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

Dustin woke up a several hours later. He rolled over to check his phone out of habit. There were three missed messages, all from Zach. Dustin bolted up, his heart pounding like thunder. He put on his glasses so hastily he left a large smudge on one of the lenses. The first text was from around nine o’clock. Oh my god sorry! I went home to lie down for 20 mins and just woke up.


The next one was tagged an hour later. Fuck, you probably hate me. I really didn’t mean it. Still want to go out?


The final one was only half an hour old. Either your phone is dead or you’re asleep too. Meet there at 1 instead?


Dustin checked the time, heart in his throat. It was quarter of one. His fingers slipped multiple times as he typed. Shit, I did fall asleep. Be there in a few!


Chapter 8