Down But Not Out

Chapter 8

"Yeah that's it thanks Marie" I said after placing the usual morning coffee order for Josh and I. She smiled and set about retrieving what I'd ordered.

It had only been four days, but already I looked forward to getting up in the morning and getting to work. Josh still wasn't paying me for it but he did buy the food and drink, just as I'd said. According to him it was only fair seeing as how I was free labour. Although the way he'd said it, and the cheeky grin on his face, had made me blush at his implied words, of course this had made him laugh again.

Considering that I'd only been helping Josh out at Down But Not Out for two working shop days, the working relationship we had was an easy one. I still felt uncomfortable quite often when I noticed him watching me but he'd complemented me on my people skills and my ability to help out the customers. By now we had a few regulars who were excited for the Spring/Summer range which was due to arrive today, and these regular customers had also said how much they appreciated my advice on what suited them. Thankfully Josh had looked impressed and I mentally thanked the people who had said these things, although of course Josh had been keeping a watchful eye on me and had complimented me on such things.

The only problem was the fact that I found myself becoming more attracted to him everyday, except I was too nervous to actually ask him anything personal although I sensed that he felt the same, but I'd never made a first move and wasn't about to start now. Knowing my luck I would look ridiculous, but of course Summer, who had been popping in and out on her breaks, had said that I was stupid because Josh was obviously interested in me. I was even considering letting her make me over one of the days to see if it would impress him, but every time I was about to ask Summer to help me out I quickly squashed such ridiculous thoughts and closed my mouth.

As much as I enjoyed the attention Josh gave me every morning when he glanced at what I was wearing- and on some occasions had cringed slightly depending on my band tee- I didn't want to seem like I was trying too hard. Like I said, I have no confidence when it comes to guys, although I was comfortable enough to be my quirky self in front of him. In fact Josh told me that he liked watching me be crazy, because it brightened up the day. This had caused me to blush again and he'd laughed. Honestly I think he was doing it on purpose, and even though I told myself not blush at what he said, I still found that I did.

"Here you go Lizzie" Marie smiled, putting our usual coffees- Josh's cappuccino with chocolate sprinkled on top, and my latte- in front of me. I smiled at her and handed over the money. She pushed in some buttons to open the cash register.

"Are you working at Down But Not Out?" she asked me and I shrugged at her.

"It's complicated. I'm working there to help out Josh at the moment, but I'm hoping if things do pick up that he might hire me" I replied and she nodded before handing me my change.

"Marie, do you own this place?" I asked her and she nodded, a small smile covering her lips, but it was a watery one, full of pain. I would recognise that look anywhere. I sent her a small smile back.

"Well this place is amazing, and you deserve all of the customers you get" I said and she smiled at me.

"Thanks Liz" she replied and I nodded at her before turning and walking away.

I was very annoying when it came to my name. I hated being called Elizabeth, but when my full name was called I knew I was either being taunted or told off. I preferred being called Lizzie, but only my closest friends called me Liz. Anyone else who called me by the shortest version got glared at, but that wasn't needed since I always introduced myself as Lizzie. Marie seemed nice though so far, so I didn't mind her calling me by the short version of my name.