Page 30 of Playing with Fire

My doubts about the statement "we're making everyone come for this historic moment" stem from the fact that all visitors came during my shift.

The event started with young children but as the night went on older kids arrived until my grade filled the room by nine o'clock.

Felix and Hazel were no jokes. The entire class showed up at the parlour at the same time.

The situation grew even more stressful because my coworker proved to be even worse than expected. Jaxon and I managed to keep our insults under control while dealing with families and their little kids until they left and so did my patience.

The constant arguing between us seemed endless while new kids entered continuously. After finishing at the register, I returned to process another customer's order. "Nolan..." I uttered after spotting him as the upcoming customer.

It's unexpected to see you working behind the counter Emerson. He makes a joke about my shirt.

I roll my eyes with a laugh. The turnout here is unbelievable. I started a conversation.

"He admits with a shrug that people decide to come here when they learn you two share the same location."

I smiled slightly because his observation was accurate. Looking back at the prior hour makes his words seem right.

The guys received their orders from me while the girls stood by waiting for Jaxon to take their orders. They're so desperate, I swear.

I see no issue with your behavior but believe it serves no essential purpose. You decide against placing an order to initiate dialogue with a jerk.

He's nothing special.

Shaking my head I turn my attention towards Nolan once more. "What can I get you?" I ask, making my tone extra polite. Nolan answers with "Cookie dough" while giving me a friendly smile as Tristan stands beside him.

He interrupts the line to ask her for cookie dough too. "Cup or cone?" I ask.

"Cone." they both say.

After leaving the counter I proceed to the cookie dough container. I grab a cone and extend my hand into the freezer when someone pushes me aside.

My eyes meet Jaxon who is also grabbing for the same ice cream flavour. "Excuse you." I roll my eyes before pushing him aside.

I reach out to grab something from the freezer but get pushed aside yet again.

"Jaxon," I say, standing up.

"Emerson," he responds while stretching his hand for the ice cream. I move him aside, stating that I must take care of another customer.

"Well, so do I." he counters, pushing me away.

"Nolan and Tristan are waiting." I retaliated.

"So is Nina." The name makes me frown due to Nina being a living breathing bitch. And one of Jaxon's many conquests.

"I value friends more than any woman who manipulates people," I whisper cuttingly as I insult her. He rolls his eyes, but I notice a slight upward curl of his lips. "Whatever." hesighs, backing up. My smile stretches wide as I express sarcastic gratitude to him. After placing two scoops on the cone, I walk back over to Nolan and Tristan.

I stretch across the counter to deliver his cone. "Where's mine?" Tristan asks in a whiny tone.

I glare at the giggling girls from across the parlour and tell Tristan to stop acting like a baby because I'll fetch his ice cream in a moment.

The girls' swarm around Jaxon makes me roll my eyes with annoyance. The combination of their outfits and how they talk causes me to cringe even more.

They try too hard.

Tristan checks his phone and states with confidence that Em has posted something on the school page again.

"Why?" I ask, turning to him.

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