Insomnia

𝟤. 𝒶𝓂𝑜𝑒𝒷𝒶

August 5, 2021 (Thursday)

I woke up at 4 am, meaning I got a wonderful three hours of sleep. I ended up doing my makeup and get ready for work even though, at that point, it was still 7 hours away from my shift. Finally, after many hours of boredom, I was now on my walk to work.

I punch in my code, immediately being met with Jayden. "Morning," I greet him.

"Good morning Nya. When you're ready, can you meet me in my office?"

Oh, shit.

"Yeah, of course," I smiled, covering up my anxious thoughts.

Jayden is a cool boss and I've never had any issues with him. He's chill, in fact, the entire store's atmosphere is chill. I haven't ever been asked to 'see him in his office.' I put my belongings into a locker, not bothered to lock it up. No one has ever stolen anything, plus there are cameras back here anyway. I take a deep breath before walking into his office where he told me to take a seat.

It's not your average office, it's cluttered with records, graffiti, and awards all over the walls. "So, this is super late notice but we have a signing tomorrow," he explained and I slumped down in the chair.

Signings are absolute nightmares, especially when it's an artist that's well known. Usually, it takes weeks in advance to prepare for. We have to set up barricades, tables and stock the store with that artist's vinyl. Tomorrow though? There's no way we could ever pull that off.

"Tomorrow?" I asked with wide eyes, running a hand through my hair.

"Yea, I know," he sighed, looking stressed as ever. "I have a few people coming in early tomorrow but I really need you to come in as well. Nya, you have worked here the longest, you know how these events go and I need you here. I'll pay you double and give you a raise," Jayden begged.

"Yeah, okay," I sighed, "What time?"

"Seven?"

"I'll be awake anyway," I muttered under my breath and I don't think he heard me.

"Thank you so much. I also put you on till today and Maverick in sorting," he smirked, knowing how Maverick and I always bicker about it.

"Thank you," I chuckled.

"Alright, get to work," he waved me off and I made my way to the cash registers. There were no customers here yet as we were just opening up and I shouted a "Good morning sunshine," to Maverick who was already sorting the vinyl.

He simply looked at me and rolled his eyes. "You working early tomorrow?" I questioned.

"No, I'll be in at eleven."

"How'd you get away with skipping set up?" I scoffed.

"Don't know," he shrugged, pushing the cart down the aisle, closer towards me. "But I can't believe Billie fuckin' Eilish is going to be here tomorrow. Shit's crazy, she's hot as fuck, maybe I'll try and hit that."

"Wait? Billie Eilish?" My eyes went wide as I processed his words. "Also don't be gross, she don't want your dick."

"I'd sign an NDA for her," he winked.

"Gross," I rolled my eyes, hearing the bells ring, meaning someone just walked into the store. "No, but for real, her music is fire," I added.

"It is," he agreed. The customer walked around the store, picking a few records before coming to the till and I ran the transaction through. The next few minutes, the store was empty, except for Jayden running around, trying to locate the equipment for tomorrow and Maverick sorting through the cart.