Randall: If you’re free, that is.
Because that doesn’t sound completely pathetic. There needs to be a way to recall messages before they travel through whatever path they take to the other person’s phone. Someone needs to invent that as soon as possible. It’d save drunk texters everywhere.
Cringing at the last text, I set the phone in my work locker. It’s a beautiful Spring day, and I have a feeling we’re going to be insanely busy. Hopefully there will be a text waiting for me when I take my break. Until then, I have a job to do.
* * *
Work definitely hasn’t let me down today. There’s been a constant stream of customers, most of them wanting to get new plants for their flowerbeds. If I never see a potted plant again, I’d be completely okay with it. My pants have dirt and water stains trailing down them. Silently, I curse my fellow employees for choosing our busiest time of day to water everything. If these stains don’t come out, I’ll have to buy a couple pairs of new pants.
The break room is blessedly quiet when I walk in. The few people I share lunchtime with must have gone out to grab a bite to eat. That’s a good thing, though. It’s likely they’d witness me one of two ways, completely deflated or jumping for joy. I’d rather not have anyone see that. Not only would it be embarrassing, I also know they’d tell everyone within minutes.
The pull toward my locker is strong, and I’m terrified to open it. If my lunch wasn’t in there, I’d delay opening it as long as possible. The fear of rejection is something I will most likely always deal with. My mom’s rejection hit me hard and stays with me to this day. Then it was Tonya. I had a schoolboy crush on her, and I don’t think she ever knew. If she did, she hid it well. The day she decided to date Jake, I was crushed. It hasn’t escaped my notice that I’m interested in her cousin. It has nothing to do with Tonya, though Amelia’s soul speaks to mine, and I feel the need to get to know her better.
Opening the small door, I reach past my phone to grab my lunch box. My fingers twitch to pick it up, but I pull the lunch bag out and close the door instead. The phone can wait until after I eat.
The break room table is old, and the corners are ragged from years of use. A jagged piece scratches my arm as I lean forward, taking my plain ham sandwich out of the insulated bag. One day I’ll be able to afford more than simple sandwiches. Maybe even something that will fill me up instead of leaving me wanting more. Any extra money I have, I’m putting toward taking Amelia out to dinner.
There’s a phone vibrating in one of the lockers, scaring me until I’m choking down the bite I just took. Could it be mine? Possibly. A part of me wants to jump up to see while the other wants to ignore it completely.
When it vibrates again, I set my sandwich down on a napkin. The chair screeches as I scoot away from the table. The phone is lit up as soon as I open the door and my heart tries to leap out of my chest. This is the do or die moment. The one that will have me screaming in victory or shoving my phone back into the locker.
Taking a deep breath, I swipe until the lock screen disappears.
Amelia: Sorry, I was already in bed and forgot to text back when I saw it.
Amelia: I’m free tonight, though. Just tell me where and what time to meet you.
A cry of victory echoes around the break room. It’s a good thing nobody else is here. That would be embarrassing. If I wasn’t terrified of someone walking in unexpectedly, I’d be dancing.
My fingers itch to text her back. I need to figure out where I'm going to take her, first. Fast food isn’t an option, but I also can’t afford something fancy. That doesn’t leave many options.
Randall: Awesome. What are you in the mood for?
There. I’ve left the decision up to her. Even though cost is a factor, it’ll be nice to spend time with someone who piques my interest. And who isn’t in a relationship. Being the third wheel sucks.
Amelia: I don’t know. I haven’t been to very many restaurants around here. Is there a place that has good barbecue?
That’s totally doable, and I know just the spot to take her. It’s a local place and the food is absolutely delicious.
Randall: Barbecue it is. Are you sure you don’t want me to pick you up? It’s not a problem.
Amelia: Yes! It’s been forever since I’ve had any. And I’m sure. That would be too date-like… and we’re just friends. Remember?
Randall: Yeah, yeah. Just friends.
Amelia: Send me the name and I’ll see you there around seven?
Randall: Sounds good. I’ll text you when I get off work. My break is almost over.
Amelia: Have a great rest of the day, future bestie.
Closing out of my messages, I can’t stop the huge smile that takes over my face. Tony walks in as I turn to put my phone back in my locker. “Your day must have gotten better.”
“Yeah, it did.”
“You sound happy,” he grins. “Those days seem to be few and far between. To what do we owe this good mood?”
“I, uh, have a date.” My cheeks warm.