“Hey Aspen, how are you?” He asks.
“I’m great, actually. Boss, I was wondering if I could take a couple days off,” I ask him with confidence.
“Sure bud, when were you thinking for?” He asks.
A wave of shyness hits me, and I realize my chances just shrank to zero. "Ummm, tomorrow and the day after?" I say, my voice trailing off.
“Oh no. I’m sorry man, I can’t do that,” he says. “Didn’t you hear about Derek? He won’t be in for days. I need you now while he’s gone so I can count on things running smoothly while I’m in the kitchen,” He says.
Fuck. “I forgot about that,” I admit.
“I’m sorry man. But hey, when he’s back I can surely give you that time off,” he says.
“Sure,” I say slightly disappointed. “Thanks boss.” Then I leave his office.
So much for my perfect day that couldn’t be ruined, that was a short-lived fairytale. Guess I’m the prince who can’t take a day off.
I walk out, shoulders slumped, feeling incredibly disappointed. What am I supposed to do now? I’ve already invited Genevieve. I can’t just uninvite her. That’s rude. Plus, I don’t want to. The only thing I can think of is having her snowboard alongside me while I teach my classes. It’s the only way we can spend time together.
I just hope she’s up for it.
I walk over to the bathroom and out of anger pull out my last vial of coke I have and keep in case of an emergency, like this one. An emergency where something so bad is happening I can’t bear it.
its own. I just want to feel nothing for a second. I hold the miniature glass up to my nostril and go to breathe in, but then stop myself. I imagine Genevieve staring at me at this very moment. She wouldn’t like this. No way she would approve. So I slip the vial back in my coat pocket and just hope I never have to touch it again.
I’m stronger than this.
***
I have one hour of work left, and I still feel terrible about not being able to take time off. I just hope Genevieve will understand. But then, I remind myself that there's only an hour left and after that, she’ll be so close! The thought lifts my spirits and a smile starts to creep across my face.
I’m done with classes for the day, so now I’m just waiting for the clock to run out. Hiding in the bathroom for a few minutes, I pull out my phone to check for messages. It’s been four hours since I last looked, and sure enough there are a few or I mean many text messages from Genevieve.
Genevieve: Hey! It’s Genevieve. You probably know that though. LOL!
Genevieve: I mean, not that I assumed you saved my number or anything.
Genevieve: I just texted to let you know I left my place! I’m on my way!
3 hours later…
Genevieve: Hey! I crossed into Colorado!
Genevieve: I’m pretty sure you’re working, but I’m still okay to come right? I just haven’t heard a response. LOL!
Genevieve: No rush though! I’m only three hours away.
Genevieve: Sorry for all the messages by the way!
1 hour later…
Genevieve: I’m two hours away!
Holy shit! She’s two hours away! That means she’ll be here just about an hour after I clock out.
Holy shit balls. I can't wait to see her. I should probably say something cool, or normal. Do I even remember how to be normal? She’s gonna step out of that G-Wagon and I’m gonna forget how to use my legs.
I stare at my phone screen and smile at all the silly messages she’s sent. It’s so cute how ruffled up she gets. It seems like she’s embarrassed, but there’s no reason for her to be. It’s just me. I hope she doesn’t act all shy around me now that it’s just us two.
