Mr. Pick-Me-Upper

(35) Don't Forget the Serious Matters

Scene Seven

The Beach Shack could not have been anymore quieter and Owen was starting to fall asleep. This wasn't a good thing. Especially since Owen hasn't had a complete day at work in a while.

But to be honest, he didn't care. Before he met Cassidy again, and started talking to her, work has always been his number one priority. This wouldn't have been a problem if his work was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life.

He had always wanted to be a business owner when he grew up. Not working minimum wage at a beach shack.

Talking to Cassidy and helping her realize her dreams, had helped him remember his dreams too. The only thing he needs now is money and a college degree.

None of which he has.

This is why he has got to stay awake today and attempt to get some money. Owen's boss is normally pretty strict about payment. And that means if somebody does not stay for a full shift, he or she does not get paid. At all.

So when all those times he thought his boss was being nice letting him go early, he most likely was just trying to save himself money by not paying one of his employees. It wouldn't be a big deal, if he had a lot of employees. Owen is one of the three employees at the Beach Shack.

Also, he happens to be the only one working today. This just adds to the fact that he can't leave today. No matter how much he wants to.

Owen suddenly got knocked out of his daydream pretty violently when a wash cloth was thrown at his head, causing him to smack his head against the countertop in front of him.

Following the smack of the towel was the voice of his boss. "Owen, my office now."

Owen stood up slowly, rubbing his forehead. "Um, sir?" he asked.

His boss turned around sighing, "What is it?"

Even though he knew there wasn't anyone in the Beach Shack, he still looked around. "Never mind, I was just going to ask about the customers, more like non-existent customers."

It looked like his boss had to stop himself from rolling his eyes. "Yes, Owen. I know there isn't anybody here because I closed the shack down for the day. I thought you got the memo?"

Owen almost had to physically stop his eyes from growing to saucers. "Um, no, I didn't. When did you send that out?" he asked.

"I told you yesterday or whatever day that was when you left early," his boss said exasperated. "I actually wanted to talk to you about you leaving early." The boss paused and gestured to one of the many empty tables. "Please, take a set."

"Right, right," Owen said nodding before almost walking into his boss.

When Owen felt hands on his shoulders, he closed his eyes and stiffened up. Because of this he almost missed his boss talking to him, saying "Relax kid. It not a big deal."

"Okay, thanks, sir," he mumbled.

Owen was never good with confrontation. A major problem if he really wants to continue to pursue his ideal job as a business man. Even simple confrontation with friends is bad - only Owen does not have many friends, just one best guy friend he had known for a long time and Cassidy.

But he likes to think of Cassidy as more of a friend. And he like to think she thinks of him the same.

Since Owen was zoned out on his daydream - again - he almost missed what his boss was saying. Thankfully he caught the most important part.

"I hate to say this," his boss said rubbing his hand over his mouth and chin while avoiding eye contact, "but it has to happen. I'm letting you go. Starting today."