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“Hey, how’s it going?” she asks.
I shrug. “Not bad, how bout you?”
She glares. “Bitch, you know I’m living vicariously through you since I can’t get a date with both a pulse and a checking account. How was Victor’s last night?”
Eyes bulging, I shush her and look around the room. “Don’t say his name.”
She looks around quickly, too, and whispers, “What, you don’t want anyone to know you guys are seeing each other?”
“Ari,” I say sternly. “We are not seeing each other, and I don’t want people talking about me, no.”
“Sure you’re not. He just invited you to his place for an evening of talking about the economy, then?”
I sigh heavily. “Look, don’t. Please. He specifically said he just wants to be friends. It was awkward for both of us. Please, just drop all the talk about it being more.”
My friend’s playful expression falls away. “I’m sorry, Lindy.”
“It’s fine.”
“It’s not fine. That had to hurt.”
“I’d rather be his friend than nothing.”
Ari’s fuming. “What a dick. You’re worth a hundred of those bimbo actresses he usually dates.”
“We had a great time. We watched a movie and played Jenga. Ate a ton of Chinese food.”
“Jenga?” Ari smiles. “Only you, Lindy.”
“What? Jenga’s fun.”
“I guess as long as he’s being nice to you and you’re okay with it, then it’s okay with me. You can keep hanging out with the team and get with one of the other guys.”
I laugh at that. “I’m not wanting to get with anyone.”
“That’s because you never have. You don’t know what you’re missing.”
“From what you’ve told me, I’m okay missing it.”
“Girl, no. Most men are assholes, but when you find one who isn’t…it’s magic.”
“I’m happy with my life as it is.”
“You don’t ever want a guy to hold your hand? Or kiss you? Or text just to say he can’t stop thinking about you?”
I shrug and look down. Does all that sound nice? Sure. But I’m not a woman men can’t stop thinking about. I’m pretty sure they never even start.
“Maybe someday,” I say wistfully.
The break room door opens and Bruce sticks his head inside the room. “Gonzales, have we lengthened our breaks from fifteen minutes to an hour?”
Rolling her eyes, Ari gets up. “This job sucks.”
“Want to go to that little diner after our shift and eat?”
“I can’t, I’m broke.”
“My treat. I want to do something to thank you for doing my hair and makeup.”
She waves a hand. “That’s what friends do.”
“Friends also buy each other cheese fries with extra bacon.”
“Oooh, I love those fries.”
“Great, it’s a date then.” I stand up, too.
“Your break’s not over yet,” Ari says.
“Might as well go back; I’ve got nothing else to do.”
When we get back to our concession area for this shift, Ari goes to an empty register and I take mine back from Dwayne. We fill beer order after beer order, our cash drawers nearly overflowing by the time the concert is almost over.
“Should be just the encore after this,” Ari says to me as we wipe down equipment.
There’s hardly anyone left in line, and the two cashiers that are still working are more than enough. Ari and I wanted to get a jump on cleanup before closing so we can get out of here as soon as possible tonight.
“Hey, Lindy,” Dwayne calls out, “someone’s asking for you.”
For me? That’s weird. I turn to look and there’s a tall, lanky guy, wearing a flannel shirt and jeans. He has short brown hair and is standing at the end of the counter where Dwayne pointed. I don’t recognize him, and as I walk over, I hope I’m not going to embarrass myself by not knowing someone I’m supposed to know.
The guy saves me from not knowing his name when he clears his throat and says, “Hi, I’m uh…Ryan.”
“Hi. I’m Lindy, even though my name tag says Belinda. Can I help you with something?”
Since I’m the senior cashier, the others often refer customers to me when someone asks for a manager and Bruce isn’t around. But Ryan’s not here to complain.
“I went through your line earlier, and I was just wondering if you’d maybe like to go out sometime,” he says.
I stare at him a little too long, too surprised to even respond. “I…you want to go out with me?”
He smiles. “Yeah. I mean, if you’re not seeing anyone.”
“I’m not,” I say quickly.
“Great.” He passes me a piece of paper. “So that’s my number. Give me a call if you want.”
I just look at the folded slip of paper in my hand, dumbfounded.
“She will!” Ari says from beside me. “Sorry, she’s just tired right now, but she’d love to go out with you. I’m her best friend.”
“Oh.” Ryan looks from her to me.
“Yeah,” I finally manage. “I mean, yes. I’ll call you.”
He has a nice smile. “Great. I hope to hear from you soon.”
