by Annie Brewer
“I’m just glad he finally saw what a loser you are.” As I’m about to make a move of some kind, Meg strolls over to me and gets in Jana’s face.
“God dammit, why do you insist on bothering Gracie? Leave her ALONE!” She yells. A teacher comes out of one of the classrooms down the hall. She looks from Meg to Jana perturbed.
“What is going on here? Why are you shouting?”
“Jana won’t stop bullying my best friend. She is constantly causing problems for her. I just want her gone, away from us.” Meg explains never taking her eyes off of Jana.
“Everyone needs to leave. School is over for the day. Go home. Now.”
“Whatever.” Jana says, as she stalks off with her posse in tow. The teacher retreats back to her classroom.
“Ugh, what a bitch. Seriously someone needs to smack a hoe.” I laugh feeling a little better.
“Thanks Meg. You always come to my rescue.” I smile at her and she slides her arm through mine.
“Let’s get you to your other rescuer. You ready?” I nod.
“Where are you going?” Mason asks, approaching us.
“I’m taking her to work. Then I’m going home to get ready for our date tonight.” She leans in to kiss him briefly. I look away, feeling my face flush.
“Okay. Good luck Gracie. Break a leg.” Mason gives me a hug.
“Thanks. Have fun tonight.” I give him a thumbs up, since I can’t wink that’s the next best thing.
“Y’all are so cute together.” I tell Meg as we’re driving to the café.
“I know.” She sighs and gives a dreamy look. “I’m glad he finally realizes it too.” She adds.
We pull in to the parking lot and nerves start taking flight in my chest. “I’m so nervous. I thought I was over it. But being here now, my chest feels tight.” I wipe my sweaty palms on my black pants.
“Don’t be nervous. You’re going to blow everyone away with your awesomeness. You’re a natural. Just listen to what Carter tells you and you’ll be fine.” She takes my hand and squeezes reassuringly. I try to smile but it’s more of a grimace.
“Don’t forget to pick me up tonight.” I tell her, unbuckling my seat belt.
“I’ll be here.” She assures me.
“Now go knock ‘em dead. Love you.” I get out of the car and thank her for the ride.
“Oh hey.” I lean in the window, “Have a great time tonight Meg. You deserve this. You both do. I love you guys.”
“Thank you Gracie. I love you too. I can’t wait to tell you about it.” We hug before she leaves.
When I walk in I’m hit by a draft of cold air. I’m glad I wore my hair back in a ponytail because more than likely I’d get warm from working. I look around; it’s not too busy…yet. I tighten my grip on the strap of my back pack that sits on my shoulder.
“You must be Gracie.” An older gentleman approaches me, holding his hand out to me. I look at his hand for a minute, assessing my next move. I look back up at him and smile before fitting my small delicate hand in his big, calloused one and shake it loosely. “
“Yes, that’s me.” He smiles and drops his hand.
“I’m John Davis. Carter told me you were just starting today. Welcome to your first day.” I look around briefly.
“Thank you. Where can I…” He gestures to a room in the back so I walk down a hall to a small room on the right that is bare and white with a vending machine and tables. I set my back pack in a cubby hole on top of a shelf along the far right wall.
“He will be back soon, if you want to wait in here for him. Or you can wait at a booth. Your call.” Then he walks away.
“Thank you.” I call out to him.
I’m left alone, feeling cold and out of place. I wrap my arms around myself, sitting down at a table and grab my book bag and start studying. After about fifteen minutes of studying for History I feel restless, closing my book. My back is to the door, I lay my head down on the table over my crossed arms wondering where Carter is. I don’t have a watch so I have no idea the time.
“How’s it going?” I jump, startled at the sound of his voice and whip around to face him. He’s leaning against the door frame with his hands in his pockets and smiling, taking my breath away-as usual. My breath hitches in my throat but I smile back at him.
“Good. I was just doing some studying while I was waiting for you.” I look away and feel my cheeks heat up.
“You ready for your first day?” He asks, chipper. I nod, get up and follow him out into my first day in the working world.
