third floor ➳ post malone

nine

I woke up the next morning at 6:30 when my alarm went off, ready to start my day. Anything to distract me from the thoughts I kept having about last night.

I don't know what it is. I don't know if it's because I haven't had a guy really pay attention to me since my ex Michael, despite what my sisters think. Or if it's just the fact that I haven't focused on anything but my career for a while now.

I know for certain I don't have feelings for Austin, because how could I? I just met him. But there was a reason I couldn't stop thinking about us almost kissing.

I shook it off and got out of bed, walking into the bathroom attached to my bedroom. I took my hair down from its ponytail and stripped out of my pajamas. I started the shower and stepped in once the water was to my liking.

I was hoping the piping hot water would distract me from my thoughts and clear sexual confusion but all it did was fuel them like some lighter fluid to flames.

I huffed out loud at myself and quickly showered, trying to get to work as soon as possible to get him off of my mind. Holy shit, I need to go out.

As I got dressed, I noticed the lack of clothes I had for going out to bars or clubs, anything- another obvious sign that I definitely need to go out more. So I texted Alex.

I knew he'd want to go out, especially if I invited Ricky. But for now, I just want to get to work.

I threw on a t-shirt Ricky and I had made for the bakery, some leggings, and my Converse. I sighed as I looked in the mirror and threw my hair into its typical ponytail.

Once I was content with how conventional I looked, I walked out of the door. Please let this day go by quickly.

————

"Thank you! Have a great day!" I said, as I handed a girl her change.

"So you want to go clubbing tonight?" Ricky asked me with a smirk. He knew it wasn't my thing.

"Yes, and please tell me you're going," I turned to him with puppy dog eyes.

"You only want me to go so you can hook me up with Alex," he laughed at me.

"Ricky just try! Your crush on Indy is going nowhere if you don't tell her," I huffed at him. "And here's Alex, someone who already wants to get to know you."

"Okay," he rolled his eyes. "Only because he's cute."

"Thank you," I smiled brightly at him.

"And what are your plans while you third wheel?" He asked me, crossing his arms.

"To find someone that I can take home, fuck, and never see again," I told him bluntly. "I just feel like I need that right now."

"Okay," he nodded. "I never in a million years thought I'd hear you say something like that."

"I know, me neither," I chuckled as the bell on the door rang, signaling we had a customer. I turned back around and noticed Austin walking in.

"Hey," he said as he approached the counter.

"What can I get for you?" I asked him politely.

"Can we talk?" He asked me as he placed both hands on the counter, leaning forward slightly.

"Uh," I stalled, looking at Ricky who nodded his head. "Yeah. Sure."

I took my apron off and walked around the counter to a small table that sat two in the very corner. I nodded at Austin to sit down across from me and he did.

"I just want to address last night," he told me. This has to be the nicest he's ever been.

"Okay, what about it?" I asked him, leaning back in my chair.

"I just don't want to lead you on," he told me politely. "I don't want you to think I do that. It was just a moment."

"Lead me on?" I scoffed at him. "I barely know you."

"Yeah, but we almost kissed and I just didn't know how you took it," He told me and I shook my head, looking out the window to my right. "Most girls get a messy head when shit like that happens. I don't know, I just wanted to clear the air."

"Air cleared. I don't know why you had to come all the way here to tell me that, but thanks," I said, getting up out of my chair.

"Wait," he stopped me, putting a hand on my arm. "You're mad about something."

"I'm not mad," I said to him. "Why on Earth would I be mad? Maybe a little mad that you interrupted my day to tell me something I haven't thought shit about."

Ouch. That was a lie.

"So sorry, princess," he said sarcastically as he got up out of his seat. "So very sorry I kept you from all your customers."

He gestured around to the empty bakery. Now I'm mad.

"You're an asshole," I told him, walking back behind the counter. "Just leave me the fuck alone."

"Will do," he smirked at me, walking towards the door. "Have a great day."

I groaned and turned to Ricky who was just standing by watching this mess.

"I have questions," Ricky finally said and I nodded for him to go on. "Is he why you want to go out tonight?"

"Yep," I admitted, looking at the ground.

"So you have been thinking about that almost kiss that I completely ruined?" He asked me and I sighed.

"Yes, Ricky," I looked at him. "But I'm glad you did. He's an asshole anyways."

a/n: this isn't the best but just wanted to update before my class this afternoon!!