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All it took was getting to know Chase before realizing how easy going he can be. For the past two weeks, our friendship has definitely blossomed. From the start, I knew that he was the type of person to make friends right away.

Not having to worry about there being an awkwardness between us has helped.

He seems to be stress-free, meaning that he and Kayla finally solved their complicated relationship. She doesn't stop by anymore, making work so much easier. I like that I can come in every morning and have someone to make it enjoyable.

We have a few minutes before our break. Chase helps Linda outside with some new inventory while I watch the register. The bell chimes, assuming it's them coming back I ignore it.

"Bea?" I hear, lifting my head in confusion to meet a familiar pair of brown eyes.

Standing up straight I muster up a smile. "What are you doing here Thomas?"

He's in khaki pants and a light blue button-up tucked into his pants, held up by a belt. Thomas has always dressed nice, his casual wear is hardly casual.

"I had a meeting. Came to see how you've been doing." He looks around the store.

We talk nearly every day but it's impossible to hang out with him. Unless I have an appointment, I don't really get to see him.

The clock behind me reads ten til noon. "I'm doing good." I nod.

Chase enters alone, Thomas turning slightly to let him by. Linda must have left already. I rush to help with the boxes, Thomas gripping my wrist gently.

"Bea," he warns.

I swallow, nodding. Thomas lifts them easily causing Chase to stare at us with a blank look.

"Thanks." He says, going to the back with Thomas following.

They come back, both acting awkward.

"Do you want to grab lunch?" I ask Thomas. Might as well since it's been a while.

His eyes light up. "I'd love to." He smiles. "Want to join?" He asks Chase, the two of us surprised.

He sadly says no, wanting to get some stuff done before eating. I give him a small wave and grab my phone.

We order our food and find a seat. Thomas is awfully quiet, constantly typing on his phone. He looks up briefly. "Is that Chase?"

"Yes," I answer simply.

His jaw clenches for a split second, making me feel like I imagined it.

"How was the meeting?" I decide to ask.

Finally putting his phone away, he takes a sip of his smoothie. I keep my eyes on him, wondering why he's really here.

"The meeting was great." His tone his serious.

The happy laughter of children and the busy shops around us enveloping the silence.

Thomas doesn't get upset easily, his mood changed too quickly for this to be nothing. I move the straw around in the cup waiting for him to open up.

I feel him move in his seat before clearing his throat. "I'm sorry." Before I can ask why he elaborates. "I ruined your lunch."

I grab his hand that taps on the table nervously. He does that or bounces his leg which always managed to make me feel his nerves.

"Quiet lunches are fine." I smile.

I pull my hand back, Thomas gripping it back in his. "I miss this." He says quietly, rubbing the wrist with his thumb.

A few months ago I'd feel the butterflies. My heart would do flips and my cheeks were burn bright red.

"Thomas.." I say, pulling my hand back with a frown.

His jaw clenches again, looking back to the store before turning to me. I can see what his mind is putting together.

I open my mouth but he beats me to it. "I'm sure he's in there waiting for you." He grumbles.

"We'll talk later," I promise. Making sure he understands that nothing has changed.

I get back to work my mood shifting back to good. Despite the awkward lunch with Thomas, Chase managed to make me forget about it. With his stories of when he was younger and even things that he and his friends have done.

I've realized that Jesse is the only one that I haven't really talked to. He's always wherever Chelsea is, never being more than a few inches away.

"Were Chelsea and Jesse ever a thing?" I ask, they made it clear that they aren't anything but friends now.

Chase sucks in a breath, placing his hands on the counter. "I probably shouldn't say anything." He mutters to himself. "He's always had a thing for her, they fell out for a bit when my sister came out two years ago. He was supportive but at first, I could tell it was difficult for him to comprehend."

I nod, definitely not expecting that. "The girl on her lock screen is that her-"

"Her girlfriend, Taylor. It's a long distance relationship but they're doing a pretty good job." He smiles.

I think back to when they were at the apartment. She didn't seem to be uncomfortable talking about boys. Although she never said anything about her love life. Maybe she's still not completely comfortable with talking about it.

Our shift ends shortly and we say our goodbyes to Chase. He stays for a bit to wait for Chelsea. She's a lifeguard for the kids' pool area.

I make my way to my car, seeing a bright pink sticky note on the windshield. My eyes narrow as I get closer, looking around to see if anyone here did it.

In neat writing, the words 'Don't mess with what isn't yours' are written on the note.

I crumple it up tossing it somewhere on the floor as I get in. It's either a prank or someone being childish.

Either way, I decide to ignore it and hope for it to be nothing. The only thing I can really do is nothing but ignore it. There's no name, no written threat but a bunch of silly words.

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