Chapter 20
Being seventeen and working is quite normal. I’ve known kids my age to get a job younger than me. Once, I begged my parents to let me work at the mall when I was fifteen but they didn’t see the point. They figured school was more important and was afraid I’d fail if I took a job. It shows how much faith they had in their daughter. But the biggest reason was the fact that you’re only a kid once and should enjoy it as much as possible before entering the real world and having to pay bills and understanding responsibility, which now I totally get. But my situation is different at this point. Being pregnant has given me a new perspective on life.
“You’ll get the hang of it. Just be patient and have fun along the way. Some of these people are regulars and like socializing. So here’s the drink station, you have all the ingredients to make coffee and lattes and frappes. Everything you need. You will learn what goes in what in no time.” I look up at Carter and smile. My first day was not bad. I shadowed Carter most of the day, watching his every move. Of course my nerves got the best of me a few times. I dropped a glass; spilled coffee all over a customer which got me cursed at and got an order wrong. I almost broke down in front of everyone, but held my emotions in until I was in the backroom. I didn’t want to embarrass Carter. He was very patient and kind-giving me words of encouragement that I can do this and it will just take time. It made my nerves a little more manageable.
“I’m sorry for breaking the mug. You can take it out of my paycheck.” He smiles warmly.
“It’s not necessary. It was your first day. I can’t expect you to be a pro. I’m assuming this is your first job...ever?” Was it that o bvious? I nod, embarrassed by my lack of experience.
“My parents wouldn’t allow me to get a job. They felt school was more important and since I’m still a kid in their eyes, they wanted me to stay a kid till I graduated.”
“True and true. Although some of us aren’t that lucky, having to grow up quicker than the rest. What made them change their minds?” I look away and watch a couple, whom look in love talking and laughing as they’re holding hands across the table. They seem so happy. I wish I had that still. I wish Nick still wanted me, if he ever wanted me. Do I even know what that’s like? Sure we were in love, weren’t we? I guess it’s hard to really be in love when you’re only seventeen.
“I threatened them with their life if they didn’t give in.” Holy crap, that just came out with no warning. I look back at Carter who is gaping at me in surprise. I can’t help it, I bust out in hysterics.
“I’m kidding. Seriously, I’m not that scary. But I can be very convincing.” This time however didn’t take too much convincing on my part.
“I’m really not that naïve, but you fooled me there.” He laughs and I soon join in. His laugh is so cute, his teeth so perfectly straight and white inside his mouth.
“Are you hungry?” He asks. I shake my head. I’m hungry but not for food. I roll my eyes at my naughty hormones raging inside of my body. Damn, I need to be careful around this guy. He brings the bad side out. I reach into my purse and grab my cell phone which has been turned off all day. After turning it on, there are no messages or texts which mean there is no Meg.
“Well, Meg will be here soon. I should wait outside for her.”
“Well with the exception of a few minor mishaps, I’d say your first day was a success. And please, don’t get discouraged. We all drop stuff and get orders wrong. Even I still do
at times. But that is how we learn, through our mistakes.”
“Thank you Carter, for everything. For being patient. I feel like a moron, not knowing what I’m doing. But having you there really helps.” We both get out of the booth, standing face to face.
“You’ll get it Gracie. I’ll guide you every step of the way.” We smile at each other and for a split second, I don’t want to leave. But I do.
I sit on the curb, waiting for Meg’s car to pull up. I frequently steal glances at Carter cleaning and closing up wondering if I should help him. I admire his muscular frame from the massive window, sneakily in case he catches me watching him. I check my phone but there’s still nothing. Where can she be? I call her, and get her voicemail. Great.
“Hey Meg it’s me. Where are you? My shift is over. Call me back please.” I hang up, resigning to the fact that she has probably forgot about me. I glance at the road in front of me. I could walk home-but it’s probably not a wise idea, since I’m a young female. I push that thought aside. The September breeze whips through my hair which has fallen out of my ponytail, making me shiver. I hug my knees wondering how the heck I’m getting home. I start to panic. I could call my mom. Just then, my phone chants loudly to Cindy Lauper’s “Girls Just Want To Have Fun”-Meg’s ringtone.
