All My Courageous Lies

Singed

On my way to the Espresso Stop I got a phone call. At first I thought it was Gavin. So, three missed calls later, after I finally made it to the parking lot, I checked it. Two calls from Marie, and one from Nichole. I quickly called Marie back.

    "Hey, what's up?"

    "Nope! I see how it is! You didn't answer either of my calls! I could have died! If you're spending your first day back reuniting with that 'Crispy Bacon' creep, I'll disown you as my best friend."

    I rolled my eyes with a smile. "First off, you couldn't live without me. And I'm actually avoiding him at all costs."

    "Oh! Okay good! 'Cause I'm here with Nikki, and we thought it'd be cool to go up to the dunes and have a bonfire tonight for her birthday! You're basically the only person I'd know. So come please?"

    "Well, whose all coming?"

    "Me, Nichole's peeps ... and you!"

    "Well," I dragged out. "Why not grab a few people we know?"

    "I don't want to make her friends hate us..." she whispered. It made me smirk, remembering how quirky Marie and I's shared friends could be. To me, they were the funniest, most comfortable people to be around. I missed them so much.

    "Dude, I don't wanna go and be completely uncomfortable." I sighed. "Just ask her if we can bring a few more people. I"ll even pay for more drinks and crap."

    "Wait ... are you coming back to the shop?"

    I smiled at the peak in her voice. "That's the plan!"

    "Fuck yes! Oh my god that's the best news fucking ever! Work's been horrible without you!"

    "Well, I have to go in and see if my position has be held and set up my schedule."

    "Oh are you there now? 'Cause I'll let you go!"

    "Yeah," I laughed. "But let me know what shes says!"

    "Deal!"

    "Later Mars," I sang before hanging up. Finally armed with a great excuse, I got out of my car with a huge smile plastered across my face. I walked around to the customer door and barged in with a ding.

    "Well," he chimed out. "Long time no see." Ayden Lewis stood there for a moment, then let his smug smile settle before bending his height in half over the front counter. His caramel tanned skin complimented his chocolate eyes and even darker hair.

    "You know you missed me," I teased back with a flirty hiss and a wink. "I'm just here to talk to Tess."

    He rolled his head back, and put a hand on his chest to fake pain. "And here I thought you actually cared!" After we shared a laugh he called for her. "Becareful, she's had a stressful morning already." He mumbled, making big eyes at the word 'already'. I raised my eyebrows dismissively, but also wondering why I was throwing myself back into all of the daily drama. Tess was a good boss and all, but half of every morning shift was her screaming from the back kitchen.

    It had to be the memories; singing with Mars while making sandwiches, picking on Ayden so much he'd turn his headset off, the first Christmas with the girls, the one we gave Nikki the best coffee mug ever! I met my best friends there. Besides, something about working gave me this thin mask of confidence. I knew what needed done and I knew how to do every bit of it. It was a feeling of certainty I was almost too ready to have back in my life; even if it meant bringing in some drama with it.

    Tess was in a good mood, and she seemed really excited to have me back. I guess Mars wasn't kidding. Tess told me story after story of employees refusing to do the job. Clearly they didn't last long and whether the position was held or not, they were 'more than happy' for me to start working again. After filling the holes in the schedule with my name, I was released to go to the lobby and check the texts that'd been nagging at my attention. Most of them were from Marie, excited that Nikki said yes and suggestions for who to bring. And of course, there was a text from Gavin. I've met dogs who wouldn't beg for so long.

    "What's wrong?"

    I looked up, surprised at the sound of his voice. He was leaning over the customer gate, his face hovering close to mine. It was easy for him with all his height. "What'd you mean?"

    Ayden cocked an eyebrow. "You sighed. I'm dense but I'm not an idiot. What's wrong?"

    I slouched into myself and sat my phone on the counter. I hated talking to him about things that bothered me; Mostly be cause I didn't want to bother anyone with my issues. But that was one of the many things about Ayden. It never mattered how long I would pout...  "Just ... you remember Gavin?"

    "How could I forget?" He must've known he successfully broke me open because he stepped back, grabbing the towel beside him so he had something to do with it in his hands.

    At first I just nodded, watching him lean back. I didn't know how to say it to him. It wasn't much of an issue before...

    "Well, he won't leave me alone now."

    "What'd you mean? I thought you guys had fun last year?" His voice edged on the side of annoyed, but I'd grown used to that tone when this name popped up.

    I looked down at his hands, watching the comforting way he dried off the steaming cup. "Well it was stupid. I want it to stop, but he won't leave me alone."

    My phone buzzed again, but before I could even read who it was, Ayden had it in his hands and was walking further from the gate that kept me on the customer side of the lobby. "What are you doing?"

    "Well, now I'm inviting myself to the bonfire you're having tonight with Nichole and Marie."

    I let my head fall to a tilt and bit off my smile. He walked back up to me, handed my phone back over, and petted my head. "Now, if that maniac finds you, he'll also find me. He'll get the hint." I shook my head and rolled my eyes before feeling another vibration go off in my hand.

    "Well, looks like I'll see you at the beach," I said after getting the comfirmation from Marie and sliding out of the chair. "Don't forget a gift. See you at ten?"

    "Where are you going?"

    "Home?"

    His shoulders dropped. "Elizabeth's shift starts in like twenty minutes. You're gunna leave me alone with her?" He complained with his spoiled boy, pouting lip.

    I cocked my head to the side with a large smile. "Yup!" When I reached the door, I turned back to see his 'hurt' face and arms crossed. "See you later, Lewis!"