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“I think so? I’m really not sure.” I don’t have the brain power to consider it right now because Payton looks so cute standing there in my clothes. Her hair is still wet from the shower and the wet strands are resting on my sweatshirt perfectly.
“Are you okay?”
“Me? Oh. Oh yeah. I’m great. You look nice and refreshed.” Nice and refreshed? Really? “Ready to get some food?”
“Is that burger place open yet?” Payton licks her lips.
“You’re obsessed.” I laugh and shake my head. “Do you really love burgers that much?”
“Burgers are fine.” Her face develops a hint of blush. “This is going to sound weird, but they have the best pickles. A lot of people think all dill pickles are the same, but trust me, they aren’t.”
She’s so fucking cute. “I didn’t realize I was in the presence of a pickle connoisseur.”
Payton shrugs and her blush deepens. “I just really love pickles.”
“I love that.” I do. I want to learn all about it. I want to know what other foods are her favorites and what brings the biggest smile to her face. I just want to know it all. I’ve never felt this way with anyone before. I’m not sure if I love it or hate it. That’s a worry for later. For now, I’m taking Payton to get the best pickles ever.
***
“It’s another slow one today, girls,” Mrs. Fairfield says as soon as we walk into work.
Mr. Fairfield walks up beside her and puts an arm around his wife. “Enjoy it while it lasts. The first unseasonably warm day we get, this place is going to be crazy.”
“I know.” Mrs. Fairfield smiles at her husband in a way I suddenly wish someone would smile at me. “Not to mention the first day of spring next month. It could be frigid, and we’ll still be packed.”
“As it should be.” Mr. Fairfield smiles over at us. “Will you girls be okay if we step out for a bit?”
Payton and I nod at the same time. When they turn to walk away, Payton takes a step toward them. “Oh, Mrs. Fairfield, did Eli tell you he’s working for me on Wednesday?”
“He did. But thank you for double-checking.”
When Mr. and Mrs. Fairfield walk away, I turn toward Payton. “Wednesday?”
“That’s your game, right? I didn’t get it wrong, did I?”
“No, you’re right. I just didn’t even tell you, so I’m surprised.”
“Yeah, I made Eli figure it out for me then asked him to work that day.”
“So, you and Eli are pretty close, huh?” When Payton nods, I figure this is the perfect time to figure out what I’ve been wondering. “Are you guys dating?”
Much to my surprise, Payton bursts into laughter. It takes her a bit to gain control, but once she does, a few more giggles escape. “Sorry. The thought of dating Eli is equal parts hilarious and gross. He’s like my annoying little brother. I love him, but no, never.”
“Got it.” One step closer to the real question. “Are you dating someone else?”
Payton swallows hard, and for a few seconds, I question whether she’s even going to answer. “No. I’m not.”
“Do you have a type?” I’m afraid I might be pushing it now, but I can’t stop myself. I need to know.
“I, um…” Payton’s eyes drift toward the back of the shop. “I forgot to change into my work polo. I’ll be back.”
Shit. I definitely made her uncomfortable. I wonder if it bothered her so much because she realizes why I was asking. I might have just completely given myself away. I might as well have screamed, “I like you and I wish you were a big ol’ lesbian so I could date you.”
I guess she’s not too bothered because when she comes back out looking adorable in her work polo, she’s also carrying the stool I always sit on.
“A peace offering,” she says quietly as she places it in front of me. She stands there staring and I can tell she wants to say something, but she isn’t.
“I shouldn’t have pushed it. I’m sorry.”
