Page 106 of Size King

“Awesome!” says Dustin. “Well, I got to see Megan here in action during her shift just the other day. I’ve got to say, she’s quite good at her job. I feel safe leaving my bike in your care after having dealt with Megan behind the counter.”

I am flattered, although I’m amused by how his review feels so “professional” in how he speaks.

“Thank you,” I say.

“You’re quite welcome,” he says. “You know you’re good, right?”

“Oh, I know I’m good,” I say back.

“You girls like working at Ultra-Cycle?” he asks.

“I love the work we do to be honest,” I say. “It’s fun.”

“You like working for Jacob?” he wonders.

Considering what we’ve just been talking about, I feel compelled to be honest, and yet, I decide to hold my tongue, as does Kelsey.

“It can be a bit excessive at times,” I answer vaguely. “What do you do when you’re not getting your motorcycles fixed?”

“I do a lot,” he answers vaguely. “I’ve got my fingers in a lot of pies—as the saying I goes, I think.”

“Well, what brings you by here?” I ask stupidly. “I mean, I guess you’re here to eat.”

“No, I came here for an eye appointment,” he answers humorously. “You know when the doctor will get here?”

“You might have to wait a while,” I quip. “I think they might be giving massages in the back, happy endings included.”

“Sounds great!” he says. “I can order some pancakes and eggs and really start my afternoon right!”

“They’re given by the male cooks,” I joke.

“Oh… well, in that case, I’ll hold off.” He laughs. “In the meantime, I guess I’ll go find myself a seat and watch the John Wayne movie they have playing over there. Sorry if I interrupted your meal.”

“Not at all!” I say. “It was good seeing you.”

“Listen,” he says. “If you aren’t busy, do you think maybe we could get dinner together tomorrow night? Are you doing anything tomorrow?”

“Well, I do work tomorrow,” I say.

“What about after work?” he asks with haste.

“I’m not sure if I’m free,” I fib. I’m just playing hard to get.

“Well, do you know when you might be free next?” he persists.

“No, my schedule really is sporadic,” I say. “I’m not sure. Where do you want to go?”

“I don’t care,” he says. “As long as it’s with you.”

“I still have your number,” I say with a wink.

“All right then,” he says. “Then, give me a call sometime. Call me next time you’re free. My schedule is sporadic too, but it’s flexible.”

“I can be flexible, too,” I say suggestively.

He giggles, clearly happy to hear me say that. “Noted. Call me.”

He walks away, taking a seat far from us on the other side of the café.