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.

"Better go," he tells me and is ready to take off as the girl stares at me in disapproval. I wave Denver goodbye, "Talk later."

She heads behind the counter, "What the hell is happening here? What happened to this place?"

Scarlet.

"Sorry, it was much worse than it is now. I will mop and do a few more things before I head home this afternoon.." I tell her. She should have seen what this place looked like when I opened it in the morning.

"Who is that guy, anyway? Isn't the same guy who picked you up at your place yesterday?"

I jump with her the question, "Excuse me?" I'm without words. How does she know that information in the first place?"

"I saw him coming through my window. You can't miss someone with such a bright shirt. Didn't Sylvia tell you I'm your downstairs neighbor?"

"No. Maybe Meggie mentioned, but I'm not sure..."

"Meggie. Of course she did," she let a small laugh escape from her lips. "So, if this guy

is your boyfriend, he shouldn't be here bothering at your job."

"No. Denver is not my boyfriend." I can't believe I'm explaining myself to her. She's intimidating.

"I know you didn't have sex with him last night. Just for your information, I know anything that happens in the building. That place doesn't have walls. You know, the girl before you... couldn't get enough of her boyfriend. I couldn't sleep most nights."

"Oh, I see," I answer. I notice Scarlet is more than a supervisor and neighbor, but also a twenty-four-seven spy. I wonder how much she knows about me and TJ, what I buy at the grocery store, and how I take my laundry out.

"And I saw when you arrived in the cab. Alone. That's good. Keep playing hard to get," Scarlet

cracks a laugh. "Now, let's sit down for a bit so you can tell me what happened when Mike was here this morning. Fill me in with details. Just don't fall for him."

"It was fine. I don't fall for bosses," I tell her. I don't fall for bosses. I repeat the word in my head. Certainly not a boss like Mike. Scarlet, and she looks tired. Just like me, maybe because she is more concerned about people's business than her own life. I am exhausted and don't wish to stay here another minute to talk about Mike, Denver, or whoever she wants to speak with. I am dying to lie on my bed, watch Netflix, and eat snacks until I fall asleep. Besides, I am not interested in anyone. I feel the pressure people put on me about hooking me up with somebody before my classes start. They need to see me failing and losing control of my feelings.

"I know Mike. He is not the gentleman type," she continues. "He can be fun and caring, too. I've

seen him in that route, but a long time ago."

The rain starts falling hard outside, the wind pushing hard on the glass door. Thunderstorms and lightning. The thing I hate the most. Hale comes next as I place my hands on the ears. It is damn loud.

"Girl. It looks like you are stuck here with me."

She grabs the mop and the bucket. "Just remember. Jeff is the guy who works on the second shift. I know he's not good at his job, so you must do it for him the following day. I know that sucks, and people have quit because of him. Please tell me if you have any issues, and don't let him manipulate you. Have you met him before?"

I shake my head. "No, I haven't met him yet."

"He is your upstairs neighbor. Thank God I don't live below him. If you already walk like a T-Rex in your apartment upstairs, and you are just bones, I don't know what else to call him."

I can't believe I live by my coworkers, except Meggie.

Scarlet continues as if it isn't enough, "Jeff doesn't do anything besides watching cartoons, playing video games, and smoking pot. Have you ever seen an older man carrying grocery bags to the third floor?"

"No. I might not have paid attention to it."

"Well, that's his poor dad. How come you'd never seen him?" She is getting impatient now.

"Next time you have some free time, which I believe you do since your classes haven't started yet, go ahead and take a look at the dumpster outside in the parking lot," she laughs, "It is always loaded with bottles of Mountain Dew, bags of potato chips, and Pizza Hut carton boxes. I don't know why Sylvia keeps him here."

It isn't like I can grab a coffee, sit, and relax while I'm Scarlet. I'm relieved when she finally gets a to-do list for what's needed at the shop.

The rain doesn't cease when I glance at the clock hanging on the wall above me. I have twenty minutes left to finish my shift. From the glass window, the trees are fighting the wind, each drop of water bringing memories of Washington estate. It becomes more robust by the minute. Scarlet eventually places her notes down and starts to chat again about something unimportant. Listening to her is not the most pleasurable thing. For her now, it helps me to calm down.