It's Complicated

Chapter Twenty-One

The first thing Adam does when we both get to work the next morning is smack the back of my head. Not hard, but still. Rude.

   "What was that for?" I cry out, reaching up to rub the back of my head. Adam scoffs and rolls his eyes.

   "Oh, come on. That did not hurt." He punches in the alarm code before he looks at me and continues. "You didn't text me last night. As your best friend, I am supposed to hear all about your dates immediately after they happen." Now it's my turn to roll my eyes. I'm also wondering if I'll get the same treatment from Dani the next time I see her, as I had neglected to text her after Isabelle dropped me off as well. I didn't realize that there were so many problems with enjoying my date first.

"Don't feel too left out, Adam. I didn't text Dani either." He gives me a startled look before pulling me into a bone crushing hug. "Uh, Adam," I wheeze, "what are you doing?" He pulls back, keeping his hands firmly on my shoulder as he keeps me at arms length.

   "I'm just gonna miss you so much. Dani's gonna kill you the next time she sees you, so this could be our final moments together." He lets his smile slip out near the end, and he starts laughing. I join in.

   "I'll be fine, A, I promise." I squirm out of his grip and make my way to the back room to set my stuff down. My phone buzzes in my pocket, making my heart rate speed up. I glance up to see if Adam is anywhere, before pulling it from my pocket to see who it's from. I can't help the smile that pulls my mouth upwards as I see Isabelle's name across my screen.

"Who's that from? Your girlfriend? Let me see!" Before I even know what's happening, Adam is snatching my phone from my hands. He fiddles with the key pad on the screen for a moment before smirking at me. "Your password is still 'Beebo' I see." I shuffle awkwardly as I watch him read my messages.

Adam looks up, smiling, before handing me my phone back. "I think you got yourself a keeper, Ab. I swear, marry this girl or I will." I laugh outright at his ridiculous statement, letting my phone be slipped back into my hands.

From: Isabelle, 8:58 AM
Hey. I know I said this last night, but I had a great time. Thank you so much for giving me a chance. You really are so amazing. But anyway, did you want to go for ice cream this afternoon?

I blush as I read the text over a few times. "I have a feeling that you're right." I tell an expectant Adam. He grins.

   "Yeah, I know. I usually am." His eyes sparkle as he laughs and pulls me into a hug. "I'm so happy for you, Abby. I love seeing you so... bright." I hug him back. Once again, I think about how I am so damn lucky to have this crazy guy in my life. When we pull apart, he ruffles my hair then leaves back out into the store to open for the day. I look over my phone screen one more time before pulling up a reply.

To: Isabelle, 9:01 AM
No problem. You're pretty amazing yourself. I can't believe you even like me after how awful I've been to you, until recently. And yes, I'd love to get ice cream. I work until one.

I'm smiling contentedly as I go back out into the main store after Adam. He looks up as I approach and holds out the AUX cord. With an excited smile, I rush behind the counter and pull my phone out. There's a reply from Isabelle already. I must not have felt it vibrate as I was walking back out to the front. Adam raises his eyebrows but stays silent. I thumb open my phone and open my music app. From there, I open my 'Work' playlist and scroll through the songs before settling on 'Shape of You' by Ed Sheeran. Not my usual music, what what can I say? His stuff is catchy.

I turn down the volume a bit as the music drifts through the shop. Adam slips out onto the floor, leaving me behind the counter. I take the opportunity to check Isabelle's text.