Touch-Me-Not

I slipped through the Library doors as someone was coming out avoiding having to pull it back open. It was early Saturday and I wasn't even supposed to be here, but sadly I was too nice to say no to the desperately urgent voice of Mr. Ross's cry for help. All the other shifts were off and two called in sick which makes me and one other person his last go-to.

I was gonna just say no too, I was pissed that I forgot to put my phone on vibrate so the piercing sound of Metro's default ringtone shook me out of my sleep. Screaming trumpets sounding like Jesus was officially coming was not something you want to happen through your deep sleep at 6 am, but trying hard to swallow the curse words I was able to utter out an "Okay" hanging up the phone in the middle of his thanks.

Mr. Ross is a fifty-year-old Jamaican man that doesn't look a day over thirty-five he owns a large Library that regularly sells books as well. This building has been in his family for over four generations recently getting many renovations in the last six years. As well as having a deal with an amazing cafe called "The Coffee Spot", where my best friend now works. The place has regular traffic.

Known as the teen hangout spot but also a go-to for students and an occasional business meeting. The familiar smell of new books and coffee greeted me. Looking around I wasn't shocked to see many people already walking about.

I yawned wiping my eyes making sure any sleep didn't get left behind. I should have ignored his phone call as the other five shifts did, I thought as I clocked in.

I won't lie, I was tired. This wasn't like any old library. Many adults, as well as teens, came here regularly. Children came after school for the occasional book reading.

"Wassup Dani ready for the day" Anthony greeted me with a smile.

Anthony was what you would probably call a work husband. Being real light on the word husband because I could never see myself dating him. With his perfect waves, he had to brush for a long time to get, complimented his mocha features. Don't get me wrong he wasn't ugly just very out there. Flirted with anything that walked by him plus he had a three-year-old daughter. A beautiful little girl he brought by a few times. Too cute to be his kid. But can we say baby mama drama? I want no parts.

I muttered out an uh-huh making him bark with laughter and turned back around to continue signing books in.

"I'll get back to you in an hour once you get your coffee."

He laughed as I rolled my eyes, silently agreeing I had no patience for anyone other than customers at this time. Everyone I worked with knew to stay far away from me at this time, and all customers loved me. One thing I was was a good worker. Which is one of the only reasons Mr. Ross ignores my attitude.

My phone vibrated in my bag. It was a text from my friend Saniyah of a coffee emoji. I smiled and jogged over to the cafe seeing her handing two lattes to a lady in a suit busy talking on the phone.

"Hey, girl! Child, you look tired you alright?"

She greeted her hazel eyes shining brightly at me. Her cheeriness made an irritation arise which I ignored and breathed out. It's not her fault I've had no sleep. She backed up towards the kitchen grabbing an already heated muffin handing it to me.

I glanced at her tight curls dyed red tied neatly in a bun in the back of her head, complimenting her bronze caramel skin. I made a mental note to ask how she does that. God knows I've tried almost every gel to slick my thick hair and never succeeded. Hense my high pineapple I rock often.

I narrowed my eyes taking it.

"What kind of greeting is that? My bags aren't that bad"

I took a sip of the familiar taste of hot hazelnut and caramel greeting me I sighed in content. One thing she knows is how to make a good cup of coffee.

She kissed her teeth raising her eyebrows at me getting a pursed reaction in reply.

"You right."

She shrugged laughing.

"I'm not saying you ugly I'm just saying you look like you could have used a few more hours."

I groaned, putting my weight on the counter letting it support me.

"Yeah, well Ross needed help so here I am" I sighed.

She nodded in understanding and greeted another customer. I waited patiently sipping my coffee looking over towards the bookstore seeing Anthony lean forward smiling greeting a customer with many books in her hands. I knew I would have to go over there soon based on how the line was growing.

I watched as Saniyah swiftly rushed through the kitchen, her and her co-worker working simultaneously weaving through each other making and pouring lattes and teas. Bagging muffins and cookies handing them to customers. Handing a Green Tea and muffin off to an older man with a younger girlfriend she smiled bidding them a farewell turning back around to me with puckered lips making me cough out a laugh.

"Is that the same one or different?"

For some reason, we attracted our occasional sugar daddy's and this one was a regular. I think his name was Mr. Wallace? Thinking back to all the expensive college books he purchased with his granddaughter who was very close to the age of his occasional concubines.

She sucked her teeth leaning overtaking a piece of my muffin.

"Child, third."

She shook her head reaching in the case.

"Cinnamon or Blueberry?"

I nodded towards Blueberry and watched as she bagged my soft moistened heaven. Some of the best muffins I tell you. This is probably one of the best reasons to know someone who works at good food places.

"I talk a lot of ish but I have to say he is one fine sugar daddy" she whispered giggling.

"Ugh I don't think so"

I cracked up with her.

"Please you need to find you one so you can get those extra hours you need." she gestured to my face.

My smile dropped as I just stared at her trying hard not to crack a smile.

"Girl what-ever" I muttered. "How's Terrence"?

I mentioned in return raising an eyebrow. Making her immediately stop laughing.

I giggled in response knowing that would be her reaction. Terrence being her boyfriend for four years claims he is scared of commitment. They've dated since being seniors in high school known as the power couple in school they were my couple goals in high school. But clearly, the image is all they had. No matter how many times I try to remind her of how young they are, she's not a fan of having a live-in boyfriend living a married life with no ring.

Since getting a full ride to college from football and her being accepted to college for the law she expected him to propose by now but he felt differently.

"He's fine, made it to championships so that's all he talks about" she rolled her eyes.

"I mean he's excited you can't blame him, that seems like a big deal" I shrugged.

Lazily taking a big bite out of my muffin, many crumbs falling in the process. I didn't know anything about football but everyone knew championships are the game you want to get to.

"I'm not mad he's excited. I'm mad that that's the only thing he's excited about. We don't even hang out as much as we used to and when we do all he ever talks about his football."

She sighed lips twitching as she handed me a napkin.

I accepted it sheepishly dusting off my plain black t-shirt.

"Yeah well he's a football star I expect as much, maybe you should talk to him about the hanging out thing. Have a time you guys have a date night or something."

"Yeah, definitely I just don't want him to think I'm not supporting him ya know? He already lowkey has it in his head that I don't completely support him playing. You know with his mother and all."

She rolled her eyes.

I scoffed, matching her disgusted look. I honestly can't stand that woman either. Known as a judgmental rich bitch from the south. Feeling like she has money she can stay in everybody's business. Especially her baby boy Terrence.

"Yeah just ignore her, you need to make sure you're in his ear more than she is. Of course, he would assume things if his mother is the only one talking about your feelings."

I looked at her pointedly.

"Yeah, you're right."

She sighed, you could tell this conversation was bring out what she felt. Oh well, this ain't no shit I haven't said before.

"I know."

I shrugged, sipping my coffee.

She smacked her lips, throwing more napkins at me.

"I'll see you later" she laughed, turning back to the counter.

I laughed holding up my muffin in thanks and stalked back to my side of work.

••••••••••••••••••••

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