It's Alright to be Together

Chapter 5

Working with Zoey wasn't hard. It just wore you out. Who could remain that happy for that long? It's inhuman. But apparently not for Zoey. She always had a smile on her face and a giggle from her lips for all to enjoy.

It was over six hours before your first break. Sighing, you sat down, resting your legs. Your feet ached: Zoey had made you wear 3-inch wedges and you hadn't been off your feet yet. Plus, you weren't used to wearing heels for so long.

"I don't know how you do it." you say.

Zoey looks up from cleaning the counter. It was still surprising to you how often it had to be clean. Not to mention the door. What did Americans keep on their grimy little fingers? "Do what?" she asked, brushing a thick strand of black hair out of her face.

"This," you gesture around, "And you're always so happy. How do you manage it?"

Zoey giggled and smiled innocently as a nice blonde smiled at you and answered-Jennifer you think her name was. "No one knows how the amazing Zoey manages it. But she walks in with a smile and leaves with one just as big." She leaned towards you like she was telling a big secret, "Some say she's a goddess." Zoey of course heard and you all three giggled.

"What's your name again?"

"Just call me Jenny, uh..."

"Y/n."

She smiled at you as Zoey moved out of the conversation, cleaning the counter more as she hummed to herself. "Nice to meet you Y/n! I think we'll be good friends!" She smiled a nice smile of pearly white.

You smiled back politely, "I think so too."

The bell on the door jingled, signaling the entrance of more customers. "Well, back to work!" Jenny put on a bright smile and started taking the customer's order.

You walked over to Zoey, grabbing the broom you start to sweep the floor. "Zoey?" You asked suddenly. She looked up at you. "Thank you."

She smiled and replied in her cheery voice, "No problem!"

You smiled back and continued sweeping the floor. It was going to be a long day, but things didn't really seem bad here. In fact, things seemed to be looking up.

~time skip~

"Oh my goodness. I'm so glad our shifts are over!" Jenny exclaimed. You nodded, still slightly surprised at how long Zoey's, and now yours, shift was. Jenny didn't start work until just before the lunch rush but Zoey opened and closed the store.

"I know. My feet are killing me." You groan, kicking off your shoes.

"I don't know how either of you can stand that. My feet get sore in just flats!" Jenny giggled.

"I don't have a problem with it. I don't know what you all are complaining about." Zoey put up her feet to show off her spike heels.

Jenny was about to retort when her phone buzzed. Watching her check it, you notice the irritated and angry expression flash across her features. "Sorry. It's my dumbass ex. He's such a dick!"

"I know right? What is it with ex's? I had this one guy stalk me for like six months straight. He stayed just on the legal side of the restraining order. The creep." Zoey sipped her drink after she finished speaking.

"Tell me about it. This real dream boy treated me like trash then questioned why I left him saying that I was missing out. Can you believe that?" You commented, trying to add to the conversation.

"Ugh. That sounds just like Lucas. He treated me like trash and slapped me! Slapped me! Like on the face! That was it. I broke it off but I still had a red print on my cheek for days. Dick." Jenny's grip tightened on her cup as she tried to control her rage.

"Wow looks like you dodged a bullet there. I hate to think what he would've done if you stayed together." Zoey said and you nodded in agreement.

"Ugh. I'll say. And I almost considered forgiving him but then I realized that's possibly the start of an abusive relationship. I mean, it was only a slap this time but next time who knows? He's a nasty drunk." Jenny flipped her hair over her shoulder as she took another sip of her hot drink. "Sorry I'm raging. It's just it's been a week and he's still begging me to give him another chance. How are you both with men right now?"

"Well, I'm dating a really sweet and handsome guy named Zane right now. He's like perfect. He's sweet and loving and everything a girl can dream of and want in a guy. And I've never seen such a smile before." You rested your head in your hand and sighed in content, just thinking about him.

"Damn girl. But hey Zoey isn't Zane-" Zoey covered Jenny's mouth with her hand and Jenny gave her a weird look.

"-my best friend? Yeah." Jenny looked confused and Zoey took her hand away, "Him and Y/n are such a cute couple! I get jealous though, 'cause they are both so cute and sweet I want a piece of one or both of them." Zoey smiled brightly but you were a bit confused. What was she hiding from you? Did she and Zane use to be a thing?

Jenny stared at Zoey for a moment, just as confused as you before grabbing her purse and standing up. "I guess I probably should walk home now before it's much later. See you!"

"Bye!" Zoey stood up and hugged Jenny tightly.

"See ya." You smiled and waved as she walked out the door.

"We should go too." Zoey said, cleaning up the table you were just using. You nodded and helped her by putting the chairs up after slipping back on your shoes.

Moments later, you both followed Jenny out the door and Zoey locked up after. She took you head and walked with you to the apartment with questions whirling around in your head.

"I bet you're wondering what Jenny was going to say, huh?" Zoey asked, in a serious and almost sad sounding voice. It was very unlike the Zoey you had known until.

"Yes... but you don't have to tell me. I get if it's uncomfortable." Truth be told, you were dying to know. Did they use to date? Did she have a crush on him? Were they just friends with benefits? Or was it something different?

"You must be dying to know, but Zane would never forgive me if I told you and scared you away. He truly loves you, you know."

"Yeah, and I love him too."

Zoey smiled at that. "That's good. You make him so happy. Just take care of him okay? Sometimes he's too nice and takes too much of a burden on himself. You gotta reign him in."

You nodded. "Yes ma'am!" You saluted at her jokingly and she giggled. You laughed with her as she opened the apartment door and you both walked in.

~time skip~

"So how was your first day of work?" Zane laid in bed next to you and watched you relax under the covers.

"Exhausting." You yawned and Zane chuckled.

"Too exhausting for a little fun?~"

"Yes," you rolled over in the bed so your back was to him, wrapping the covers tightly around yourself.

Zane toyed with a strand of your hair. "Awe. But you left me hanging this morning. Are you sure you're too tired? Let me take some of that stress away.~" He kissed the curve of your neck, sucking on it gently.

"Maybe tomorrow." You said, pushing him back gently. Sleep just sounded so good. You barely had the energy to push him away.

Zane sighed, but didn't try to convince you otherwise. "Okay."

You turned your head and kissed him, "I love you."

"I love you too. Sleep well." He kissed you back before wrapping his arms around you as you both drifted into unconsciousness.