Being Adalyne (Sequel)

Nothing

"You look like shit."

I weaved around Kevin and muttered, "Thanks."

"So, what did you do on your day off? I don't think I've ever seen you like this." Kevin said, catching up with me.

"Went to the park. Nothing huge."

"Mmhmm." Kevin hummed.

I rolled my eyes, then finished putting my things away. "Did anything of mine sell yesterday?"

"I don't think so, but Gwen was in charge of your area. You should ask her." Kevin answered.

Gwen hates me and I have no idea why. It was pretty much instantaneous. I would be offended, but she hates everyone equally, well, except for the owners. She turns into a completely different person when they're around and all of a sudden becomes the sweetest person in the world. They're oblivious and adore her, but honestly, they're just good people and love everyone. If they knew how she really was, it would probably break their hearts.

"Ok. Thank you." I said to Kevin, then headed to the breakroom to start the coffee.

Kevin followed me and said in a sing song voice, "Sooooo, a little birdy told me that Moira Kearns was here and sniffing around your booth..."

"Does this little bird happen to be named Chris?"

"Maybe. What did she want?" Kevin inquired.

I pushed the button on the coffee maker, then turned around so I could face Kevin. "She invited myself and 'Unchained' to an event she's having in a couple of weeks."

Kevin's eyes went wide, then he choked out, "Holy fucking... mother of all... fuuuckk."

"Yeah." I said, then turned back around to prepare my coffee.

Kevin was silent as I poured milk into my cup and added 3 sugars, then put 2 sugars in another cup and filled both with coffee. I handed Kevin his coffee and he took it robotically, but never moved. I shrugged, then started the music and walked into the gallery to unlock the doors.

Saturday is one of our busiest days and I'm told Sunday is as well, but I always have that day off, so I wouldn't know. I didn't request it, my only wish was to have the mornings off, so I could attend church, but the owners said I needed the full day to spend with God. They're not Christians like me, but they are Buddhists and have always been respectful of my beliefs.

The first customer of the day walked in and I shuffled over to greet them. They didn't really acknowledge my presence with more than a grumble, so I left them be, but stayed close in case they needed anything.

Before long, Kevin was standing next to me and leaned over to whisper, "Did you say yes?"

"To what?"

"Moira?"

"Of course, I would be crazy not to." I answered.

"Yeah, but this isn't just Moira Kearns. You're also going to be in a room filled with the kind of people that don't give people like us a second look."

"So?"

"So, what are you going to wear? What are you going to say? These people are sharks, Adalyne and they would love to chew up a good, Christian girl like you and spit you out."

"Should I have said no?" I asked, feeling a little nervous now.

"I don't know. I see two options here: One, you'll be received well and become super famous, forgetting about us little people. Or two, they'll decide you're a shit artist and spread the word, making it impossible to rise any further in the community. Are you ready for either?"