Work Life

Out the back of Love+, I see my manager Charlie 'the Chimney', showing off his namesake with his first of many cigarettes of the day. With his black dress slacks and purple dress shirt, the scrawny fifty-something is the right mix of practical and flamboyant.

"Hey Roxy." He says, a hint of his British accent that's been lingering since the 80's.

I give him a nod. "Charlie."

"How's it going?"

"Good. New roommate just moved in last night."

"Oh. Very good. What is she like?"

I shrug. "Bit of a wallflower, but guess that just means it's gonna be nice and quiet."

"Right. Let's get to business."

We open up and get ready for another day. Despite it being a weekday, there's still plenty of fellow degenerates looking for 'marital' aids. The steady pace continues throughout my shift and shows no signs of letting up when I leave.

That's where I find Sila, who's typing away on her damn laptop.

"Hey." I say.

"Oh hey Roxy."

"So how was college?"

"Fine."

"Get up to much?"

"Not really."

That's when her phone rings. She pulls it out of her pocket and steps out of the room. About a minute later, she comes rushing back into the room.

"I gotta go to my Dad's place."

"Sure. You wanna lift?"

"Uhh, yeah. Sure."

A few minutes later and we're pulling up in front of her father's cafe.

Sila pops the door open. "Thanks."

"Wait?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you need a lift back?"

"I'll be fine."

We both leave the car, causing Sila to turn to me. "Wait, what are you doing?"

"Gotta eat, right?"