head in the clouds

dec 15th 1/2

I pushed my glasses up the bridge of my nose as I turned the page. I haven't set down the book since my lunch break. Business has been slow today so I've had the time to sit behind the counter and read instead of ringing up anxious teens with hopeless romance novels. I love my job working at a bookstore, but it has its moments. Last week, a new book came out and the shop was flooded with people buying it.

"Chrysan, I'm going out to get tea. Do you want to join?" Lola walked out from behind the counter with her bag and looked back at me.

"Who's going to watch the store then? We can't just leave." I looked at the clock on the wall realizing that it was almost closing time. Jesus, have I been reading for that long? I picked up my small pastel pink backpack. I grabbed the keys from the front pocket and looked down at my book. A Highschool Horror Show by Lana Emerson. It's only $11, but I could always read it during my shift tomorrow. After a debate with myself, I gave up and took $11 out of my wallet. I went behind the the cash register and slipped in the money. I locked the cash register with the key underneath the counter. I know, not the smartest place to put a key to a cash register. But hey, I don't make the rules around here. I double checked for everything. Phone, backpack, keys, book, and my common sense. Oops, still need to find the last one.

"It would be great if we could leave before it's Midnight.", Lola tapped her foot impatiently. I rolled my eyes and walked out the front door. I locked the door and glanced over at her.

"It's not like you have anywhere better to be." Lola held her hand to her chest and gave an expression of pain. She pretended to wipe away a tear.

"That hurt man, even my grandchildren could feel that roast." I shoved my keys into my back pocket. I laughed and looked both ways before crossing the street. Right across the bookstore was a Starbucks and some plant shop. I started walking across the street and Lola slipped her hand into mine. I looked down at her sun kissed skin in contrast to my pale porcelain skin. We were nothing like each other at all, but at the same time we have everything in common. My curly, light strawberry blonde hair while she had a chestnut brown that was a pixie cut. My pastel clothing and her tumblr er hipster? clothing. I went to the door of Starbucks, but she beat me to it. She swung it open and bowed, "M'lady." I did an imaginary curtsy. I looked around building, maybe 3 people were in front of us. Two girls and some guy in front of us. Lola shoved me after she noticed I was gawking over him. I tripped over my feet and my head ran into his chest. The book fell out of my backpack.

"I am so sorry." I apologized and bent over to pick up my book.

"No it's fine really, don't worry about it." He handed the book to me and my hand grazed against his as I took the book from him.

"Forget me not." I whispered, referring to the dainty tattoo of the flower. He nodded his head and helped me stand back up. He walked up to the cashier and ordered his drink. I turned to Lola and gave her the thank-you-so-much-I-owe-you-one look. She grinned at me. I turned back around and he was gone. I frantically looked around, I let out a sigh of relief. Realizing that he was just waiting for his drink to be made. I went up to the cashier and ordered drinks for Lola and I. The usual Royal English Breakfast Tea for Lola and a Pink Drink for me. I got out my debit card and swiped it. I walked over to the waiting area, the same guy was still waiting for his drink. I fiddled with the key chain on my backpack.

"So do you have plans after this?" The guy turned to me, it took me a minute to realize that he was speaking to me.

"Pardon?"

"I asked if you had plans after this." I shook my head. I waited for him to ask me to go somewhere with him, or at least say something.

"Green tea with soy milk for Miles." He then walked up and got the drink from her. Hm, Miles. It has a nice ring to it.

"Pink Drink and Royal English Breakfast tea for Chrysan." Lola went up and grabbed her drink. She motioned that she was going to leave us alone and I gave her a thumbs up.

"So Miles, do you have plans after this?" I went up to Miles and he shrugged.

"My schedule is open now that you are here."

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y'all thought this was going to be a gay love story between lola and chrysan. ya thought wrong