Harry's here." I informed Dan.
"Oh ok. Well, I'll see you soon, Bo." Dan smiled, lightly stooping to envelop me in a friendly hug.
