THE ONE WHO NOTICED

THREE

The next day I woke up a little less in my own head, which was something new just Blank. I started my coffee and got in the shower - I was working day shift today, which is normally a drag since I closed the night before, so it's always a little harder for me.

By lunchtime, I realized I'd been waiting for something. No, waiting for him. I pushed the thought away because, come on, the man was definitely out of my league. I mean, I'm not atrocious or anything, just weird in my own ways. My teeth are jacked up, and I don't really know how to be social. My hair is always rough looking, I've got bad eating habits, and my family and life are basically a whole s**t show these days.

Come on, clock. I'm ready to go home and sulk, I guess. It's Friday, and of course I won't be doing anything as usual.

By 10 o'clock, I'm home on my step, looking for some sappy show to watch and drown away my lack of a life. All while, I'm constantly telling myself to quit thinking about that man who said he'd see me soon. Like, I'm not sure - maybe he was high or just f*****g with me or something

****

Monday comes quickly. I sleep until 11 and drag myself out of bed by 12. I get dressed in a beige long-sleeve thin sweater and shorts with my boots, normal messy bun and no makeup. Today's another one where all my regrets just keep bombarding me like I enjoy reliving them over and over. So by the time I'm at work, I feel embarrassed, like I'm completely naked or something. The day drags, and by 7 pm, I'm completely drained and ready to go to bed. I've been living in my own personal hell all day.

The door opens, the bell rings, and I don't look up. A monotone "hello" comes out.

And then he speaks: "Well, if it isn't Kasin. How are you tonight?"

I freeze and slowly look up. "Need some cigarettes?"

"That, and I told you I'd see you soon," he says, with this smirky smile on his face. "Gonna just leave me hanging with no answer? Kinda rude, I'd say."

"Are you always so blunt and bothersome like this? I thought you'd be a quiet customer."

"What gave you that idea? And yes, being straight to the point is definitely my way. You just like not answering me. It's okay, I'll get a conversation out of you one of these days. I just need the Red Blacks again, short."

"$7.45."

He hands me another fifty. I get him his change, and he walks out again.

I holler out, "Well, I ain't chasing you—it's a fifty again!"

"I know. Keep the change. See you tomorrow."

What in the world is wrong with this guy?!