third floor ➳ post malone

nineteen

"How did it go?" Ricky asked me as soon as he walked into the bakery this morning. "I want all the details."

"Very well," I smiled at him as I kneaded the dough I had placed on the counter. "I like him a lot."

"I said details!" He snapped at me and I laughed.

"Well, I got drunk at the pool hall and we kinda did stuff in the bathroom?" I said in more of a question. Ricky's mouth dropped as he stepped towards me. "If you must know."

"Stuff? Stuff! Oh my God," he threw his head back and laughed. "I can't believe this. Okay, what else?"

"Don't be mad," I sighed, looking at him with gritted teeth. "I took him to the gardens."

"What?" He asked, looking at me sadly. I immediately felt bad and regretted everything. "That's our spot, Georgia."

"Ricky, I am so sorry. I didn't mean to make you upset or-"

"Gotcha," he laughed, cutting me off. "I'm just kidding. I'm just glad you had fun. When will you go out again?"

"Geez," I huffed at him and he chuckled again. "And I don't know, we haven't talked about it yet."

"Well, he's an unlikely suitor but you look happy," Ricky nudged me as he smiled. "I'm glad to see you like this."

"I'm not that different!" I said and he shook his head.

"You don't see it but I do," he pointed at me and I just rolled my eyes and got back to work.

Throughout the day, all I could think about was Austin- not that it surprised me. I couldn't stop thinking about what I would say if I bumped into him at home. I was absolutely giddy over the thought of him.

I continued my work day doing what I usually do, but now in a sunshine state of mind. Every time the bell rang on the door, though, I was hoping it was Austin. It never was, until.. it actually was.

He walked in around 2:30 wearing a white t-shirt and black sweatpants. A black snapback sat on his head backwards and he just looked perfect.

"Hi," I said to him as he approached the counter with a smile.

"Hi," he winked at me. "You look pretty."

"Okay," I blushed, shaking my head. "I look like I'm at work, but thank you."

"Well lucky for you, you're always pretty. No matter what," he said and I laughed.

"Why are you being so nice?" I shook my head again at him. "What do you want?"

"Rude!" he chuckled and then leaned his elbows on the counter, crossing his arms and looking straight at me. "But I am here to ask you on a date. A real date. Like get dressed up and actually go out."

"Oh, really?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "No pool hall?"

"Shut up, you loved it," he winked at me and my heart started beating faster. "But what do you say?"

"I'd love that," I smiled, nodding at him. "When?"

"Tonight? If that's good with you," he told me.

"We're going out two nights in a row, huh?" I asked jokingly. "You must like me."

"You're alright, I guess," He shrugged and then gave me a small laugh. "What time do you get off?"

"Late," I sighed and then looked back at Ricky who was pretending to work and not eavesdrop. "You know what, we should close up early today."

"Fuck yes!" He said loudly. Luckily there wasn't anyone in here right now except a girl studying with her earbuds in. "Sorry. Yes, please. You can go on your date, I can go home and watch movies and cry because I am not going on a date tonight."

"Ricky," I sighed, laughing at him. I looked back at Austin. "My boss said I can leave whenever."

"Your boss," he laughed at me referring to myself. "Tell your boss I said thank you and that I will meet you in the hallway at six."

"She thinks that sounds perfect," I smiled at him.

"Oh, while I'm here, can I get one of those Ozzy donuts?" Austin asked, pulling out his wallet.

I nodded and walked over to the glass case, grabbing a donut and putting it into a small bag.

"You don't have to pay," I told him, handing it to him.

"No, what? Take it," he said, handing me a $20 bill.

"The boss said it's on the house," I raised an eyebrow at him.

"Glenda, take it," he said sternly to me. I shook my head and he placed it in the tip jar. "You're so impossible."

"You love it," I said to him and he laughed.

"I'll see you later," he said, turning to walk away. "At six!"

"At six," I repeated back to him as he walked out of the door. I watched as he walked away down the sidewalk, already eating the donut. He's so... perfect.

"The flirting? So disgusting," Ricky said and I laughed at him. "You're in deep, Peach."

"I know."

————

Later, at home, I stood in front of my mirror with my makeup done as I tried on different outfits. Finally, I decided on a pink skater dress and nude heels. I didn't want to seem like I was trying too hard because I know Austin does everything effortlessly.

Once I was okay with how I looked, I brushed my hair, letting it fall naturally since I didn't really have time to do much to it. After one last look in the mirror, I decided I looked fine.

I cut my bedroom light off and walked into my living room to wait for Austin but he was exactly on time. A knock came from the other side of my door and I felt my stomach turn- in a good way.

I walked over to my door and opened it revealing Austin in a blue button up with black slacks. He looked amazing.

"Wow, Georgia, I-," Austin stuttered, looking me up and down. "I- I don't want to be impolite but holy fuck."

"Well," I laughed, stepping out of my apartment. "Holy fuck to you, too."

I locked my door and closed it, looking up at Austin who hadn't realized his jaw was dropped. I didn't think I looked too extravagant but all he ever really sees me in is work clothes or jeans.

"You are so beautiful," he said, grabbing my hand and kissing it. "Like, you cannot be seen with me. Wow."

"You are so dramatic," I laughed at him.

"You laugh at me a lot but it's true," he smiled at me as we walked towards the elevator. "Do you not believe it?"

"Believe what?" I asked as I pressed the elevator button.

"That you're beautiful," he said. I thought about it.

"I mean, I don't know," I shrug with a shy giggle. "I think I'm... average?"

"You are so far from average, Georgia."