What it takes to be wanted

What it takes to be wanted - 3

I stare back in utter amazement.  Thoughts are racing through my head.  What?  And how? It looked almost exactly like me. 

"You see I was trying to get this idea of a woman that I kept dreaming of.  She had this fire subdued hair and that's all I could get out of my dream.  Then I saw you here.  I thought your facial structure was perfect."

He was looking at me with such intensity and I didn't know how long we just sat there looking at each other.  I broke the trance and looked down at my watch.  Damn it! I thought.  I went over my fifteen minute break time. 

"Well, Adrian thank you for showing me your artwork," I said back.  I took my tea in hand and got out of the chair, my eyes looking around fast.  "Uh, I hope I wasn't the reason your art couldn't be put in the gallery." I sneaked a sheepish look back at him. 

He looked back with a grin that almost made my heart stop.  "No worries Libby.  Trust me you have little to do with it."

Nodding stupidly I turn around and go find Tanner. What was that supposed to mean?  There was probably more to the story that I didn't know.  There always was. 

I find Tanner behind the counter and I rush in grabbing my apron.

"Oh Libby you're back.  I was going to give you the rest of the day off.  I know this isn't your normal shift and you were filling in.  You already worked extra hours yesterday, so why don't you take off.  We can handle it from here."

"Oh thanks Tanner," I replied.  "See you Tuesday night."  I tried my hardest to avoid working on Monday nights.  I was always tired and I usually had a bunch of homework to do along with going to the gym. 

I was in the parking lot when I received a text from my dad saying

I'm going to be a bit late picking you up.  I got held up at the college.  Call me if you get a ride or something. 

Shit I thought.  I forgot my car was getting serviced.  Now I was going to have to wait longer because I was able to leave early.  I sat down on a bench and I saw Alex walk out. 

"Bye Libby!  I'll see you at work later," she called out to me.  "Oh yeah," she said coming to stand next to me. "I saw you talking to Adrian.  Mmm tasty isn't he?” She moved her eyebrows and grinned at me. 

"Uh no.  Well... I wouldn't put it like that." I felt color start to rise to my cheeks. 

"Don't worry," she said probably noticing the color coming to my cheeks.  "He's not for me.  He's known to be very irascible.  That’s typically the same for most artists.  His works are pretty amazing though."

"How do you know all of this?" I asked shocked. 

"Well he was part of my class before he graduated early.  Every year our school would have an art show featuring some of the best artists.  I saw his work there.  And well I work the lunchtime shift most of the time, which you constantly avoid.  I see him here almost every day.  We talk sometimes but it's just mostly small talk though."

I just stare at her shocked.  Maybe I should work the lunchtime shift more often... Wait, no, why am I thinking this. There's no way he is interested in me.  Also his temper is a major turnoff.  The way he looked when he said he was going to beat that guy out.  It made me shudder just thinking of it. 

"I have to admit though," Alex said. "When you were sitting with him that was the happiest I have ever seen him.  When he smiled at you it looked genuine.  Not just the normal cold smile he gives everyone.  I think he likes you."

Her grin got even wider.  "No way, that cannot be possible.  I mean yeah he's good looking but why would he ever like someone like me?  He's way too good for me."