Bittersweet

17| Sour Gummy Worms

Gage called out of work today for the first time in over a month. I asked him repeatedly if he was okay but he just kept claiming he didn't feel well. Luckily we have been slow lately so we could manage with just the four of us, but still, I couldn't help but be concerned.

A part of me thinks it might have something to do with what happened at the beach earlier. I knew I acted a little irrationally, but I couldn't help it. I took a chance, something I never really do, and for a while, I thought it was okay. But I haven't been able to talk to him about it so I'm not sure. And although I hope it's not true . . . maybe he's actually calling out because he doesn't want to talk to me. Did I mess up our friendship? Have I made a mistake?

I groaned trying to push the thought away and continued sweeping the backroom. Since we hardly had any customer, which was normal during this time of the year, I let everyone go early and decided to stay back for some last minute cleaning. If I was being honest with myself it was to help me get my mind off of a few things as well.

Once the backroom was finished I decided to tackle the front but realized the twins already did it earlier. I was running out of things to do. I even ordered supplies and washed all the dishes. The prep was finished for a few days, so that left me with . . . nothing. I had run out of things to do.

With a sigh, I admitted defeat and decided to call it a day. After I put everything away, turned off the light, and shut the door behind me, I turned to my bike and froze. My tire was completely flat.

Well, fudge muffins. I thought it looked a little odd this morning. I should have just taken my car like I originally planned but it felt so nice I couldn't pass it up. Now this is where it brought me.

I could just walk home, but it's getting dark and I don't think walking around at night was the best idea. So instead I went for the second option and called Lamar. When he didn't answer I called the twins, then called Lamar again. I guess they were all busy. I didn't want to, but my thumb hovered over dialing Gage's number. He wasn't feeling well, and maybe I could just take the bus, although I don't have any cash on me to pay.

With a sigh, I said screw it and dialed his number promising myself if he doesn't answer I will just find another--

"Hello?" he answered, his voice sounded thick.

I perked up. "Gage! Hey! I hope this isn't a bad time. And I'm sorry to call when I know you're not feeling well. Actually, I shouldn't have called at all if you are sick. This was really rude of me actually. Just . . . ignore that I called you. I'll hang up--"

"What's wrong, Shortcake?" he sounded concerned, not what I was expecting.

"Well . . . umm, you see," I ran my fingers over the handlebars, "my bike's tire is completely flat so I don't have a way home."

There was a pause before, "Is Lamar not there with you?"

"I sent everyone home early since it was slow."