Stop in the Name of Love (Completed)

Chapter 18

"Someone need their homework?" Dominic holds the papers up as he waltzes into the store.

I try not to cringe, "Thank you, Dominic, I appreciate it."

"Feeling better? Jordan said you weren't feeling too well," He makes himself comfortable, leaning on the counter, smiling at me.

"Yeah, I'm ok," I focus on the register as he plops the papers in front of me.

"Good, I hope you're still up for Sunday. Emily is really excited. I am too."

I freeze, "You're excited?"

"Yeah, it'll be a great chance to hang out," He shrugs and pushes back against the counter.

I look at Mr. Marsh, he's listening in, clearly confused. Dominic stands around looking at everything on the shelves, making his way to the paints.

"Dominic, I thought I made it clear to you that I have no intention of mixing my social and professional lives. I need this job and I want to give it my full attention while I'm there."

He turns to stare at me, his eyebrows raised, "Oh you were serious about that?"

"Yes!" I look to Mr. Marsh who seems just as stunned as me, "Of course I was serious. I wouldn't have taken the job if I weren't serious!"

He shrugs his shoulders and turns back to the shelves, "Ok."

I'm speechless as he calmly leaves the store. Once he's in his car Mr. Marsh comes to stand behind me at the counter.

"That was certainly odd," He says slowly, "Why don't you go on break, I'll keep an eye on things out here."

With a nod I step away and out the back door. I pull out my phone quickly and call Jordan.

"What's up beautiful buttercup? You're not off for more than two hours, everything ok?"

"Yeah, I'm on break. Mr. Marsh was worried so he sent me out for a bit. What are you up to?"

"Worried? What was he worried about?" His voice speeds up.

"Dominic, he came in with my homework and was acting weird. Saying he didn't think I was serious when I said I wasn't bringing my personal life to my babysitting job and wouldn't use it to hang out. He was kind of creepy about it."

"Are you going to be ok on Sunday? Will he be there?"

I scratch the back of my head, thinking, "I... I don't really know. I thought he got the message and made plans but now..."

"Do you want me to come over there, hang out until you get off?"

I shake my head even though he can't see me, "No it's ok, I don't want to interrupt whatever you're doing anymore than I already have."

"I swear if I could kiss you to shut you up right now I would, you're not an interruption or burden or derailment or inconvenience or any other word you could come up with. I'm literally just driving around, I easily could have an excuse to be at the hardware store but I try not to come in unless I have to or you want me there."

"If you want to come by you can then. It's quiet and I'm mostly just going to be doing homework," I look at the time, "I should get back inside though."

"Alright, I'll be there in just a few. I'll help you with any math homework. You're going to do great on that test on Monday."

"If you say so... I'll see you soon."

"Yep! I love you."

"I love you too," I hang up and shove the phone in my pocket.

I knock on the door and wait for Mr. Marsh to come open it. He does with a smile.