Twice
My roomate, Joanne, stands across from me, leaning over the island. My feet are planted on the floor as I stand over the sink rinsing off my gala apple.
"Just sleep with him!" Joanne pleads.
"Are you dumb? That is literally my boss!" I exclaim before biting into my apple.
The sweet fresh flavor on my tounge is amazing.
"I hear he's a monster in bed. Just imagine that monstrous-" Joanne is cut short because I insert my apple into her mouth after kissing her forehead.
"That's enough. I don't want to be late good bye Jo." I hear her erupt into laughter.
I grab my car keys and jacket before exiting the house. I put the key into the keyhole and turn until I hear a click indicating it's locked.
Click!
I open my car door and throw my jacket into the passenger seat. My car is a 1970s Pontiac Ford. Im surprised the engine still works and the car doesnt make that mechanic shuffling sound. I start the car and my usual routine.
Mr.Lancaster's security looks at me like I'm a target then whispers something into the little microphone hidden in their ears. This is normal protocol. It's like they're watching me to insure Mr.Lancaster is safe but doing it in a mysterious ways.
Now that I'm on the road I turn left on Pine Lake and drive three blocks North. During the summer I would bike to the local hardware store for two reasons: It's that close and the weather is extremely beautiful in the summer. But the spring is acceptable I guess.
I put the car in park and grab my lonely jacket and drape it over my shoulder. As soon as I enter the store I'm bombarded with Hello's and good mornings from the wonderful staff here.
"Good morning everyone!" My friend, Zeche, takes my jacket and hangs it on the coat hanger. Zeche is amazing! Zeche always stands by my side and always has been since we were little. His name is Italian for Joy. He keeps a bright wide smile on his round face.
"I'm checking out see ya later." Zeche says as he takes off his apron before exiting the shop. Zeche works third shift: check In at ten pm then check out at ten am. Then I clock in at ten am until two pm. I work part time because I have another job at pop crave as a journalist and author.
I put on my red apron and tie it into a bow behind my back. I tie my hair up into a pony tail. In front of me is my station: metal tools. While I wait for a customer I play with the hammer. Twirling it in my fingers and flipping it up and down. I position the hammer like Thor, King of Asgard, would. I extend it out three inches and squint my eyes. I squat in a melodramatic vigilante position.
I hear the bell hanging above the door move.
"Hi..." A strange voice says.
The hammer drops out of my hand two centimeters away from my feet leaving a thunderous thud.
I nervously stand up with an embarrassed smile.
"Mr.Lancaster? How may I assist you this morning?"
He just stands across from with determined eyes. He needs down to pick up the hammer and hands it to me. The weight from the hammer kisses my palm.
"What are you doing this afternoon?" Mr.Lancaster now has an electric smile. He stands with his shoulders wide. Confidence.
"Wrk." I spit out too fast.
"Down at pop crave?" How does he know that?
"Yes?" I reply allowing my shoulders to collapse.
"Well not anymore. Take off." R U DUMB?
"I CANT JUST TAKE OFF! I HAVE BILLS TO-" Mr.Lancaster places his finger over my lips. My eyes widen.
"I bought the company and you're now looking at the owner. Bills? Don't worry. I payed the rent up to two months." Mr.Lancaster casually says.
I'm tooken aback and completely lost. I want to say thank you but it doesn't feel right.
"Why?" Is all I manage to let out.
He almost chokes on his words. "Maria, come to my place tonight at 6. I'll have a car outside your work place waiting on you. The driver's name is Christopher." Mr.Lancaster exits the store. The bell above the door makes a jingling noise.
I don't know how to react but I'll definitely take this opportunity without thinking twice.
