Squeeze the Day

🍋T W E N T Y - T H R E E🍋

WORK WAS JUST the escape I needed from my whirlwind of emotions. It didn't help that I reflected during the whole six hour shift, but luckily that helped the time go by. My shift went by relatively quickly, and I didn't even notice how fast time had passed. Before I knew it, I only had ten minutes left until I was done.

"Can I have some assistance?" the familiar voice of Shane inquired as I wiped down a table. An instant smile made its way onto my face as I turned around to greet him.

"What are you doing here?"

"I came to pick you up, duh."

I cocked an eyebrow. "I told Cher I didn't need a ride today."

I could've sworn Shane's cheeks turned pink as he looked away from me. "Okay, I lied," he admitted sheepishly. "I just wanted to spend some time with you."

A full blown smile was on my face. "Did the great Shane miss me?"

He rolled his eyes, his cheeks still warm. "Shut up."

I pinched his cheek, quite amused by his bashful reaction. "Any dessert you're craving?"

He glanced at the glass case behind me. "I don't know, I think the strawberry shortcake's calling my name."

"Coming right up." We walked over to the case, and Shane leaned against it as I went to the other side. I grabbed a plate and using the cake server I scooped a slice. I poured some strawberry syrup on top before handing Shane the can of whipped cream. When he raised his eyebrows I simply rolled my eyes. "You're going to critique my technique, so might as well do it yourself."

He poked my nose. "You're breaking the rules for me? How cute."

I watched in disgust as he coated the entire cake in whipped cream, concealing the red with white. When he saw my expression, he topped off another layer of whipped cream. I snatched the can from him before he could further disrespect the cake. "This should be illegal."

Shane chuckled, grabbing two plastic spoons for each of us before digging into the cake. "Try it," he urged after noticing I didn't budge.

I took the spoon as scooped as much whipped cream free cake as I could. I hated to admit it, but the whipped cream did add a nice airiness to the cake. "It's good," I scoffed after seeing his anticipating reaction.

He grinned at me. "I told you."

"What are your plans for the rest of the day?" I asked as I took another spoonful.

"Well I'm free for the next three minutes."

"My shift ends in three minutes," I commented, noticing the coincidence.

He smile only widened. "I know. Let's do something."

"What did you have in mind?"

"There's a really nice trail twenty minutes away from here." He took another spoonful. "We can go on a hike and grab some food after."

That sounded like the perfect way to spend my afternoon. I loved spending time with Shane, and the thought of being alone with him made my stomach fill with butterflies. I was about to gladly decline until I remembered the other commitment I had after my shift. "I can't," I said glumly.

His lips curved downwards, his beautiful smile disappearing. "Why not?"

"I have other plans."

He shrugged uncaringly. "Then cancel them."

"I can't," I groaned.

"Why not? Your folks are out of the country, so your plans can't be anything you can't reschedule."