It's Complicated

Chapter Eleven

My alarm goes off the next morning, pulling a groan from my lips as I reach out to snooze it. I honestly hate working on Sunday's. Nothing ever happens. Five minutes later, my alarm goes off again. Heaving a sigh, I turn it off and throw my covers back. I sit up and stretch my arms over my head before blinking sleepily. After about a minute, I force myself to my feet and slowly make my way to my bedroom door. I flick the light on as I slip out into the hallway and proceed to the bathroom down the hall.

I make my way back to my bedroom once I'm finished, pulling the door closed behind me again. Thankfully the music store I work at doesn't have a dress code, so I go to my dresser and pull out a pair of light wash skinny jeans and a band shirt. My phone goes off as I get dressed, piquing my interest. I go over and grab it, smiling when I see that it's a text from Adam.

From: Adam, 8:23 AM
Hey girl. Something came up and I'm going to be a little late coming in today. I'll bring you a coffee to make up for it <3

I laugh slightly and shake my head. Not only does my coworker and best friend refuse to use emojis, he also just got together with a new boyfriend. "Something came up" probably means that they hung out last night, he crashed at his place, and now has to rush home to get ready for work. Not that I really mind. I've met Ben and he's a wonderful guy. Plus, I get a free coffee out of it and who could really be annoyed by that?

I shoot Adam a quick reply, telling him not to worry, before stowing my phone in my jeans pocket and slipping back out into the hallway. The house is silent as I make my way down the stairs, meaning that both of my parents have already left for work, which surprises me a little. They usually have weekends off. Well, my dad tends to work all hours now, but whatever.

There's a plate on the counter in the kitchen piled with scrambled eggs and bacon, wrapped snugly with plastic wrap. Beside the plate is a hastily scrawled note from my mother, apologizing that the grocery store that she works as the manger at called her in last minute due to an emergency. I shrug, putting the note down and uncovering my breakfast. It's still a little warm, but I throw it in the microwave for a minute anyway. My phone pings again just as the microwave beeps. I fish it out of my pocket as I open the microwave door. Grabbing my plate, I push the door closed as I thumb open my phone.

From: Adam, 8:29 AM
Thanks, Hun. Lots of gossip for today. You better have some juice in return.

I roll my eyes as I sit at the dining room table. He knows that I never have any gossip worthy things happen in my life. He's always jokingly telling me that I'm going to end up being a crazy pony lady, instead of cats, when I get old. I don't see anything wrong with that, honestly. I have yet to be hurt and let down by a horse. I simply send a smiley face emoji before wolfing my food down. Once my plate and fork are in the dishwasher, I make my way to the front door with my purse and water bottle. I slip on my TOMS before leaving the house and locking the door.

My car, as usual, coughs to a start before I put it into drive and pull out onto the street. The music store is only about a ten minute drive from my house, so I skip plugging my phone in and just turn on the radio. My favourite alternative station starts playing, a song I've never heard before coming through the speaker.

All Time Low's most recent song comes on just as I pull up at work, making me huff a frustrated sigh. It always seems that my favourite music always comes on this station at the worst possible times. I kill the engine, pulling my keep out of the ignition before locking and closing my door. I find my work key as I walk up to the door. As usual, the alarm goes off as I enter, and I punch in the code before continuing to the back room. I drop my purse on the break table before walking back out into the store. I leave my water bottle at the counter before doing a quick loop around the store to make sure everything is in order before I click the open sign on.

Once back at the counter, I pull my phone out and open my music app. I tap on my 'Work' playlist before plugging it into the stereo system. 'Roaring 20s' by Panic! At the Disco starts playing softly through the whole store. I sigh and lean forward against the counter. Now all I have to do is wait for Adam to show up with my coffee.

I get my wish about fifteen minutes later. A large grin breaks out across my face as he walks in, two coffee cups and a box of donuts in his arms. "Hey, Sweetie!" He greets, flashing me a white smile. "Playing that Panic! stuff again?" He asks cheekily, making me roll my eyes. "I got here first so I had dibs on what was put on." I reply. He just chuckles as he hands me one of the to go cups. "The usual." He says as I give him an appreciative smile.

He disappears into the back for a few minutes before walking back out in a mustard yellow polo shirt. "Oh, God!" I laugh, playfully cringing away and covering my eyes. "Adam, I thought gay guys were supposed to be stylish!" I whine, jokingly. Adam shoots me a playful glare. "Hush, you! Or I'll find myself a new best friend." I lift my right hand up to cover my heart in mock pain. "You wouldn't dare!" I gasp. He just chuckles before coming to join me behind the counter. "The truth? I lost a bet with Ben. Now I have to wear this outfit all day." I glance down and notice his baggy khakis. I immediately burst out laughing. "Must've been some bet." He looks at me pained before laughing too.

Over the next half hour, Adam proceeds to tell me, in great detail, all about this bet he lost. I honestly can't decide if I'm genuinely humoured or mildly scarred for life. "But enough about me. I want to know how the big move went." He rubs my shoulder as my mood drops at the mention of Jo leaving. "It was alright, I suppose. It'll take a while to get used to, but Starr and I will adapt." He pulls me into a brief hug. Over his shoulder, I spot a very familiar dark brown ponytail walk past the shop windows.

By the time I pull away and move to the door, she's already gone. I've been working here for just under two years and I've never seen Isabelle around here before. "Everything okay, Ab?" Adam asks as he stops beside me. I simply nod my head in confusion.