Chapter 19

Chapter 19

\~ALLISON\~

Standing by the window, I watched the rain pour heavily outside, holding my phone to my ear as Cara rambled on about a party she had just found out about.

"Cara, my shift hasn't ended," I interrupted her.

My eyes shifted from the window to Gabby engrossed in his phone, and Vivian resting her head on the table, half asleep.

The rainy day had slowed down business, and I anticipated that we would be closing on time today.

"I can come pick you up," Cara persisted.

I wasn't really in the mood for a party, but seeing how eager Cara was, I eventually gave in.

"Fine," I sighed. "I'll be off in 30 minutes."

I could sense her excitement on the other end of the line, and a small smile crept onto my face as I listened.

"Don't worry, I'll pack you some clothes to change into," she quickly added before ending the call.

Putting my phone back into my sweater pocket, I gazed at the rain-streaked window, wondering if my mom had arrived home safely from work.

"Hey," Klein's voice startled me from behind.

I turned to face him, feeling a mix of annoyance and frustration. How many times had I told him to stop sneaking up on me like that?

"Hey," I replied, trying to convey my desire to be left alone.

He offered a chilly smile before joining me by the window, following my gaze towards Caroline, who stood at the counter watching us before quickly looking away.

Caroline had been acting strangely ever since that night at the club, and it was starting to bother me. I was used to her constant attempts to start arguments with me, but this new distant and somber demeanor was unsettling.

"Are you alright?" Klein's voice interrupted my thoughts, drawing my focus back to him.

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?" I responded, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

"This weather is really messed up today," he remarked, peering out the window. His expression darkened briefly before returning to normal.

I stayed silent, realizing for the first time that there was more to Klein than just a shy guy who preferred solitude.

"You must really enjoy parties, Allison," he remarked, his gaze fixed on me.

"What?" I was taken aback by his sudden question.

"Parties, clubbing - you seem to be into that kind of thing," he elaborated.

Initially choosing not to respond, I finally decided that answering his questions might prevent further inquiries.

"Not really. My best friend is the one who's really into it, so I just tag along with her," I explained. "And how did you know about the party I was going to?" I couldn't help but ask, curiosity evident in my expression.

Klein nervously scratched the back of his neck before responding. "Sorry for eavesdropping, but I overheard part of your phone conversation, so..."

Uncertain how to react, I pondered whether to be upset, to tell him it was invasive to listen in on private calls, or most importantly, to inform him to refrain from approaching me outside of work.

Glancing at my wristwatch, more than 30 minutes had passed as I strained to peer through the blurry screen in an attempt to spot Cara's car, but it was futile.

My phone suddenly rang, diverting my attention.

"Where on earth are you?" I inquired, putting on a facade of casualness as I forced a friendly smile towards Klein.

"So, we've hit a snag. Jace showed up and insisted on going with us," Cara explained.

"Seriously, Cara? You know I wasn't keen on going out in the first place," I retorted, feeling irritated and frustrated.

A faint smile played at the corner of Klein's lips, but I chose to ignore it. "What am I supposed to do now?" I questioned.

"Don't worry, I asked Justin to give you a lift, and surprisingly, he was fine with it. You should expect him in about 10 minutes," Cara informed me.

I strained my eyes, attempting to discern if the approaching car's headlights belonged to Justin's vehicle.

"Why do I get this feeling like I just ditched my bestie for a guy?" Cara sarcastically remarked.

I rolled my eyes at Cara's remark before ending the call. Klein bestowed me with a genuine smile, his eyes reflecting sincerity this time.

"Girls will always be girls," he teased.

I chuckled softly, "Tell me about it."

Our attention was diverted by the sound of a car horn outside; it could be Justin, my ride.

"I think it's time for me to clock out," I informed Klein, leaving him as I headed to the back to change and grab my bag.

Not long after, I emerged to find Vivian, now fully aware of the situation, gazing at me.

"You're lucky to have a ride," she commented.

"Don't worry, I have a feeling the rain might let up soon," Gabby tried to lighten the mood. "I bet Allison's boyfriend can't wait to cuddle her tonight," he teased.

I laughed. "Gabby, you're a riot. If only he were my boyfriend," I replied, making my way to the door. "See you guys later," I added before stepping outside and closing the door behind me.

Standing on the doorstep, I eyed Justin's car parked about 10 feet away from me. I really didn't want to get caught in the rain without an umbrella.

As I prepared to brave the rain, I halted in my tracks. Justin had stepped out of his car, carrying an umbrella, and was making his way towards me.

Beneath the rainbow-colored umbrella, I grinned warmly at him.

"Nice choice of umbrella, I love the color," I teased.

Justin returned my smile but remained silent. "Let's get into the car quickly before you catch a cold," he said, concern lacing his words as we made our way back to the car.

Casting one final glance at the eatery, I sensed Klein's gaze on Justin and me.

Shaking off the uneasy feeling, I climbed into the car, welcoming the warmth it enveloped me in.

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