Bouquet of Regret (Preview)

Fragile Hope

Jumping back, I narrowly avoided the crushing wall of boxes that hit the ground with an echoing thud. Staring at the jumbled mess, I ran my hand through my hair and groaned quietly. So much for going home. Sighing, I clenched my jaw and started the daunting task of first straightening the boxes before stacking them to remake the display. This time, however, I made sure that the base was steady so no one else would face a box avalanche. I don't want anyone getting hurt because I failed to ensure their safety while performing my assigned duty.

Setting the last box on top of the tower, I stepped back and winced before slowly straightening. I swallowed the soft cry that rose in my throat when pain flared along my spine, and every nerve protested this new movement. I know better than to stay hunched for too long, but there wasn't much choice in this case. Still, the boxes are displayed correctly, so I can report to my new boss and go home. Flexing my shoulders to finish encouraging my muscles to adjust to no longer lifting the not quite heavy load, I shook my head and made my way to the front of the store.

I don't have far to walk, because the store is only a bit bigger than average by a few feet. While heading to the front, I wrinkled my nose upon walking by a customer who spilled gasoline on their shoes, judging by the aroma surrounding them. Keeping my eyes low, as I do in general because eye contact tends to make my skin crawl uncomfortably, I managed to avoid the eyes of the twenty or so patrons in the building.

"As I have told you each time you ask, no I will not front you the gas until you get paid," a strong female voice cut through my inner musings. Glancing that direction, I noticed a male in his twenties smirking at the woman behind the register and fought a smile.

"Come on, Ava, you know I'm good for it," he cajoled in a smooth, deep voice. My eyes closed for a moment while I again wished I could hear him sing. I bet his voice would wrap you in velvet if he crooned. He slightly raised his nose, then he glanced back at me with a blindingly bright grin of delight. "Angel," he breathed, "how are you today?"

Chuckling, I shook my head before replying, "Marcus, I won't convince my boss to go on a date with you." Beautiful blue eyes widened in shock, and a musician's hand covered his chest over his heart. Eyeing his long fingers, I briefly met his gaze to find laughter dancing in his eyes.

"Even if I give you those guitar lessons you secretly covet?" Marcus offered teasingly, letting his voice lilt pleasantly. Frowning, I stared at the ground, and he chuckled warmly. "I only tease, Angel, all you have to do is ask, and I'll gladly teach you anything you want to know." My shoulders relaxed when his voice lost that teasing tone, and became kind instead. Tears burned the back of my eyes, but I blinked them away and smiled while briefly letting my eyes meet his so he could see the gratitude in mine.

"Speaking of Angel, how is that checklist coming?" Ava asked, and I sighed while glancing at her eyes to see they were concerned.

"I didn't stack the boxes right the first time, and they fell, but I fixed my mistake," I replied honestly, and she frowned.

"Angel, you didn't stress your back, did you?" She bit her bottom lip while her forest green eyes darkened to an almost black. Shaking my head, I smiled, and she frowned. "Don't lie to me, Angel, I see the pain in your stance. Go home and rest, I'll handle everything else."

"N-No, I'm fine, and I finished the list you gave me," I protested, glancing at Marcus who frowned as well. He shook his head before running a hand through his ear length, inky black hair, and sighed while glancing at Ava. She tilted her head, her platinum blonde hair cascading to the side like a silky waterfall, and I groaned silently. Great. Now I made both of them worry, and I feel terrible. I'll be fine, I always am. Eventually.

"Marcus, please see Angel home," Ava murmured, and my shoulders slumped.

"You already overpay me," I protested weakly, and she turned her head to meet my gaze head-on. Gulping, I took a step back while the skin between my shoulders crawled uncomfortably even after I jerked my head so that my eyes were on the ground.