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The park had just opened. Michael and I agreed that I would take the first shift so he could watch before he took the second to try on his own. I told Nathan, my manager, about training Michael so I wouldn't get marked for slacking off. I already had one mark and if I got another, things would get ugly.

The early morning risers ran down the tunnel to where I stood at the cast member post. They were eager and anxious to get on the ride. My smile was genuine as I asked the parties how many they had in their group and sent them off to their awaiting logs.

The first shift seemed to go by in a blur and before I knew it, Michael was coming over to switch places with me.

"There is no way in hell that I'm not going to fuck this up," he whispered into my ear as we passed by each other.

He kept going toward the podium and I could not respond back. I glanced over my shoulder warily and caught his eye. He winked at me subtly before turning back to the three teenage boys in front of him.

I bit my lip as I approached the Cast Members Only door ahead. My cheeks flushed a bit with color but I made sure to keep my head down as I slumped into a nearby chair in the break room.

The little table I was sat at had a handful of magazines on it but I wasn't interested. I was thinking too hard about Michael Clifford. He intrigued me I couldn't help it. He seemed so quiet yet so lively at the same time. It was giving me whiplash.

Next thing I knew, Nathan was waving a hand in front of my face and calling my name softly. "Bennie...Ben..."

"Huh?" I said a little too loudly.

Nathan laughed and stood straight again. "You were a bit out of it there. You feeling okay? Usually I find you up here reading a book."

"I'm fine. I've got nothing to do is all. I didn't bring anything with me today. Forgot Catcher in the Rye back at my apartment." I shrugged half heartedly and sighed. The book was sitting right on the kitchen table and I never ceased to walk past it everyday. Yet today I was in a hurry to get to headquarters early that I didn't realize I left the one thing that could keep me occupied. Margaret and Camila were both still asleep when I left.

"You almost finished with that Ben?" Nathan asked.

I rolled my eyes at the nickname. I wasn't a boy for goodness sake. "For the last time, please don't call me that."

He just laughed and shook his head. His shaggy hair swishing along with the movement. "Naw, it's too funny to see you get all annoyed when I do."

I huffed in defeat before picking up one of the magazines and flipping through it absentmindedly. The pages blurred slightly as my vision wasn't focusing in on the articles anymore. What did that wink mean? Was it supposed to be friendly? I wanted to slap myself for overthinking everything. He was my coworker. I couldn't have a thing with him even if I wanted to. We'd both be leaving in the end. Who was I kidding? A guy like that would never like me.

I tried to read the article in People magazine about the sexiest man alive as best I could. Or at least look like I was occupied. I didn't necessarily like when people bugged me on my break.

I checked the clock every so often but it seemed to slow down even more every time I glanced up. Four more shifts to go and I'd get my lunch break. That was usually an hour or so long. We could roam through the park or just stay in the cafeteria in the Utilidor.

The Utilidor was the underground maze of the Magic Kingdom. There were so many long hallways and rooms that a person could possibly get lost down there. The signs were helpful since the Imagineers decided to place them everywhere but it was still hard to navigate.

My next shift approached and I got up from the uncomfortable chair. I straightened out my shirt before exiting out the way I had come in.

I made it to Michael and sent him a sharp, swift nod. We brushed arms slightly and the feeling sent chills up my spine. He left without a word and I carried on sending more groups onto the attraction.

The morning went by like that. It'd come the time to switch shifts and we'd brush arms or make sly comments to each other. It was a nice feeling. Michael and I seemed to already have become kind of friends.

Ugh shitty ending to a chapter I'm so sorry but I wanted to end it kind of on a good note. I'm sorry if you feel like their relationship with each other is moving too fast but I promise she doesn't really want anything serious. The other boys will be added in soon.

Portugal ~ m.c.Where stories live. Discover now