Beyond Denver

Chapter 7

 I brush the negative thoughts out of my mind as I play with my phone. Mike has finally left for the day, and the relief is undeniable. Only one customer sits on the corner eating a chocolate croissant and playing with her smartphone. I keep the place clean except for some areas that need to be mopped again. I plan on doing it at the end of the shit. I'm exhausted after last night, and keeping myself awake as the hours pass slowly is hard. I've texted Meggie multiple times, but she has yet to answer. I need Danika's phone number to obtain more information about Meggie.

TJ texts me with a question about my schedule in the next two weeks, and I wonder what he is up to. As I'm about to answer his text, I spot another customer coming through the door. It's eleven a.m., and my shift finishes at noon. I have another hour before going home and sleep the rest of my afternoon and evening. I stand on my feet, heading toward the cash.

"Denver," I exclaim when I see him standing before me. He's wearing a better shirt this time but still has their hippie vibe. Totally. "So, what brings you here?"

"The obvious. You."

"Oh."

I don't know what to say about his statement. I'm taken by surprise. How am I

supposed to react to that?

"I had a great time with you last night. I want to do it again," he continues. I find myself holding my hands together and biting my lip, but I'm uncertain about going out with him.

"So, is it a yes?" Denver asks after my brief pause. I start cleaning the polished counter. He grabs a wet rag from the counter to help me. "Oh, it is spotless." He points out to the shining table.

"Right."

"Cassidy. What about only one dinner? If it doesn't work, could we move forward as friends?

I look at him, "I don't know, Denver. I'm not planning on going on a date with anyone. I don't have as many days off as I'd like to."

"Well, the schedule is right there," he points to the wall where the schedule is on the wall, "I don't want to sound a creep, but it says you work twenty hours this week."

"Yes, that's creepy. And for your information, things change at the last minute. Like Meggie, for example. She didn't show up on her shift today. Have you heard from her? She doesn't text me back."

"Meggie is fine. She is always fine. Mike told her to fuck off."

"What an asshole," I tell him. Meggie deserves a guy who will bring the world to her

feet.

"Are you going to Danika's camping trip?"

"I wasn't invited," I say honestly, removing a strand of hair from my face. I know this conversation with him won't go anywhere. I want to be clear with him about his hopes.

"Look, Mike doesn't want a serious commitment. He told her from the beginning. But yes, I

agree he is an asshole."

"Yep," I roll my eyes, "He left her behind yesterday."

"Well, Meggie was with us."

"Yeah, but still...." I tell Denver. "You know what I mean."

"So, would you give me a chance?" he begs again. At that moment, the thought of going out on a date with Denver comes to my head. How hanging out with him could be that bad? I laugh at his question, but the door opens, and a girl enters the shop. She has a confident attitude just because she looked up at Denver and me standing there.