Down But Not Out

Chapter 28

"You know, you didn't have to come in today" Josh said and I looked up from sorting through the stock to see that he was still scribbling in the book. I shook my head.

"And I told you that it was perfectly fine. Plus it was an excuse to get me out of Sunday lunch with Summer's family" I said and saw Josh look at me.

"Don't you like her family?" he asked and I nodded.

"Of course I do, but Summer doesn't get on very well with her sisters. She thought of Louise as her sister, more than what she thought of her own sisters" I sighed, shrugging at Josh's questioning stare- "don't ask me, I don't know why. Anyway Summer hates having to see them, which is why we usually go over to my parent's but they've been busy for the last few weeks. Summer just makes up any excuse possible and I don't see the point in me eating with them if Summer's not there. They are her family after all" I shrugged and heard Josh sigh. I laughed as I walked up to the counter to stock up on the accessories there.

"Sorry, I know it's complicated" and I heard Josh sigh before the sound of his pen scratching against the book could be heard again.

"Whatcha doing?" I asked him since I'd finished doing what I needed to. Josh held up a finger telling me to give him a minute while he finished off doing whatever he was working on. I rolled my eyes but sat down and waited quietly.

Today was Sunday, and this week had gone really quick. Business was still going well and over the last few days I'd gotten into the habit of singing and dancing when no one was around, well except for Josh of course, who I didn't mind watching me. He'd watched me make a fool of myself plenty of times before, and to be honest I was comfortable around him now. Although I'd accidentally gone all hyper whenever one of his songs came on- come on it was hard not to- and it usually ended up in me remembering he was there, so we both laughed of course, but I became embarrassed. Josh kept telling me not to worry though but Dan, Matt and Max had walked in on me going hyper a few times too. Of course Dan had teased me about it, come to think of it he just seemed to enjoy teasing me about anything and everything in general. While Josh didn't try to embarrass me anymore, Dan had decided that he would instead.

We were all here today, this meant Chris had also joined us and he'd seemed happy to finally meet me, although he'd explained that he hadn't met me sooner because he didn't feel comfortable around here, what with the public walking in and out of the shop. I didn't mind because I knew that Chris was quiet and a fairly shy person. Anyway, Josh had told me yesterday that he was coming in today because he'd fallen behind on doing the books. Although I don't know what he meant by that. I'd decided to come in since Summer and I weren't doing anything and Summer had also followed me as well. I was sure it had something to do with a certain band member named Dan but she just kept brushing off that idea. I'd noticed though, she always hung out with him and always brightened at the mention of his name. I just hoped she wasn't rushing into things because of what had happened with Theo.

"I'm just working out how much of the stock we've sold and also making note so that I know which designs sell out quickly" Josh explained, shaking me out of my thoughts and I nodded.

"Sounds like fun" I scoffed and he grinned at me.

"Naah, not really. You know, I'm not much fun to be around at the moment, you can always go hang out in the back" he suggested and I shook my head.

"I'm okay here. Dan makes me feel awkward because he just likes embarrassing me every opportunity he gets, plus it means that you're not alone if I stay here" I shrugged and Josh smiled, his eyes crinkling a little in the corners.

"I've noticed he enjoys teasing you" Josh said scribbling in the book again and I nodded.

"Can I ask you something?" I asked and he nodded at me. I turned myself in my seat so that I was facing him.