Cuts - Kellic (Book One) // boyxboy

Chapter Two

I'm late to work for the first time since working at the job that I obtained mid last year.

Jenna thought it was a great idea to hide my keys so she could interrogate me. But when she got too personal and started asking about my mental state, I just left and walked to work.

Unfortunately, my excuse didn't sit well with my boss, Jack.

"This is your first strike, Kellin. You're a hard worker, one of my best, and I don't want to throw that away but I will if it's necessary. Don't let me down." he says sternly.

"I will not, Sir. I promise. I would love to take some extra shifts to make up for it." I say.

Honestly, I'm just hoping that extra shifts will be enough of an excuse to avoid Vic and Carter even more.

It's been a week and I have yet to see them since New Year's.

"Well we're short staffed tonight. Do you mind working?" Jack asks seeming surprised.

"No at all. Thank you, sir." I beam.

"I like your enthusiasm, Kellin. A managing position will open soon and if you play your cards right, you might be in for a promotion." Jack explains.

"I'll keep that in mind, sir." I smile.

He walks off and I begin serving customers.

I love working here, I really do. The people are nice and the environment is very relaxing.

I initially starting working here because it's a coffee shop and Vic likes coffee so therefore I would perhaps get to see him more and give him a discount then maybe he'd like me more. Yeah, it was a stupid idea. I don't know what I was thinking.

But I'm thankful. I couldn't imagine working anywhere else.

My shift goes on and I'm actually happy I'm here. It's a huge distraction from everything going on at the moment.

As I begin sorting the money into the register while I wait for customers, someone approaches the counter.

"Hey stranger."

I grin when I hear Vic's voice but my face falls when I see Carter standing next to him.

"Hey," I say softly. "Your usual?"

"Not today." Vic chirps. "We are going to get two chai teas to go, please."

"But you don't like tea." I say confused.

"Carter thinks I should try new things. So that's what I'm doing." Vic smiles.

"Oh, okay." I murmur.

I put their order into the register.

"That'll be $4.50." I chirp and Vic hands over the cash.

"Damn, it's cheap here." Carter says in near wonder.

"Oh, Kellin gets an employee discount and never fails to hook me up." Vic smiles and I blush.

I slide the receipt over to the barrister, Gabe, and turn back to Vic.

"So Carter and I are throwing a dinner party tonight. You coming?" he asks hopefully.

"Actually I'm working." I tell him, feeling relieved that I now have that excuse.

"I've memorized your whole roster. You don't work tonight." Vic frowns.

"I'm not sure if that's creepy or flattering." I laugh.

"Well I memorized it so I knew when I could hang out with you. Interpret that as you will." he beams.

"I took up extra shifts." I explain. "I'm covering for someone tonight. I might be in for a promotion soon so I thought I'd work harder."