You and Me

Chapter 5: No Work And All Play

Lori's POV

I got up earlier than my alarm because I was so excited for today's events.  I was getting a job.  But, more importantly, I was going to see Wes.  

I don't understand him.  Did he really mean what he said about love at first sight? Could he love me?  Be logical, Lori.  Of course, he couldn't.  He just thinks of you as a game.  But what if he doesn't?  What if he is really interested in me?

I guess there's only one way to find out.

* * *

I hurried to my closet in an attempt to find something suitable to wear for my first day at work.  Skirt? Too dressy.  Jeans? Too hot.  Slacks? Eww no. I settled on a pair of light blue shorts and a white One Direction t-shirt.  Eh. Might as well show off my interests.  I threw on some of my mascara and dabbed some lip gloss on, as per my usual morning ritual.  I slipped on my flip flops and bounded out the door.

My aunt was sitting on a stool by the counter, sipping her coffee and reading some papers.  Boring. She had on her usual business wear.  She looked up when she heard my flipfloping.  "Mornin' Lori!" she chirped.  Sheesh.  For a lawyer, she was awfully happy.  

Seeing her infectious smile, I replied, "Good morning, Auntie!"  She noticed my unusual bubbly-ness and decided to comment on it, much to my displeasure.

"Someone's happy today.  Does it have to do with a certain hottie at a certain gas station?"  She tried to hide the blossoming smirk on her face and failed miserably.

"Well...maybe," I replied nonchalantly.  My aunt being who she is wasn't satisfied by my answer.

"Don't you pretend that you're not jumping for joy inside, Missy!" Dang it.  

But I decided I might as well get some information out of her since I was on the spot.  "Fine.  I want to see him.  Should I be?  He's not one of those bad boy/ player types is he?" I blurted, concernedly.

She took a long sip from her coffee mug before answering, "Well, I don't know, hun.  He's one of the sweetest boys I've ever met.  A gentleman for sure.  But at the same time, he has gone through girls pretty quickly.  In the past.  I'm not so sure anymore."  Huh.  Good bad boy?  Is that even possible?This boy was getting more and more mysterious, and I love a good puzzle.

WIth a quick goodbye, I left for work.

* * *

The first thing I smelled when I entered the ShopNFill was freshly brewed coffee.  It was mostly empty with the exception of an older man who was standing behind the register.  He looked to be about daddy's age--or the age daddy was when he died.  He noticed me as soon as I entered and called out to me.

"Hey there!  Good mornin', little lady!"  His cheerful tone immediately put a smile on my face, my dead father temporarily forgotten.  I slowly walked to him and introduced myself.

"Hello, sir.  You must be Mr. Joe? Zac's dad?  He told me you had a job opening...?" I questioned.

He started nodding his head, his smile getting impossibly bigger.  "I sure am!  You're Lori, is that right?"

I nodded my head in agreement, waiting for him to fill me in on the job requirements.  As I assumed, he continued, "Well, we don't have too many requirements.  Are you at least 17, honey?"

Phew.  "I am," I confirmed.  At least I can fill one requirement.  

"Well, that's basically it.  Doesn't take much to work for me," he admitted, sheepishly.  Hey, I wasn't complaining.  "There are a couple of rules though.  One. No boys or girls in the back room.  Two. Make sure you always have a shift buddy.  Three.  You're starting pay is $8 an hour. And you're good to go!" he finished.