By some miracle I managed to get to work with just three minutes left to spare before my shift started. Frankie shot me a knowing look as I rushed past her, snatching a slice of toast from the toaster and a bag of gummies from my secret stash before heading off. She’d made sure to set her alarm, even though she started work later than I did, just so she wouldn't have to take the flack if I was late. I was more than grateful she had because I really hadn't wanted to go to the store this morning. I’d been working non-stop lately, trying to save up enough money to settle someplace else, that more often than not, I found myself ready and willing to doze off long before the afternoons rolled around. Needless to say, leaving the comfort and warmth of my bed was becoming more difficult.

Last night hadn't been as bad as I’d imagined it would be, though. We drank, danced, and laughed our way into the early hours before deciding that 2:00 a.m. was a decent time to head home. The walk back to the apartment had sobered me up somewhat, but I was left feeling more tired than usual, regretting the decision to stay out. It was as if someone was trying to convince me that my partying days were over. Maybe whoever was warning me had a point. Maybe it really was time to hang up the party shoes and try my hand at being a responsible adult for a change. It wasn't like I wouldn't be going out ever again. I’d just be toning it down a little.

The morning had been relatively quiet. I even managed to place a new stock order I hadn’t been able to do before today. I thought the sudden heavy downpour had something to do with that. I mean, who wanted to shop in this weather? While most people moaned about our lack of sunshine, I embraced it. As a teenager, I would spend many hours on the roof of my house, knees pressed tightly against my chest, head tilted high to the sky, wishing for the rain to fall. Mostly it did, and when the rain graced me with its presence, only then would I throw my arms out to the side, palms out just waiting for that familiar feeling to creep in… the one that reminded me that I was still alive and not trapped in an endless nightmare.

I felt free.

Today, though, I welcomed the rain for a much different reason. Her name was Leanne.

When she had deserted me the other day, leaving me to run the store alone, I hadn't managed to get the jobs done that I’d needed to. I couldn't leave the shop front, not unattended anyway. That meant I was behind on my duties. Lillie had left me a voicemail message asking why I hadn't done the new order yet. I hadn’t called her back. I’d hoped, by some miracle, that I would be able to get it done by the end of the day. For once luck had been on my side. Jessica, who only worked Monday mornings, had been more than happy to hold the fort for me whilst I made a start on that ever-growing list of to-dos.

Just as I finished typing out my last email, I felt a vibration in my jacket pocket. I hit send on the email before sliding my phone out from its usual resting place.

I laughed.

That was a lie, of course. He was still very much the epitome of perfection.

Frankie – Nope. Hot. Holyfreakinhot

Frankie - Shit! He totally just caught me ogling him. Kill. Me. Now.

The moment I sent it I wished I could take it back. What if she did? No. No, she wouldn't.

Frankie – Hell NO! I’d ruin him

Phew. I breathed out a sigh of relief.

Panic began to creep in. Every second she didn't reply, my heart raced faster. What could he possibly be saying to her? What would she say back? A part of me wanted to rush right over there just to see. The other part of me wanted to curl up and hide someplace safe. Just as I slipped my phone back into my pocket and switched off the computer, my phone dinged again, signalling another message.

Relief washed over me again. Feeling satisfied, I pushed my phone in my pocket and headed through to the storeroom, thankful my shift was over.