t-shirt. “You do look really tan.”
A grin bursts across his mouth, his straight teeth so white in his golden, chiseled face. “It goes with the territory of working outside.”
“I don’t think I’d like that. Too many bugs and it’s so hot. How do you stand it?”
“I’m making decent money, and I need it for college. A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do,” he states.
I smile and finish boxing up his cookies. “Here you go.”
He reaches for his wallet. “How much do I owe you?”
I wave my hand. “Don’t worry about it. We’re about to close anyway.”
Shaw sets a twenty dollar bill down on the counter and pushes it toward me. He picks up the box of cookies. “I’ll see you soon.” He pauses, his eyes promising he will.
I hope so.
“See you.”
Clover saunters out from the back with a knowing grin on her face. We were lucky when we both were able to find employment at the same place. It makes our shifts pass by much faster.
“I guess he hasn’t been avoiding you after all.”
“Maybe not.”
“You heard him. He said he’s been busy.”
“I didn’t expect him to come out and say that the night of the party freaked him out and he’s been staying away on purpose.”
“He seemed happy to see you.”
“How do you know? You weren’t even out here.”
“I was watching the video feed on the computer.”
I shake my head. “Of course you were.”
“This is better than anything on Netflix. I can’t wait to see the next episode.”
“Shut up. It’s not an episode, you jerk. It’s my life.”
“He obviously volunteered to come here because he missed seeing you.”
“Or maybe he’s just hungry for some cookies.”
“Maybe he’s hungry for the sight of you. His eyes were eating you up.”
They were? Maybe I wasn’t imagining it.
As much as I hope Clover is right, I don’t dare to believe it. Shaw would never do anything to risk his friendship with Marshall. And to think he would be interested in me enough to chance it, is only setting myself up for disappointment.
Marshall left for his summer camp counselor gig this morning. As much as I’ll miss him, I was happy to see him go. If Shaw really wants to talk to me, I should hear from him soon. And if I don’t, then at least I’ll be sure to keep my distance. Just knowing one way or another should be an improvement over this limbo of he likes me-he likes me not.
He shows up at my work midafternoon, smiling at me when it’s his turn to order. “Hi, Maddie.”
“Hey, Shaw. Can I help you?”
“I’ve been thinking about that brownie cookie you told me about. Can I get two of those and a bottle of water, please?”
“No problem. Is it for here or to go?”
“Here.”
I hold in the smile that wants to creep out. He’s going to stay for a while. Maybe I can take my break and join him.
Reaching into the glass case, I remove two cookies and set them on a small plate before I grab a bottle of water. Setting both down in front of him, I ring his order up. “That will be six dollars and fifty cents.”
He hands me a ten. “Keep the change.” He winks and takes his stuff to a small table in the corner and sits facing my way. Our eyes connect, and the inside of my stomach buzzes with a fuzzy warmth until I can’t take it another second. I’m the first to look away.
I wait on a few more customers and step out back where Clover is restocking inventory on shelves. “Hey, can you man the front for a few minutes? I want to take my break.”
“Sure. Does it have anything to do with Shaw being here?”
“Ugh. How do you know that?”
“I see everything. You should keep that in mind.” She smirks, and I stick my tongue out at her.
“Why do you think he’s here?”
“Duh, because he wants to see you.”
“Maybe he just wanted to try the brownie cookies. I did mention them the other night.”
“It’s interesting timing that your brother left this morning and Shaw just happens to show up at your work. Now get your butt out there and talk to him before he leaves.”
“Oh shit.” I scurry back out front with Clover following. Shaw is still sitting there, but he’s glancing down at his phone. Should I still go over?
Clover answers my silent question for me by shoving between my shoulder blades. She sends me sailing a good three feet