"Will he come again today?" I asked my colleague while sipping tea in the break room.
"That is your motivation, huh? Now we know why you jump to pick up extra shifts!" Marlene replied, dipping her biscuit in her tea while scrolling through her phone.
"It's not like that, Marl!" I had to defend my honor. I can't act calm now. It will seem like I am accepting everything she said.
"Right, love!" she said, emphasizing the forbidden 'L' word.
"There! My break is over, cya later!" I said as I quickly washed my teacup and ran out to the washroom.
I checked my reflection one last time. My curly hair, messed up with all the running around, my eyes tired with bags under them, and my teeth with a bit of lettuce stuck in them. Aren't I pretty today!
I adjusted my uniform jacket and walked out onto the shop floor, mentally playing an upbeat OST like it's an anime opening.
"Someone help the lady at the self-checkout, please!" someone said over the earpiece.
So much for enjoying myself! I don't get paid enough, seriously!
"I'm on my way!" I said, faking a cheerful tone.
The day rolled by, the climate worsened, so did my energy levels, just minimal eye contact, a quick smile, 'thank you, and please don't talk to me' energy started to settle in.
Just one more hour left!
I was mentally rejoicing, and yet a part of me yearned for the highlight of my day, which hadn't happened yet.
It was 6:30 in the evening, and the automatic doors opened. So did the doors to my heart!
He walked in, clad in his leather jacket, his dark brown hair set up neatly, without a single strand out of place, he wore a white T-shirt and black jeans, which went well with his physique and tall stature.
" My change, please!" That voice brought me back to reality.
"Here you go, sorry!" I replied quickly, fumbling in the cash drawer, letting a few coins fall and roll under the table.
UGH!
I bent down to pick it up quickly, before I forgot they ever existed. I straightened up, hitting my head on the counter.
Great! What did I expect?
"OW!" I let out, straightening, rubbing my head, messing my already messed-up hair.
"You alright?" I heard a familiar deep voice.
NO! Not when I just embarrassed myself! NO!!
It was him, in his leather-clad glory, standing in front of me with a four-can pack of beer. I gave him an awkward smile.
" Can I see your ID, please?" I asked, not knowing what to say to redeem myself.
He smirked like he knew this was coming.
He quickly gave me his driving license, and I just saw his date of birth, which I know I will regret later, not seeing his name. I didn't want to be the creepy cashier!
"That will be 4.95 please," I said, giving him the best smile I could muster.
He tapped his card, and the payment went through so quickly. Gosh! I hate technology!.
I handed him the cans.
"Thank you! Have a nice day!" I said cheerfully.
"Thanks, Love!" He replied with a smile.
I know, I know he is being polite!. But it does something to a part of my soul when he calls me love and smiles at me like that. I know he probably won't even remember me, but I come to work every day just to get this five-minute dosage of him.
Life is SO unfair.
I hope one day I can say "No worries, Love!" back to him.