“How would I know that?!” my words are shrill, but I can’t help it.
“He came in when you were making my drink!” Dean’s face is stuck somewhere between a laugh and a grimace. “I thought you saw!”
I press my fingers against my cheeks. That explains why I hadn’t heard the door. When I’m standing right next to the steamer it’s impossible to hear anything.
“Don’t worry ‘bout me.” Griff mimes zipping his lips. “But if you want my opinion, I’d guess everything is chill between you and your guy. And I mean, if you feel weird about it, you could always just apologize.” He lifts a shoulder.
I find myself staring blankly at my young employee. Wishing I was surprised that he’s apparently better at relationships than I am.
“Welp,” Dean clears his throat and takes a step back, drink in hand.
“Where are you going!?” I have to stop myself from lunging over the counter and physically restraining him. Not that I could manage the feat.
“Work.” He tilts the cup at me, “Remember?”
“Yeah, but…” I glance at Griff then lower my voice, like that will keep our conversation private. “What about my… question?”
Dean shrugs as he continues to walk backwards. “I’d say listen to the kid. Seems like he’s in tune with what’s right and wrong.”
My mouth drops. “That’s it? That’s your advice?”
A smile starts to pull at his lips, “Like he said, apologize to the guy and clear the air.”
I toss my hands up, exasperated, “How? I don’t have his number!”
Griff lets out a whistle and Dean – the coward that he is – smothers a laugh as he bolts out the door, a shoutedByeover his shoulder.
I stand frozen for a long second, hoping that either Griff or myself will disappear. At this point I don’t really care which. I just want these past few minutes to never have happened.
“Really,” Griff carries on conversationally, “it’s all about consent and safe sex. Miscommunications are gonna happen, but if you talk it through, and everyone feels understood and okay, then those gray areas don’t have to be so scary.”
I press my lips together, and swallow through my embarrassment. “Thanks, Griff.”
“Anytime, Boss.”
“If I give you an extra freebie from the case, will you pretend this never happened?”
My eyes are still trained forward but I can sense him straighten. “My choice?”
I nod, “Your choice.”
“Deal!”
When he spins around to select his pastries from the display case, I slowly sag forward until my forehead is touching the counter.
Fuck this day.
Chapter15
Maddie
I’ve madeit halfway through the aisles of Walgreens when I realize I’ve made a huge mistake. Or should I sayanotherhuge mistake. Because as the day progressed my chest felt tighter and tighter with disgust at myself. Not only did I grope a man who didn’t welcome it, I also did it without having any condoms on hand.
Griff’s comment about consent and safety… yeah, that hit home. Since I struck out on both accounts.
So here I am, nearing the family planning section at my local drugstore, wondering what the fuck is wrong with me!?
Why would I comehereof all places?