Getting To Know You

Chapter Two

I rushed into the shop, "Tony! I'm here! I'm here! I made it!" Swinging my head into his office as I hang on the door frame, "New world record this morning! Only 6 minutes and 37 seconds!"

Wiping the sweat off of my forehead, I back up as Tony stands up and starts to walk to the front of the store. He has a proud smile, "Good job, speed racer! Soon you'll run around town in less than a half hour! I'll only see you as a blur, kid!" I roll my eyes, then next thing I know knuckles are rubbing into my head as Tony holds me close to his chest.

I screech, "My spacebuns!" There is no remorse as I worm myself away from this man, my foot up and bout to karate kick him- before the bell rings. My foot stays in the air as I turn toward the door. Denver. Watching me, about to kick my boss, with my hair a mess. Good. Instantly I straighten up and smile, walking toward him. "Hi, Denver! Back again so soon?" Tony's laugh is heard as he walks back into his office, leaving us alone in the store front. "Sorry that was, well just. Tony. It was Tony."

A small smile appears on Denver's face as he places a twenty dollar bill on the counter.  "I have nothing to clean up my place with. Not a broom or rag in sight. So I'll take what I can." My face is still red and I don't say a word as I step from behind the counter, going down an isle. I don't have to check if he is behind me. I can hear his footsteps and feel him not far behind.

Stopping at the cleaning supplies, I grab a few chemicals, sponges, broom, and other supplies. I knew the total was closer to forty dollars, but I saw the house and it needed this cleaning- bad.
There was more than he could handle worth of cleaning supplies so after I bagged what I could, I peaked into Tony's office and whispered, "Gotta go show him some Hendra hospitality." I wink, pushing off the door frame and grabbing as much as I could of the bags. "You ready?" Denver nods, the same soft smile on his face as always, making me feel like my wide grin is closer to a serial killers than a friendly face.
"Thank you, Olive. I appreciate your help with this." Denver nods, his voice even as we distance ourselves from the store.
"Denver, you do know my name is Olivia, right?" I chuckle and nudge against him, shrugging as I look back up at him. "Of course I'm here to help, that's the kindness of Hendra. I think your Dad was right. This place has a certain love for each other that's hard to find anywhere else. It's a nice place to be."
Denver nods, "Yes, Olive, I think it is too." Finally, I'm able to see Denver's teeth when he smiles and looks down at me.
The rest of the walk was quiet, each of us peaking glances at the other. Denver was big. Not just tall, but wide as well. His pale skin was easily sweaty, not used to the Hendra heat. He work a simple white shirt that held onto him tightly and some jeans that were hung just right. His tennis shoes were ragged, clearly worn and loved with every outfit as the dirt from the road kicked up and coated each side. His blonde hair was neatly combed up into a small bun, as always without a hair out of place. This length was longer than most of the men's here in Hendra (the ones who weren't in their 70s) but it suited him well. Denver looked up and smiled, immediately causing me to whip my head forward as if I wasn't caught staring.

Once we were on the porch, I opened the door and let myself in- not even worrying about Denver behind me. "Oh, you're here once and now you think you own the place?" I can hear a laugh escape his lips while the door shuts.

"I don't think, I know. Now come on, let's put this on the table." I drop all the bags and hold onto my sides. "How are you even going to go scrubbing away at this place? You only got one hand!" I roll my eyes, letting my hands drop and turn towards him with an eyebrow raised.
Denver scoffed, motioning up and down his frame. "I am a well abled person, I can figure it out!" Letting out a bark of a laugh, I cross my arms and wait to watch him try to empty the bags.
I figured enough time is wasted as I start to unload the other bags, placing everything on the counter. "Yeah, I'm sure you can." I roll my eyes, reaching for my back pocket to send Tony a see ya tomorrow text. I was due for a day off anyways. "Come on, I only got a day, let's get to cleaning!"