Stop in the Name of Love (Completed)

Chapter 29

Jordan prances into the store, holding two small pieces of colorful paper.

"You excited for tomorrow?" He asks, he's asked every couple of days.

"Yes, just like I was yesterday. You look ready to explode," I close the register, "I never really thought school dances were your thing."

"Eh, usually they aren't. You make it worth it."

It's been almost a month since we started dating, and he's been consistently loving and attentive the whole time. His mom was really hoping I'd come over for Thanksgiving but Jordan didn't want to put that pressure on me. He instead had picked me up late that night and took me on a drive, just us. This month has been one of the best of my life.

"Were you able to get that night off?" He asks, taking my hand.

"Yeah, they weren't surprised when I brought it up. They said I've definitely earned a Saturday after being available every weekend these past few weeks. What time does it start?"

He looks at the tickets, "Err... Eight o'clock. You still get off before six? We could go to dinner."

"That sounds nice," I smile.

"Where are you two going?" Mr. Marsh brings out a pick up order.

"Winter formal is tomorrow night," Jordan proudly announces.

I smack his shoulder, too late, Mr. Marsh is already all over it, "Oh how exciting! Why didn't you tell me Rhea?"

"I didn't think it was a big deal."

"It's your first high school dance," Mr. Marsh starts saying, "It's a new experience. It's something special to look back on when you grow up. If you need to get off early to get ready you can, just let me know."

"No it's alright. It doesn't even start until eight."

"Do you have a dress?" I nod, earning a big smile from Mr. Marsh, "Why don't you get ready here? I'd love to see the dress."

I glance at Jordan, who shrugs, "It would save some time, give us enough time to get dessert at dinner."

I wrinkle my nose, "Ok, Jordan can you bring my dress here instead of the library?"

He nods and walks off, browsing the aisles. Mr. Marsh quietly leans next to me.

"I do appreciate you coming in today, I wasn't feeling great and needed the help, I'll be sure to give you Sunday off. I'm glad you're going to that dance tomorrow."

"But Mr. Marsh, Sunday's are always busy. Won't you need help?"

"Maybe, but I've got to give you at least one day off. I'd rather work alone Sunday than not see you before that dance."

I feel my shoulders slump, "How about you give me tomorrow off and I'll still come here to get ready? I'd rather here than the library anyway," I give a weak chuckle.

Mr. Marsh takes a moment to respond, but gives a big smile and nods. He goes to the back room, leaving me and Jordan alone out front.

"He really cares about you, does he know about your dad?" Jordan looks through the hammers.

I shake my head, "No, at least I don't think so. I've worked for him since freshman year, so we just have grown close. He's great like that."

"I don't know why anyone wouldn't want to get close to you. Of course I know stuff they don't," His devilish grin appears.

"Stop it!" I laugh, "Do you ever think of anything else?"

"Aside from you? No. Aside from sex with you? Yeah. I think about how I can help you with math, and your dad. I think about where to take you on our dates. I think about what to get you for Christmas."