Treat You Better

4.

"How has your week been?" Josh asked.

"Good thanks, how has your week been?" I asked back making small talk during my lunch break. This week, fortunately, has been a normal week- apart from Ashley constantly going on about Lucas any chance she gets. Which just happened to be always since Lucas has dedicated his time to driving Tyler to school and back.

"It's been good. What you packing?" He said nodding towards my bowl that I was eating out of.

"Pasta, you?" I responded.

"Chicken sandwich." This small talk continued for the next twenty minutes or so while we ate our lunch. Once that was over we walked back out into the store, I sat down next to the cash register and began to scan customer's items.

"Can we talk?" I sighed while turning around, coming face to face with Lucas.

"Why?" I questioned.

"Because I said so." I rolled my eyes.

"I have a job to do."

"Did I say I cared." Lucas said grabbing my arm and dragging me out of the booth and around the shop.

"What the fuck are you doing Lucas, you're going to get me fired." I moaned. He swung me around and pushed me into a janitor's closet. "Are you serious?"

"Why did you lie to Tyler?" He asked rather abruptly.

"What?"

"You told him that you hadn't spoken to me or confronted me, why did you lie?"

"Were you listening in on our conversation?" It kind of surprises me that Lucas would do that- he doesn't seem the type to spy on people.

"Answer the question."

"Not until you answer mine." I fought back.

"Fuck, yes I was. Now would you just answer my fucking question!" He shouted.

"I don't know!" I yelled back.

"Why did you lie to him Riley?" Lucas yelled at me.

"I don't know!"

"Tell me Riley!" He ordered.

"I just did!" Lucas looked at me, wide eyes and out of breath. "Leave me alone Lucas." I turned to leave but once again he took hold of my arm. His mouth opened, going to speak but the words not coming out.

I stood there for a minute, waiting to see if he had anything to say- an apology maybe. When no words escaped his lips, I wriggled my arm out of his grasp and calmly left the janitors closet. I was met with my manager, his arms crossed against his plaid coated chest and a disappointed look on his face. It didn't get any better when Lucas emerged behind me.

"Both of you come with me." I nodded my head and silently walked beside my manager and he took us to my boss' office, walking past all the confused customers and concerned colleagues.

I think I'm going to lose my job.

"Wait here." My manager said leaving us outside while he walked into the office, not too long later he returned ushering us into the room.

Lucas and I walked into the clean room and sat down on the chairs in front of my boss' desk, where she was sat talking on the phone and she didn't seem happy.

I can't lose my job.

Unfortunately, she put the phone down and turned towards us. I felt like I was on trial. I have only met my actual boss a few times and from what I'd seen she had seemed like a warm hearted, kind person but not from these icy glares she was sending in our direction. These glares would turn even Medusa to stone.