My Only Exception (gxg)

Part 5

As I put some food on my plate, I noticed a couple of my other co-workers from across the room, including Sydney and Poppy.

Sydney was dressed as a devil, and Poppy was dressed as Shego from Kim Possible.

The green and black latex bodysuit clung to Poppy's curves, outlining her cinched waist, hips, and the mounds of her breasts.

I hated that I caught myself looking for a moment too long, because Poppy locked eyes with me from across the room.

I immediately averted my gaze to the food on the table, my cheeks growing warm.

I hope Poppy didn't think I was checking her out.

Layla, Erica, and a couple of Layla's friends that were her age came over to say "hello" to Diego, Laura, Carmen, and I.

Layla's friend, Jamie, started talking to Diego and I specifically.

"How long have you both been working for Layla?" Jamie asked us.

"About 2 years," Diego said to Jamie.

"About 15 months or so for me," I said.

"What brought you both to apply?" Jamie asked.

"Well, I graduated college with an education degree," Diego explained, "I worked as a 4th grade teacher for 6 months before realizing that teaching wasn't the right path for me. I'm still trying to figure out what is. I'm considering getting my master's in counseling, but I'll have to see if I really want to do that before taking out the student loans."

"I'm a therapist," Jamie said, "If you have any questions about it, I'll give you my contact information."

"Thanks!" Diego smiled brightly, "I appreciate it."

"How about you?" Jamie asked me.

I was never a fan of answering this question, nonetheless I did.

"Well, I'm a bit like Diego. I'm still trying to figure out my path. I've been to two colleges, and left both of them, and I don't want to go to another without knowing what I truly want to do. I may not even want to go back to college. I'll see," I shrugged.

"I think that's very mature of you to not jump right back into going to college," Jamie nodded, "How old you, Delilah?"

"Thank you. I'm 22."

"Oh, you have plenty of time!" Jamie said, "Even if it doesn't feel like it."

"You're right, sometimes it doesn't feel like it."

Jamie gave me a reassuring smile, "I know. But you really do have plenty of time. You'll never stop figuring yourself out, you know."

I was surprised at the reaction I was getting from Jamie. Usually if I tell middle aged adults the track I'm on, this disapprove. Hell, even my mom disapproves.

It was refreshing having someone give me approval.

Eventually, all of us that worked together seemed to gravitate toward each other. We were all the youngest at the party. Plus, some of the older adults had taken up space in the living room doing karaoke to 80's music.

As some of the older adults sang along to "Don't You Want Me" by The Human League, Laura laughed and said, "This song is actually a jam, I won't lie."

"Too bad whoever is singing it on karaoke cannot hold a note," Diego chuckled. He then nudged me gently and said, "If only you were singing, Delilah."

"You should sing!" Sydney said to me.

Sydney was standing next to Poppy, and they were standing awfully close to each other. I couldn't help but notice that they had been talking in each other's ears all night, and I could tell some of the interactions were flirtatious.