Page 9 of Sidelined Love

One of the other girls steps forward and says, “Would it be weird to ask you for a photo?”

“No, but we should step out of line so we don't continue to disrupt Hailey.”

I pause. It didn't take a rocket scientist to realize he'd read my name from my name tag, but having him say my name surprises me, nonetheless. Having him consider how this affects my ability to do my job is shocking as well.

The newly formed group steps out of my line and I walk over to help Ben finish up another customer's order. I pour it into a to-go cup and push it in the direction where the customer is standing. I look around to see if anyone else needs something but come up empty. As I'm about to turn around to see if I can help Ben some more, Levi steps away from girls and appears in front of me once more.

“Apologies for that and thanks for my drink.”

“Why are you apologizing?” The question falls from my lips, and I wish I could take it back. Instead of looking at him, I make myself look busy by ringing up his order.

“Because I stepped away and interrupted the conversation we were having.”

That causes me to look up at him briefly. “We were barely talking.”

“I disagree. We were getting to know each other a little bit,” he teases.

“Hailey.”

The sound of my name stops any response I'm going to make. A curse word sits on the tip of my tongue, but I hold it back because I know it will not do me a bit of good.

Having Marc come out now should be considered a blessing, but who knows how long he's been watching me interact with Levi. Speaking of which, Levi's gaze lands on Marc, but his expression is unreadable.

However, the look on Marc's face is quite clear. The stern expression is directed right at me, and I know I've given him enough ammunition to berate me in front of everyone. “What are you doing, Hailey?”

“She's talking to me. I had some questions about the menu, and she cleared them up for me. I apologize for holding up the line.”

I glance at Levi out of the corner of my eye, wondering why he decided to jump in front of the firing squad. I want to question him more about what he did, but I know better than to do that right now.

The look on Marc's face softens; I know Levi's charm is working its magic. He studies the man of the hour for a moment before he says, “You look familiar.”

“Levi is on Crestwood's hockey team,” I interject softly, still not knowing what to make of Levi.

Marc's face lights up as recognition hits. “I should have known. I've seen your face on posters around campus, but never fully paid attention. Congrats on the win last night.”

Who knew Marc was a hockey fan? I surely didn't, but I also didn't try to get to know him either.

“Thanks.” Levi's attention turns to me. “I need to head out. It was great meeting you.”

Although he could have been talking to both of us with that sentence, Levi's eyes are trained on me. I refuse to give into the urge to look away even though it feels as if he is staring into the depths of my soul.

“Come back to Brewed Beginnings anytime,” Marc chimes in, breaking the stare down Levi and I are having.

Levi nods politely at Marc and then focuses back on me. “I will, and I'll bring my teammates with me.” His gaze lingers for a moment longer before he turns to leave.

“Get back to work, Hailey,” Marc says before he, too, turns and walks away.

I stand there, somewhat stunned at what has just occurred. With a slight shake of my head, I force myself to get back to work because that is what I'm here to do.

4

HAILEY

Iwatch the stream of light coming from the bright afternoon sun dance along the whiteboard at the front of the classroom, I find myself struggling to maintain focus on anything else.

The only other thing keeping me somewhat focused is the pen in my hand. I lightly tap my pen against my notebook as I listen to my professor. He's talking about green spaces and how they can have a positive impact on mental health. It is a topic I'm normally passionate about and while I'm attempting to take notes, my mind isn't fully here.

At least I'm smart enough not to take my laptop out of my bag because it would only distract me further.

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