Me: “Meg, where are you?”
Meg: “I’m sorry I’m not there Gracie. I can’t make it. Something has come up.”
Me: “Where are you?”
Meg: “What? I can’t hear you. Gracie? My phone is cutting out.”
Me: “Hello? Meg? Where are you?” End of call.
Shit. So she’s not coming, just terrific. I stand up and dust off my butt.
“Is everything okay?” Carter asks from behind me.
“Oh, well it seems something has come up and Meg is not able to make it.” I frown.
“I can take you home.” He offers.
“Oh well, I just called my mom. She’s on her way.” I lie. He leans against my car for a minute.
“I can wait with you if you want.” Just say yes, my subconscious screams.
“That’s okay. She’ll be here very soon. I’ll be fine, but thank you.” He looks hesitant but then nods as he passes me to lock up the café.
After twenty minutes of me sitting, waiting for no one to come and for Carter sitting in his car, staring at me-I give up when the chill becomes too much. He gets out of his vehicle, resting one arm on the side of his truck and the other on the door.
“Come on Gracie. I’ll take you home.” This time, I don’t argue. I’m more than grateful he stayed the whole time, watching out for me. He is starting to win me over, little by little. And it’s scaring me.
When we pull up to my driveway, we both sit in silence. I want to know what he’s thinking. But more importantly, I want to know what I’m thinking. Because right now I’m so confused.
“I’m sorry you had to take me home tonight. But I really appreciate it.” He smiles, making my insides melt. He should be in a toothpaste commercial, with that gorgeous smile.
“Don’t apologize. It really was no trouble.” I unbuckle my seat belt and reach for the door handle, but he grabs my arm freezing me in place. I look at his hand then up at his face.
“Would you like to go to dinner with me this weekend?” My eyes widen in surprise by his straightforwardness. I let go of the door handle and face him.
“You mean like a date? Carter are you asking me out?” I ask, feeling my face flush.
He smirks and says, “Yes, I guess I am. It’s only one date. It could be fun.” He looks away embarrassed. I chuckle to myself.
“Do you always ask your employees out on dates?” He looks at me again and grins.
“No, just the interesting ones.” He jokes. “Oh and the ones that don’t like coffee.”
“Well, what did you have in mind?” I ask.
“I’ll let you know. I just think a night out for you would be good. You seem to have a lot going on. You should have some fun.”
“Well, I’m all for fun. So I’ll take you up on your offer.” I hop out of his truck. “I’ll see you tomorrow Carter.” I wave to him as he pulls away from the driveway and out of sight.
The next morning at school, I stroll down the hall and see Meg through the crowd standing at my locker, waiting for me. She looks guilty. Good, she ditched me. I have a right mind to pull a Ricky Ricardo on her ass, saying “Meg, you got some splaining to do” accent and all. I’ve mastered that accent over the years, watching it with my mom every week. But instead I approach her, as she moves away giving me room to open my locker.
“I’m so sorry Gracie. I didn’t mean to stand you up. We were on our date and Mason got a call from his brother. He was in some serious trouble so we had to take care of that and we were about forty minutes away when I called. Plus we were in a bad reception area and got cut off. I’m truly sorry.” She sounded genuinely upset.
“My best friend stood me. I’m so damaged.” I say dramatically. “I don’t know how I’m going to get over it.” I let out a laugh and she slaps me in the shoulder for being a smartass. “Okay, I’ll forgive you. But you’re going to have to make it up to me.”
“Anything you want. I’m really sorry.”
“You should be. I didn’t have a ride home and had to walk. I could have been kidnapped. Then you’d really feel like shit.” When I see her face, I mentally slap myself for being so mean. Sometimes my big mouth just doesn’t know when to shut up.
Insert foot in mouth…check.
