Pawn Shop

chapter 7

I sipped my coffee as I pulled my sweater tighter around me. It was chilly outside but it was comforting as I let my mind wonder. I'm currently sitting on the bench in front of Shawns shop waiting for him to arrive.

Today was my first day on the job. The plan was to organize and clean up the place a little more before the grand opening in three days.

I kicked my feet out of boredom. I got here 45 minutes early so now I was over the point of bored. After asking my father of it'd be ok for him and Jaxon to spend manly time together, I dropped him off and to prevent myself from being drunk on my first day, I came here.

I looked up as I took another sip of my coffee and noticed Shawn making his way over. I stood up and took a few steps toward him.

I greeted him with a small smile and a soft 'good morning'.

Me must have not noticed me at first because he seemed surprised when I spoke.

"Oh, hey! I wasn't expecting you to be here before me" he spoke.

"I hope that's fine, if not I can wait at the coffee shop" I told him.

He gave the most charming smile before he spoke, "that's nonsense! It just gives me more time to get to know you"

He must have noticed me blush because he let out a chuckle right after.

"Only if that's OK with you", he continued.

"Maybe we should focus on going inside first, it's not the warmest out." I told him.

"Ya, ya, of course" he said

He led me toward the door and held the door opened for me after he unlocked it.

Once I stepped inside a wave of nervousness came over me.

I finally have a job, which is something ive been trying to accomplish for a while. I didn't realize how big my smile was until Shawn spoke, "you know, your smile is really beautiful"

I looked over at him and noticed he was smiling just as big, "thank you"

"How about we get started. I set up the floor a couple days ago, what do you think?" He asked.

I looked around at the set up. In all honesty, it was too bland. It was a basic set up.

"Umm, it's fine." I replied.

"Are you sure? I want to decorate it a bit but I have no skill in that area." He told me.

"I can help with that. Can I look around to see what kind of stuff you have?" I asked.

After getting the OK from Shawn, I walked around the shop. I took a mental note of items that would look cool in other places.

I told Shawn my plan of hanging some of the items up and moving some shelves around. We worked together for a couple of hours making the shop more presentable. I got to know alot about him.

"How about we take a break, I don't want to work you to much on your first day" he joked.

"That's fine" I replied.

After agreeing to go to a diner a couple shops down, we made our way over.

We walked into the small diner and took our seat in a booth. A waitress came and took our order. I knew I didn't have much cash on me so I settled for the cheapest option, a .99 cent grilled cheese sandwich and a water. Shawn on the other hand ordered a filling meal, which was a double burger that came with fries, a side of mac and cheese along with a milkshake.

Once the waitress walked away Shawn started talking, "you didn't order much, are you not hungry?"

'I'm starving' I thought

"No. Not really." I simply said.

"Hey" he called for my attention.

Once I looked up at him he spoke again,"Did I do something to make you uncomfortable? Or do you just not like me" he said with chuckle that was mixed with sadness and nervousness.

I immediately frowned. Why would he ask that?

"What do you mean?" I questioned.

"You always reply with short answers, you never make eye contact with me, it seems as if you don't want to continue the conversation, you don't talk about yourself when I ask, you just brush the question off" he spoke.

It took me a moment to process what he said. I never wanted to come off as rude.

"I'm sorry. It's nothing about you, I just have alot on my mind" I told him as I made eye contact and smiled.

"You're actually kinda fun to be around." I continued.

Before he could reply, the waitress came with our food. She placed it in front of us and told us to enjoy before walking off.

"Well thank you. I'm glad I didn't fuck up an opportunity to become friends with such a beautiful woman" he flirted once again.

I blushed and replied with another thank you. Our conversation was cut short with my cell phone ringtone. Shawn gave a nod before picking up his burger.

I answered the call from my father.

"Mommy! Hi!" I heard the voice of my son say.

"Hey baby! How are you?" I questioned, curious about his day with his grandpa.

"It was so fun. I helped grandpa build stuff! I gave him all the screws!" He yelled, enthusiastically.

"I can't wait to see it baby! I'll see you when I get home, ok? I love you!" I said when I noticed Shawn almost done with his food.

After the call ended Shawn looked up and asked with a smirk, "husband?"

"Oh No, no. That was my son, Jaxon." I laughed out.

"Oh so is that for decoration?" He joked pointing to my ring.

I looked down and tears immediately fogged my eyes.

"I'm sorry, I have to go" i said softly with tears starting to fall as I got up leaving a few dollars on the table.

"Wait! Beyoncé!" He tried to follow me as I ran out.

I made my way to my car before breaking down. I don't know why I was crying over a simple joke. It not like he knew.

I soon heard a knock on my passenger window which scared me. I saw Shawn standing there looking sorry. I unlocked my door and he made his way inside.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you upset." He said softly.

"I know. Its not your fault" I told him.

"You can talk to me you know.  Or not. What ever would make you feel better." He said hopefully.

"I should get home to my son." I told him.

"Of course. I'm here for you any time. I'm a good listener, or just a good person to sit with if you don't want to talk. And I'm sorry for making you upset." He told me before stepping out the car.

I watched him walk back to the shop with his hand stuffed in his pockets and his head hung low. Maybe my mom was right about me working with Shawn not being a good idea.