I had all but forgotten about our newest coworker when I woke up that evening. That wasn’t surprising, though. My memory was Swiss cheese for anything that mattered.
I did my errands and got ready for work as usual. Making sure to pack my sketchbooks and pencils tonight. Last night I had forgotten everything when I rushed out of the house. I had gotten sidetracked while working on a new project and hadn’t thought to set the alarm for my shift.
Arriving, I was slightly surprised when I was once again greeted by Arsenio and his friend with the sunglasses and awkward smile. Thankfully, I was on time. Arsenio followed me into the break room, where, as my boss, he nodded his approval at my prompt swipe of my badge at the time clock. When I turned, as my boyfriend, he bent down and offered me a quick kiss. With his hand on the lower part of my back, he motioned to his friend again, introducing him to the full crew.
“Dylan, Adam, Scout.” He gave me a look, telling me not to argue. “This is my good friend Desiderio. He’s going to be the new co-manager.”
“What does that even mean?” Dylan asked.
“Who’s in charge?” Adam risked a glance at me. I shot him a glare, and he looked away fast.
“Both. Look—that’s not important.” Arsenio put his hands out and pointed to me.
“Scout has been here longer, so until he gets caught up, just defer to her for any problems.”
Thing One and Thing Two left the break room. Before I could follow, Arsenio gently but firmly grabbed my arm. “Don’t cause trouble.”
I blinked and opened my mouth in protest. “Me?” I mocked.
He rolled his deep maroon eyes and looked me directly in my own. “Please. For me.”
My eyes dipped, and I swallowed with a nod. This wasn’t my boss talking. This was Arsenio, my boyfriend, the man I adored.
He let me go, and I went to my office to grab my vest and put my backpack down. He and my new co-manager walked toward the freshly cleaned office.
If I was going to get over the jealousy of the bigger office, I needed to focus on something else. I pulled my vest on and went out to help with concessions. It was a weekday, so it was slow, but it took my mind off things.
They didn’t come out for an hour.
“What do you think they’re doing in there?” Adam asked me. I looked up at him. He was rather uninteresting. He looked like just another vampire. He was traditionally handsome. Blonde, tall, icy eyes. Like his counterpart, he was a Bloodshed. He and Dylan chose to end their lives so they could play video games together forever.
“They’re old friends.” I shrugged.
“Yeah, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen him stay here this long. Even for you.”
“Thanks. Like I didn’t notice. Where’s Thing Two?” I demanded.
“He’s ushering. The Glass Children remake just got out. There was a ton of people in there.”
I squinted. “Well, go help him or something. You’re irritating me.”
“Aye-aye Boss. Or should I say—” he started, but I cut him off with a glare.
“Don’t you fucking dare.”
Arsenio came out from the back, looked around, spotted me, and smiled. Coming over, he gave me another quick kiss. “I’ve got to go. I’ve got a full house tonight.”
My stomach turned at his words. Arsenio’s definition of entertainment was totally different from my own. His tastes were much darker. He saw how I reacted to his words and reached for my chin frowning. I let him raise my face to his. “I hate it when you look at me like that.”
“I hate it when you do…that.” I had to look away. I couldn’t even speak of it. He rolled his eyes.
“I’m not the first, and I won’t be the last. I’m a businessman. You don’t worry about how I make my money. How about I take you out soon? Your next night off. I’ll—”
“Take me to the movies?” I smirked.
He dropped my chin and shook his head. “That smart mouth of yours.” He laughed. “I guess that’s why I adore you. Have fun, be good.” He warned before turning and leaving. I waved to him one last time before he disappeared into the night.
Seeing the lobby was empty, I put my headphones in for a while. I was working on a drawing at home, and music helped my brain work. I restocked candy while I jammed to my all-female rock playlist. No Doubt blasted in my ears as my mind drifted to the closed office doors.
