I am NOT going to lie.
I looked up names that start with 'R" the entire night. Now, I am loaded with names to fire at him the next time I see him.
I hate how invested I am in this stupid game.
I entered the locker room, mentally preparing myself for the long shift. I quickly changed to my uniform and went to the break room to grab a cup of coffee before work.
I saw Marlene, casually leaning back on the counter, sipping her coffee.
"You look sleep deprived. Let me guess, spent the night looking up names for Jack?" She teased with a smug smirk. She knew. I hate how she reads me like an open book.
"No, not at all," I said, looking away. I don't have to look at her face to tell, she is giving me the 'I don't believe you' look.
The door opened, revealing our manager, Dave, who was as restless as always. He was followed by a tall guy with curly blonde hair and brown eyes.
"Guys, meet your new colleague, Ethan." Dave gave a quick introduction. Ethan gave us a small wave.
Then Dave told me to train Ethan on cashier duties for the day, since he is new to the job.
I showed Ethan around the store first, informing him about the important places and fire exits.
We then went to the cash register. I showed him how to use it and billed the groceries for two people for him to see.
"It's your turn now, Ethan," I said, moving away from the cash register.
FINALLY! I could catch a break.
Five minutes, exactly FIVE minutes later,
"We have a huge crowd near the checkout," I heard on my earpiece.
UGH! What did he do?
"What happened?" I asked Ethan, who was visibly getting scolded by an old lady. The line had grown to the end of an aisle.
"I was trying to find the change. It took too long," Ethan replied, scratching his head. I sighed deeply. Took a moment to calm myself down before facing the chaos head-on.
I quickly picked out the change for the old lady and settled in at the counter to quickly sort out the crowd.
There are SO many people! I started to panic mentally and worked through them at maximum human speed.
"By the way, is Marlene single?" Ethan asked.
Seriously? NOW!?
I gave him a 'Don't you dare say another word' look. He raised his arms in surrender and turned away, letting out a small sorry like a hurt puppy.
I finally sorted the bills for everyone at the checkout and turned to Ethan, who was looking at me with an awe-filled look. He gave me a round of applause as I turned.
Yeah, now I feel like billing is an Olympic sport.
"So, why did the line get that long?" I questioned, crossing my arms across my chest. Ethan stopped clapping, looked at me with a look of shame.
"So, you see, uh, I have never used coins. So, uh..." he said, looking away, the tips of his ears turning red.
I felt bad for this kid. It happened to me when I started as well.
"It's okay, practice more and you will get it," I said, trying to be optimistic. Ethan nodded vigorously and went to stand behind me to watch and learn.
I was scanning and billing out a lot of customers. Trust me, Easter trauma is real for retail workers.
Someone brought a four-pack of beer cans.
"Wanna see it?" I heard a voice, which was muffled by someone yelling over their phone, standing in line.
"Yep," I said in complete autopilot, without looking up.
Then they showed me their license, I saw the date of birth, and it looked familiar, I whipped my head up, lightning speed.
It was HIM.
WAIT! I didn't see the name AGAIN!
His lips curled into a smirk. Like he knew I didn't catch it.
"Though Luck, love," He added in his teasing voice.
NO! I want a refund!
I scanned the beers for him, and he handed me a jar of peanut butter to scan.
I scanned it, put it in a bag for him, low-key sulking.
Let me try one from my inventory of names. what are the odds of him not being a 'Richmond'?
"Uh.. Ragnar," I stuttered out my guess.
He let out an amused chuckle.
He leaned closer to the counter, lowered his voice, and said,
"Maybe I should start braiding my hair and carrying axes around!" with a look of unwavering amusement.
The alarms in my head went off, I couldn't process anything. I opened my mouth to say something witty, but NO, nothing except air came out.
He smirked, knowing the effect it had on me.
life is SO unfair!
"Try again next time, love," he said, picking his bag up, giving his peanut butter jar a shake.
He almost walked out, turned back to just send me a smile before exiting. I could hear my heartbeat quickening.
"Now that was intense!" I saw Ethan looking at me like an excited puppy.
"It is NOT like that!" I argued, my face heating up.
"It is okay, darling," I saw the old lady standing next in line backing up Ethan with a teasing smile.
I swear, if one more person ships me with the peanut butter guy, I'm quitting and moving to the mountains.
I picked up her groceries with my shaky hands. scanning them, my mind still replaying his stupid smirks and his low voice.
Am I delusional or is HE flirting with ME!?
It is happening so often these days, I should start charging taxes!
At this point, I'm less worried about guessing his name and more worried about surviving the next shift without combusting.