Page 56 of Holding On

"What the hell?" I say. "That's your uniform?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"Did you get the wrong size?"

She laughs. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It's too freaking short and way too tight and it needs some extra buttons to close up the neckline. I can see your breasts and you're not even bending over."

She rolls her eyes. "You sound just like Mike."

"You should listen to him. That uniform shows too much."

"I can't do anything about the uniform. And besides, it gets me big tips."

"You shouldn't be using your body that way. To get tips." I can't believe I'm saying this. I sound like some old guy, telling her how to dress. But damn, I don't want guys staring at her while she works. Or asking her out.

I'm already jealous and I haven't even dated her for a week. What the hell? I'm not the jealous type, or at least I never used to be.

She puts her hands on her hips. "Don't start telling me what to do or how to dress. I don't put up with that shit. Never have."

"I'm not telling you what to do. Obviously you have to wear what they give you but I still think it's too revealing."

She checks her phone. "I need to go or I'll be late."

"One last kiss?"

She leans down and kisses me. "I'll call you later."

"Yeah. Bye."

Later that night, I assume she'll send me a text just to say hi or how her night is going, but she doesn't. And I don't hear from her the following morning. Maybe she needs a break from me. Maybe I shouldn't have invited her over yesterday. Maybe I should've waited a few days. Dammit. Why do I feel like I keep screwing this up?

I'm not used to this. Waiting for a girl to call or text? That's not me. I need to just relax and let this relationship go where it's gonna go. I can't force it, and I shouldn't. I don't know what we're doing here and I can't promise her anything, so honestly, I shouldn't even be getting involved with her. But I can't help myself. I really like this girl.

At seven, she finally calls. "Hey, Ethan. I've been really busy. This is the first chance I've had to call."

"Are you at work?"

"Yeah, I'm on break. So what are you up to?"

"Watching a baseball game. What time do you get off tonight?"

"Close to midnight. I'd love to stop over but it'll be too late."

"Yeah, I understand." But I'm disappointed. I wanted to see her. "So how was your day?"

"Exhausting. And now my break is over. I have to go, but I'll call you tomorrow."

"Yeah. Okay. See ya."

The girl works too hard. Makes me feel lazy, sitting here doing nothing. During the school year, I keep busy with classes and football but I still make time to party and hang out with friends. It sounds like all Becca ever does is work.

Around midnight, I'm still awake, watching a movie but thinking about Becca. I can't get her out of my thoughts.

My phone dings with a text that reads, Can I come in?

The text is from Becca. I burst from the couch, launching myself into the chair and wheeling to the door. I open it and see her standing there, looking tired but still as beautiful as ever.

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