When it Happens

Chapter 20

I was resting my elbow on the cashier's counter, thinking about things I could be doing on this perfect Saturday night. I silently cursed at Julia, another worker, for calling in "sick." I was stuck with her shift. I should have just said no.

I was almost thinking about walking out the door, quitting this job at Trish's Boutique when it was like God was listening, and answered my thoughts. Right then and there, Nate walked in. I was starting to think he actively sought me out. Oh man, he totally still likes me!

"Hey, stranger. What are you doing here?" 

He shrugged, stuffing his hands in his pockets, walking closer to me. "I have to ask you something, but I didn't want to call the boutique because, well, that's just weird." He looked for if anyone's around and whispered, "I didn't want Trish to answer."

I laughed hysterically. I knew he didn't want to see Trish nearly as much I wanted to see her with them, so after our laughing fit died down, I managed out an "I understand. Whew. That was funny. So what's up?"

"Well, we're throwing a surprise birthday party for Fryer at his house tonight. You coming?"

"Shoot, I totally forgot it's his birthday today! Two days in a row. Man, I feel bad for his parents. Yeah, what time do I need to be there?"

"Good thing they're in Cape May for the weekend. Dave's bringing him home from the diner at 8:30, so be there by 8:15 at the latest."

I smiled. "Okay, I'll be there."

He smiled back at me, and we stood there for a couple minutes, just looking at each other, smiling. That is until he leaned in slowly, and I was too shocked to move.

Too shocked to move when he gave me a soft kiss on the corner of my mouth.

What a tease!

When he pulled away, he almost looked shocked at his own actions, and a faint pink shade appeared on his cheeks

"Okay. Well, I'll see you at 8:15."

"8:15." I repeated, blushing too.

As soon as he left the boutique, I smiled and jumped up and down. In my mind, it wasn't up for debate there was no way Nate did not like me. That kiss just proved it! 

A middle-aged woman then came up to me to check out, as I handed her her bag, she whispered to me, "He likes you," then walked off.

That was weird. A confused look appeared on my face as I watched her stroll towards the door. I wasn't just going to sit there stunned behind the counter. I wasn't going to lose her. I went up to stop her and ask her what she meant.

"Well, dear, isn't it obvious? The man kissed you for pete sakes!"

"On the corner of my mouth." I corrected her. "Not a full kiss."

She pursed her lips together, rolling her eyes. "He's nervous he's going to hurt you again. Not only is it obvious, but he also told me." And with that, she walked out.

What. The. Hell.

That took over my mind as I signed out and drove to Fryers. When I walked into his house at 8:15, I was greeted by Mikey. I made sure to look nice for tonight, so I bought a new dress and sandals with my earnings from the boutique with my worker's discount. "Hey, bud!" I exclaimed when I saw him, hugging his body. "I felt like I haven't seen you in forever. How have you been?"

He nodded, "I've been good! You look great, by the way. But yeah, nothing really has been going on with me."

If only I could say the same.