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

“Good advice,” Dustin signed sarcastically. “What I say? ‘I like you since forever, wanna go steady?’”


“For example.” Moira eyed Zach with a smile. “Could be nice summer fling.”


Dustin rolled his eyes. “Wish I had your optimism.”


Moira gestured for him to smile, then grabbed a pallet jack and loaded it up. Out loud, she said, “Come on, or Bernard will take that stick out of his ass and beat us with it.”


Dustin grimaced at the image. “Ew, no thanks.”


Fortunately, they had a good crew that night. Alfie was back, in addition to some of their least gossipy co-workers. There would be no slacking off that night. Dustin hoped they would be out on time, but with an inspection the next morning, it was likely they would have to stick around for an extra half hour to finish everything.


Alfie was staring at Zach while Zach closed up the back of his truck. Dustin didn’t think Alfie was gay, but his face was hard to interpret. “What’s up?” Dustin asked.


Chapter 7