Comfy Closets

17|| Secrets and Dates

Looking at her now, I realised I had forgotten how high up in the food chain she was. But when I was with her, that all slipped from my mind. She wasn’t the president of the student council or the most popular girl at school. No, she was just Leah, who was funny, sarcastic, charming, kind, and someone that had the odd habit of making me blush.

My admiring state was interrupted, as I caught her eye just then. She bit her lower lip almost seductively, drawing my eyes there as lust filled my vision. My eyebrows lifted at that as thoughts of how they tasted entered my mind with fervour, and I couldn’t help but let a dreamy sigh escape my lips, flashes from this morning appearing in my mind's eye. Sending a subtle wink my way, she gave me one final teasing gaze before turning back to one of her friends. I turned my attention away too, a bubbly feeling now taking over my body, only for it to pause when I saw the look Gia was sending my way.

Her intrigued gaze was looking back and forth between me and Leah, having noticed the interaction between us just seconds ago. “Okay... what was that?” When I didn’t answer right away, she started rambling her questions out like a rapid fire quiz. “Did something happen the other night? Did you guys do it? Are you guys official? Why haven’t you told me yet?!?”

“Girl, chill! I was going to tell you!”

“Going to tell me what?”

“That we’re dating!”

“WHAT!” she screamed in shock. Some people around us turned to see what was happening, only to turn back around with disinterest when they saw it was Gia. Her dramatics were well known by everyone, but I mean that in a good way. “SERIOUSLY? YOU’RE NOT JOKING? ATTA GIRL!”

I shook my head embarrassingly as I tried to sink into my chair. Sometimes, she could be too much for me to handle in public. Like now. “I’m leaving if you don’t quiet down.”

Instantly, her mouth shut so fast, I thought she’d get some sort of jaw whiplash. “Sorry,” she whispered, a childish pout now present on her lips. “But seriously, good for you Aly! I’m happy for you,” she expressed genuinely.

Smiling softly, I replied. “Thank you.”

“Have you told Ashton yet?” When I shook my head, she hummed in amusement. “You know, he’ll never figure it out by himself if you never tell him, right? That boy is so clueless sometimes,” the redhead stated as she rolled her eyes.

“I know, which is why I’ll tell him soon. Knowing him, he’ll act all big brotherly and protective. So actually, on second thought, maybe I’ll just drag it out a little longer.”

Gia chuckled at that. “Yeah, maybe that’d be best for now.”

The rest of the school day went by like normal, and I headed to the coffee shop right after. Entering the place, I was greeted once again by the familiar coffee bean smell as a wave of warmth washed over me. They definitely got the cosy vibe right.

I went to the back and changed into my uniform. Putting on my apron, I walked out to greet my co-workers. “Hey, Sal. Hey Mike. What can I help with?”

Sally, who was standing in front of the cashier, sent a greeting smile my way when she saw me. “Hey, girl. Mike needs an extra pair of hands at the coffee station.”

After that, I went about doing my job, the repetitiveness of the motions lulling my mind into a daydream. Before I knew it, three hours had passed and I only had one more hour of work left.

“Jemma?” I called for my boss' attention when the rush of customers had slowed for us to relax a bit. “Do you mind if I leave just a little earlier today?”

“Why?” she asked with mild curiosity.

I knew Jemma was a pretty relaxed boss, but I wasn’t sure if she would allow me to go because of my reason. But I didn’t really want to lie to her since she’s always been good to me. “I kind of have a... date.”

“Oh really now?” she mused, raising an eyebrow inquisitively. She studied me for a few seconds before sighing and waving a hand in a ‘whatever’ motion. “Fine. You can leave early. Go have fun and fall in love and whatever. All that jazz.”

I internally let out a ‘whoop’, smiling happily in appreciation. “Thanks, boss!”

The one hour passed quickly as I excitedly buzzed about, looking forward to this date. When I saw Leah come in through the door, I beamed happily when I met her eye and gestured that I was going to the back to change. I quickly got my stuff together and almost skipped out of the staff area with giddiness.

Walking to the front, I saw my girlfriend at the counter, talking to Jemma. I thought it was weird since we were going out to eat somewhere else, but instead, she was standing there buying a drink.

“Hi, I thought we were going out to eat?” I asked the dirty blonde as I stopped by her side.

“Oh, no, I’m not ordering a drink. I’m just talking to Jemma,” she said simply.

Jemma looked between the two of us, realisation dawning on her. “Oh! So this is the person you’re going on a date with.”

Damn, so much for keeping this on the down-low, I sarcastically thought to myself. “Yes...?” I confirmed, trailing off as I internally berated myself for mentioning that.

“You should’ve told me you were dating Leah. I would’ve let you go sooner.”

Confusion clouded my mind. “Why would you? Do you guys know each other...?”

Leah was the one who answered me. “Yeah, of course. She’s my aunt,” she stated casually.

“WAIT! I’M DATING MY BOSS' NIECE?!?”