Painting

Chapter 58

I can't sleep. I don't want to be here. Can Morpheus and Hypnos have mercy on me? I only want some relief. I get up and open the window like I do often. I know it won't do much. I'm craving chocolate. I make slowly my way to the kitchen and open the pantry. I always have some chocolate somewhere. I find the bag and go back, next to the window. The city is quiet and noisy at the same time. The cars in distance and the absence of people walking around. The distant sirens, but also the absence of late night conversation about the future. I take a handful of chocolate chips and proceed to eat them one by one. I breathe the fresh air. I work on a poem and choose the clothes I'm going to wear tomorrow. Conversations subjects to fill the day. That's important. I can't spend the whole day reading new books in the romance section, I have to have social interactions. Until my eyes are heavy. A smile brights up my face. I leave the bag on the floor and get into bed. I sleep well.

I wake up with my first alarm. It's 8 AM, I can take my time. I open up my phone and ask my Google assistant to tell me the recents news. Nothing too surprising, people are still fighting for their human rights. I guess, I should too. I should help them. I need to help myself though. Get through this, whatever this is. Put your mask on first, they say, on planes.

It's beautiful outside, the snow is white and still falling. It's going to be a great day. I put on the black tee-shirt, I chose last night. I have a thing for black tee-shirts, they go with everything. They can look casual, with a nice pair of jeans and look comfortable, with a pair of sweatpants. I put on my ripped jeans, take the bag of chocolate chips and walk to the kitchen. I have the time to make some french toast.

My shift doesn't start until 9:30 AM. While the news report is playing on my laptop, I need some information sometimes, I eat my breakfast.

I take my keys, my coat and head for the store.

Jammie is opening it, when I arrive.

-You're early.

-I know.

-That's good. How are you?

-I'm fine, what about you?

-Fine too. Let's hope we'll make some sales today.

-Yes, let's hope so.

He unlocks the door and we go inside. He doesn't look as happy as usual. Maybe something is going on. Just act normal, ignore it.

-Here, we received a big delivery. There is a lot books that go in the romance section, I think you're better than me to organize the shelfs.

-I'm on it.

I take all the books that go in the romance section on a cart.

I spend a little bit of time wandering, between the sections. So many books, then I walk in an empty one. That's weird. The poetry books are suppose to be here. All the great poets from all over the world.

Maybe Jammie wants to declutter the shelves or exchange sections.

Don't pay too much mind. It's probably nothing.

There are no customers coming today.

I take my headphones out and put them on. The music is on shuffle, the first song that comes on is Daddy issues from The Neighbourhood. I move my head and smile. Why do I relate to that song so much? I walk around the sections.

-What are you doing?

I take off my headphones startled.

-I... um...

-What are you doing not sharing your music with me?

He says that with a smile. I smile back and I take my phone to the nearest speaker. It plays Be mine from Ofenbach. We dance around the store. It's strange, Jammie is a nice employer, but usually he isn't that loose. Most of the time, there is always something to do around the store. Wether it's tidying up the place, placing books on the shelves, decluttering, working at check out, advising customers, helping with the deliveries and a lot of other stuff that doesn't come to my mind right now.

After a couple of songs, we take a break from dancing and we sit down, on the floor of the thriller section.

-So, how was your vacation?

-It was great.

-Did you spend a lot of time with them?

-You remember that?

-Of course, I do, it's not everyday that someone is in a relationship with two people at the same time.

-We spent a lot of time together, we went back to their cabin.

-And you had fun?

-Yes.

-Tell me more.

-We had fun.

He lifts up his left eyebrow and I look at the books.

-No!

-What?

He is smiling.

-You did more than have fun, didn't you?

-Maybe...

I smile against my own will.

-We just spent time together.

-As if I'm going to believe you. I know you, you look happier than ever, that means something.

-We talked a lot. I opened up about Teddy.

-Him... Have you seen him, since, you know?

-Yes.

-And what happened?

-Nothing in particular, we simply talked.

Now, for the real test, is he going to believe me, am I a good liar?

-That's good.

-Yeah.

-You have to give me something.

-Something about what?

-About your stay at the cabin.

-There is nothing to talk about.

Again he lifts up his left eyebrow.

-Okay... Victor's lips are soft and Tyler has a compassionate look. They are kind and gentle. Really handsome too.

-I bet they are. This is a good thing for you. Not just on the dating level, on the social level too. You need friends and people you can trust. People you can open up to. People, beside me. Even if you know, I'm like the best friend you can have.

I roll my eyes and smile, it's lovely to have a friend to talk to.