Dustin has a decent life, all things considered. He’s an overnight manager for his hometown grocery store, knows several languages, and doesn’t have much drama to deal with. Then one summer night there’s a new delivery guy who happens to be a blast from Dustin’s past.<br><br>Zach is an old high school crush of Dustin’s who has gotten better with age. Now all Dustin can see about himself is how he still lives with his parents and couldn’t get a man like Zach in his wildest dreams. He silently laments to his co-manager Moira through American Sign Language, but she won’t let him give up just yet. Even though Dustin has trouble believing her, will this opportunity wind up as a failed delivery?

Sign Here, Please

Zach grinned back. “Cool! Let me give you my number and you can call or text me when you get out.” Dustin hastily typed the digits into his phone and confirmed them with Zach. “You got it,” he said. “I’ll keep an eye out for a message from you.” Then he resumed getting the pallets out of his truck.


Moira immediately grabbed Dustin by the arm, pulled him aside, and signed, “What?”


Dustin sighed and signed back, “No big deal, only coffee and talk.”


“Yes big deal,” Moira signed, eyes wide. “Why you not tell me?”


“Not your business.” Dustin briefly stuck his tongue out, then turned on his heel and went back to join the others. It was going to be a good night again, or so he thought.


Bernard, one of the store managers, came into the receiving area. He walked right over to Dustin. “Hey, Dustin, don’t know if you got my e-mail, but regional is sending someone for a surprise visit tomorrow.”


Dustin’s jaw dropped. “What?Weren’t they just here for an actual inspection last month?”


Chapter 6