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“Phone.” She extends her hand, chewing her gum loudly.
I hesitate for a second before placing my phone in her hand.
She rolls her eyes, handing it back. “Unlock.”
I type in my code before passing it to her again. She opens the map app and types something in as I study her. She’s not much younger than me. Eighteen, maybe seventeen? Was I this annoying three years ago?
“Here.” She gives me my phone back.
Idefinitelyspoke in more than just one-word sentences.
“Thank you,” I murmur, looking down at the screen and finding directions toThe Tech Shop. I swear to god, if she’s expecting me to go out and buy a printer, I’m going to lose it.
The girl shrugs and walks back to her seat, resuming her previous blank stare into the black computer screen and loud gum-chewing position. Clearly, I’ve been dismissed.
I grab my bag and head outside. Might as well go now.
The day is much clearer today, the heavy fog from yesterday is all but a memory as I walk through the streets taking in the grey buildings that surround me.
The town of Blackwood is set on a slope, a jagged rocky coastline on one side and a thick pine forest on the other. I didn’t pay it much attention yesterday, but since the fog has cleared, I can actually take in the view, and it’s mesmerising.
Heavy dark clouds are floating above the town, casting shadows on the dark rooftops and streets, giving the whole place a mysterious vibe. It’s breathtaking and gloomy at the same time. An odd combination, yet one perfectly fitting. I get the feeling the place has the same dark vibe whether or not the sun is out.
Within fifteen minutes of walking downhill, my calves are burning and the prospect of trudging it back up to the hotel is not one I’m looking forward to, but I have arrived at my destination. And thankfully, The Tech Shop looks more like a cyber cafe than an actual tech shop where one would go to purchase a printer.
I sigh, pulling out my red lipstick. If you don’t ask - you don’t get. Might as well have a little help when asking.
The doorbell jingles as I walk through the door, taking in rows of computers on one side and a repair desk on the other. It’s dark inside since the large storefront window to the outside world is tinted, not allowing for much of the daylight to come through, but it’s easy to spot the large heavy-duty printer in the corner, anyway.Bingo!
“Hello?” I call out to no one in particular. The place is empty. Maybe they need a receptionist, too? My eyes land on the prices. Holy shit, since when do they charge twenty bucks for an hour of internet? And is that two dollars to print a page? No way I can afford all of that.
There’s a heavy sigh, then one of the chairs in the back corner moves, and I’m greeted by the sight of an annoyed teenager—a game controller in his hand and headphones around his neck as he reluctantly stands up.
“Yeah?”
What is it with kids in this town and one-word sentences?
“Hi.” I smile sweetly at him, biting my lip.
He clears his throat and sets the controller down.I love this part.
“Wow, this place is amazing!” I twirl a strand of hair around my finger, taking a step towards him. “You must be the manager. I love what you’ve done here. It’s modern but alsoprivate.” I whisper the last word, taking another step forward.
The guy blushes, his whole face going red. “I mean my dad owns the place. I just work here. But, yeah. Kinda manage it, too.”
“Wooow!” I slowly spin around, making sure he gets a good look at my butt before meeting his eyes again. Well,meetingis subjective. They’re currently focused on my chest. “I can’t believe you basically own the place! So impressive.”
“It’s nothing really,” he shrugs his shoulder, getting a bit more cocky.
“You must be so good with computers.” My eyes land on the repair counter. “You repair them too?” I say in awe.
“I can fix a few things.” He puffs out his chest.
“Wow.” I look at him with starry eyes. “I’ve never been good with computers,” I pout. Absolute bullshit. “Never had anyone to show me stuff.” My eyes cast down as I play with the hem of my t-shirt, lifting it just an inch to expose a little bit of my stomach. I should have worn a dress. Playing coy to get my way would have been much easier if my legs were on display.
“I can show you some stuff.” He comes closer. His eyes focused on where my t-shirt meets my jeans.
“Really?” I gasp, clapping my hands. “Oh my god, that would be amazing! I’m Alessa.”
