Page 79 of Breathing Without You

“I have a Jacob's ladder,” I chuckle as I walk out of the room with a smirk, because most women don’t know what that is and usually have to google it.

“Well shit.” Is all I hear as I walk to the desk, yep, she must have googled it.

She comes running out of the room.

“That didn’t hurt at all? I never knew that was possible.” She giggles in shock.

“Nope, my girlfriend loves it.” I tell her as I hand over her bag of stuff she purchased before her piercing.

“Here’s your tip.” She hands me twenty dollars.

“How much do you want back in change?”

“Nope, that’s all for you. I don’t want anything. Thank you so much.” She leans on the wooden part of the desk again.

“Thank you, I appreciate the tip,” I tell her, setting it down on the counter.

“If you ever become single anytime soon. Here’s my number,” she says, writing it down on a piece of paper. I just smile. I don't bother saying anything about it.

“Have a good day,” I tell her as she starts walking towards the door.

“Thanks, you too.” She waves and right as she’s out of my view I take her number and throw it away. I don’t need that, even if I am single right now, she was too desperate.

“Man, that was rough, huh?” Carsten’s laughing as he comes out of the back hallway.

“Ya it was, she was way too desperate.” I roll my eyes, shaking my head. “She practically pouted when I told her you were married with kids.” I laugh.

He starts laughing and shaking his head. “That’s hilarious. Thank god I’m not single.” Then he pauses. “Fuck man, I wasn’t thinking.” He slaps his hand on his face.

“It’s fine. I’m not upset. What time are those girls supposed to be here?” I change the subject. I’m not trying to talk about Emerald and not be focused on my customer.

“Should be here any minute.” He looks down at his phone to look at the time, right as a car pulls up and two blonde girls get out of the car. I turn to him and roll my eyes. This should be interesting.

About an hour and a half later I’m getting back into my truck to head to Lisa’s Diner, so I text Axton to let him know we’re headed there.

Creedence

Hey man headed to Lisa’s Diner now you still down?

Axton

Yep I’ll leave here now, see you soon.

Creedence

See you man.

“Axton is joining us for lunch, is that cool?” I should probably check with Carsten thinking it's probably too late to be asking that question, but I know he won’t care.

“Ya, of course I’ll see you in a few.” He gets into his car.

“See you,” I tell him as I shut my truck door.

I pull into the parking lot of Lisa’s Diner, shutting off my truck and getting out.

“Fuck dude.” I say to myself as I see Emerald’s car here. I thought she was off today; I wonder why she’s here.

Carsten pulls up next to me and I look at him shaking my head.

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