Page 7 of Sweet

Jesse rolls his eyes. “Come on. You love our goats. It’s one day.”

“I lovepettingour goats,” I correct.

“You can’t ask the pregnant girl. She’s going to pop any day now.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” I grin. “Switch shifts with me.”

Jesse sighs, but he doesn’t refuse. He never does. Best coworker ever. “Did it ever occur to you I might have plans already?”

“Not really, no. Do you?”

“Not anymore, it seems.”

“I’ll make it up to you,” I say with my sweetest smile.

“Oh, yeah? You’re going to be my hot date instead?”

I laugh mockingly. He thinks he’s so cute and funny. “No. We both have Sunday night off. We can hang out after work, with like pizza or beer or whatever at my place. I’ll buy.”

“I’m glad you said so, because I wouldn’t be surprised if you asked me to pay.” He breaks into a smile and chuckles.

“One time!” I laugh with him. “How many years of being friends and I forgot my walletonetime?”

“It also happened to be the first time we did anything outside of work. And I still don’t believe that excuse. You totally thought it was a date and expected me to pay.”

“No, I didnot.” And I laugh even harder.

Okay, maybe I had hoped somewhat. But I reallydidforget my wallet. And I might’ve had a brief crush on Jess after I first got hired, but… that ended as soon as I found out he dated the girl who I replaced at our job. I wasn’t going to be that guy pining over what never could or would be. I was a romantic—not into tragedies.

“Sunday after work, it is.” Jesse smiles one more time before going to punch out.

Before I know it, it’s my turn to clock out, too. I almost can’t wait to get home and hear from Mantis. Then I don’t have to. A notification I’m dying to see flashes across the screen of my phone while I’m still in the breakroom.

Orchid Mantis:Evening. Did today treat you well?

Sigh. Mantis always asks the kinds of questions that prove he really cares. He’s so genuine.

Purple Puppy:Actually, yeah. I got my friend to switch shifts with me tomorrow, and now we’re going to hang out on Sunday after work.

Orchid Mantis:Is this the smart best friend or the guy who doesn’t notice you?

Damn, he really does pay attention.

Purple Puppy:The best friend. Guy who doesn’t notice me… well, he doesn’t get many chances to notice me… or not notice me, I guess.

Purple Puppy:I doubt seeing him more would even change anything.

Orchid Mantis:I would notice you.

Purple Puppy:Yeah?

Orchid Mantis:Even in texts, you come across as unforgettable. An individual. I would take notice if I were in a room with you. He probably notices you, too.

Purple Puppy:Unfortunately, I am much less competent in person than I am online.

Orchid Mantis:Then talk to him online.

Purple Puppy:…

---