The Comet Cafe

Chapter~22

I expected Alex to act different after the football game. I don't know exactly what I suspected from Alex. I was and still am confused why Alex kissed me on the cheek that night. He was being very touchy, but yet distant throughout the day. I felt like a million thoughts and feelings were rushing through his mind that day and I couldn't decipher any of them. I ignored him all that weekend, mostly wasting my time by sitting on my bed and pondering about the beautiful, mysterious boy I call my best friend. He even texted me a casual "hey", and I didn't respond. It was the first time since meeting Alex that I didn't want to talk to him. My feelings and emotions were all jumbled up in my head.

I figured this is what love is.

On Monday morning, I couldn't stop stressing about work that evening. Katie asked me a million times today what was going on and if she should be worried. I always shrugged it off, not wanting to share my thoughts even though I should've.

The fact that it felt like a real life date made my heart do somersaults in my chest. The kiss was just the cherry on top of my fantasy. I couldn't wrap my brain around how Alex had kissed me. Well, not on the lips or anything. But, it's something!

Then, I showed up to work and it finally hit me. I have to talk to him tonight. I didn't know how to without acting awkward about the game. It seemed impossible to keep my cool around him knowing what went down on Friday.

I now step cautiously into the already packed cafe, worried that my heart would explode if I see Alex wiping down the counter or something. Thankfully, he isn't in my line of sight as I walk into the back, tying a black apron around my waist like always. I look at the work chart, see my assigned tables and get down to business. I try to really get into work, cleaning tables and taking orders without a thought in my mind, but only knowing Alex is here makes my palms sweat and my legs shaky. My body is becoming a lot more vulnerable to Alex. Which is weird. Shouldn't the more I spend with Alex make my body almost immune to what he does and say?

I finish the table I was just attending and go in the back again. I drop off the dirty plates in the sink and turn around to see Alex right there in front of me.

"Hey." He says, then clears his throat. "I didn't know you were here."

He's acting strangely normal and I wondered if he would bring up the game. I know I didn't want to.

"Yeah. Got here a while ago." I dry off my hands with a stray towel. He just nods, being slightly awkward.

"Hey, um, there's like a starting school party later this week and the guys are forcing me to go. But, I was thinking you could join me and make it less miserable?" He asks, smirking.

I laugh before replying, "Sure. Even though parties still aren't my thing."

"I know you don't like them, Jules, but I'll try to make it fun for you." He smiles the brightest smile I've ever seen on anyone.

"Okay." I say. "I better get back out there." I start walking towards the door.

"Me too." He says, following after me. I step out into the cafe and check the computer to look at the purchase and everything. I feel Alex near me, but don't feel his eyes. I walk up to the counter to start dealing with new customers, but the fact that Alex is standing stick-straight and facing the front door makes me look to where his eyes are.

Chad. Freakin'. Finley.

Chad is at my place of work. How did he even know where I am? What does he want? All these questions and more are running through my mind. (a/n: even I'm getting sick of chad. and y'all don't even know what's gonna happen. if you do like him, you won't in these coming chapters ok)