“Did you really walk home? I was sure Carter wouldn’t allow that to happen, even if he doesn’t know about you being pregnant.” I give her a skeptical look.
“I see. So did you plan this so I could be the Damsel in Distress and he could be my rescuer?” I cross my arms over my chest, tapping my right foot on the tile rhythmically.
“No, it was not on purpose. I promise. But did he? Rescue you?” My foot stops tapping and I lean my head against the locker, sighing. She catches my expression and slaps my arm. “He did, didn’t he?” I smile.
“Yes, he did. He also asked me out on a date.” She starts jumping up and down, squealing like a Beiber fan.
“Oh my God. He finally asked you out. Unbelievable.”
“Asked her what?” Mason comes sauntering up to us, confused by Meg’s excitement. He nods in my direction, I smile in return.
“Carter asked her out on a date. Oh my God, we have to go shopping. Today after school.”
“I can’t. I have to work.” Her high evaporates.
“Oh, well we have to before the big night.” I close my locker with a big bang.
“Definitely.” We walk to class together.
Chapter 21
The next few days at work become easier. Carter was behind me, guiding me every step of the way. I’ve had less incidents and better luck with orders, which meant happier customers. I felt positive about my progress and that made me feel a little less stressed out.
“Take it slow. Don’t rush it. You’re more than likely to get it right that way. Most of these people are regulars and they’ll be patient with you.” Carter told me one night after a pretty decent shift. And that’s what I did.
He has taken me home a couple more times too. I think I prefer it that way. Maybe being stranded that first night wasn’t such a bad thing after all.
“You’re totally falling hard for this guy.” Meg tells me.
“We are friends. Let’s not rush anything.” I state casually. But she’s right, I am falling for him. It just can’t be anything more right now. It can’t. It would complicate everything.
“Does he know you’re pregnant yet?” Mason asks during lunch a couple days later.
“As if. She’s not crazy. Give her time to wrap him around her finger, then she’ll drop the bomb.” I gape at Meg but then turn my attention to Mason.
“No, I haven’t told him yet. I want him to like me and get to know me first. Maybe then he won’t care.” I know th
at’s absurd and stupid to believe. But I have to hold on to some kind of hope. At least a little.
The day approaches and my date with Carter is just hours away. I’m on a shopping spree with Meg. Carter let me have today off which was a relief. Normally Saturdays are busy but he got someone to cover my shift. I needed to get my focus and my head on straight. In the dressing room, I tried on several outfits and each one I was certain made me look like a blimp. Standing in front of the mirror, I sighed audibly-fairly irritable. “Maybe I should just go in my pajamas.”
“Quit it.” Meg stares at me through the reflection in the mirror.
“I don’t like any of these.” I sit down on the bench next to Meg.
“You’re not going in your pajamas.”
“Then tell me Meg, what will look good on me? Because I look like a fucking blimp in everything I tried on. Maybe I should just cancel and tell him I’m sick.” I hear her mutter to herself as she gets up and stands in front of me-looking slightly pissed off. She bends down so we’re eye level and speaks very frighteningly angry.
“Gracie, I’m seriously getting just a bit pissed off with your negative bitchy attitude. For the last fucking time, you’re going to have a God damn baby and you need to get over your insecurities and your God forsaken negative attitude about it. Yes, you got pregnant and yes it was an accident and yes it’s totally changing your life. But accept it and move the fuck on. Please. Stop letting it control every aspect of your life because this Gracie is annoying.” I’m stunned, silent, and afraid to even blink. I’ve never seen this side of Meg before and I don’t think I want to see it again. She rarely uses GD which means she’s pretty pissed and I better run for the hills. A tear slips out of my left eye and I refrain from wiping it away, but soon more start to fall.
She’s right, I’ve been such a baby and ungrateful and selfish at times. But aren’t I allowed to be? My hormones have taken over my body and my senses are out of whack. I can’t distinguish which are my own and which come from the pregnancy. I let my head fall and Meg sighs, sitting back down beside me.
