32
Chris
Isay goodbye to Leah and Brad, flipping the sign from ‘Open’ to ‘Closed’, and pull the door shut, turning the key in the lock. I watch the rain fall out of the window, and sigh dejectedly at the fact that I have to close up alone, yet again. Vic had a day off, so Leah and Brad worked a double shift – I didn’t want to keep them overtime, so it’s up to me to roll my sleeves up and get home. Even though I have no one waiting for me there: Evan’s staying at his dad’s tonight.
I turn, deciding to get started, but a noise against the glass almost gives me a heart attack. I spin around to see his damn face at the window – beautiful, even in the rain. But still the same old dickhead.
I have no intention of letting him in, or talking to him. Letting him treat me like an idiot again. Letting him feel like he makes an ounce of difference to my life. Letting myself be flustered by him and his apparent bipolar disorder.
I gesture at him to go away, but he doesn’t move.
“Open the door,” I hear his muffled voice through the glass.
“I don’t think so.”
“I just want to talk, okay?”
“I have nothing to say to you.”
“How about I speak and you listen?”
“Don’t tell me what to do.”
“Please, Christine, it’s raining.”
“I don’t care.”
“I want to apologise for yesterday.”
“You can do it from out there.”
“Come on. Please open the door?”
I scoff and step towards him. I turn the key and let him in.
“There, was that so bad?”
I already regret opening that door.
“Say what you have to say and then piss off. I have loads to do and I want to get home.”
He closes the door behind him and slowly approaches me. I instinctively take a few steps backwards, until I feel the counter pressing against my back.
“S-so?” I stutter, feeling my confidence dwindle.
“The other night…I don’t know.”
“That’s your apology?”
“Just give me a minute, okay? It’s not easy.”
“What? Admitting you’ve been an arsehole?”
“Don’t start.”
“You started it – whatever it is.”
“Me?” he raises his voice. “You think I want to fight with you every time I see you?”
