Chapter 3.

Bliss.

     The days after the little get together at my place are neutral. Work goes on at a steady pace, more people come to my salon. I had Bluetooth speakers installed to play music in the background while I work, a little inspo from the dinner I ate at. I like the vibe it gives and it reduces awkward silences.

I've never been a social person except when I'm around people I know. That's why I put speakers in the salon, to reduce the silence. I'm shy and nervous around people so opening up the shop challenges me to be a little more free around people. I've met a lot of different people with different behaviors and now I do have to interact. Its definitely a learning curve.

One person I'm glad to have met is Eden. She's the owner of the convenience store next door. She always has stories to tell about people she met or her thoughts in general. I really do love her stories and theories - they make me laugh - but she keeps giving me tips on how to ask Jo out. She's met him a couple of times and is convinced that we need to date. I don't know what to say to that.

I've been trying to convince her that nothing is going to happen between Jo and I and she's staying adamant in her belief. So, maybe I had a teensy-weensy crush on Jo when I first met him but it has faded away and now I'm enjoying the beautiful friendship we have going on. I'm not going to risk it for something as fleeting as feelings. And besides, Jo isn't into me but Eden refuses to back down.

She always finds a way of sliding it into our conversations. Like right now. How on earth did we go from talking about chocolate cupcakes to Jo. There are no similarities between the two except the fact that the treat and person are both brown. Not the same shade of brown but brown nonetheless. Okay, he's also sweet but still-! I've deviated entirely from the point.

'C'mon, when are you guys gonna be together. I need some spice in my life.' HOW?

'Eden, I will throw you out of here. How does my love life or lack thereof spice up or unspice (not a real word) your life? Don't you have a store to man?' My head hurts.

'Work is for the weak.' What in the - huh? I'm in awe of her ability to not make sense.

'Besides, if you guys love up on each other, I'll get to see live action romance. It's been too long.' I'm stunned because I know she's serious. I thought Grace was worse but Eden is just off the chart. 

I roll my eyes and focus on my work because if I continue talking to her, the lady whose hair I'm braiding is gonna be here a long time. Eden has been badgering me about Jo and my client is snickering at the ordeal. Yeah lady, me too, I would've laughed but I'm the clown. I'm just lucky Grace isn't here, it would've been way worse.

Eden speaks after a while. 'I'm just going to ask this one thing and then I won't disturb you about Jo, okay?' 

Oh dear. 'Fine. What is it?'

She stands beside me. 'How do you know he doesn't like you?'

'Because he doesn't like me like that'. That's a stupid reply, even I know that.

'That's not even a proper answer. C'mon' She looks exasperated.

I don't want to talk about this. Especially not in front of a customer 'Eden, please I'm not doing this right now, Okay? Let it go'.

Maybe she sees that I'm serious but she does let it go. And I'm more than grateful, I'm relieved. We stick to playful topics after that, no more conversations about dating or Jo. But I can't stop thinking about the question - 'How do I know he doesn't like me?' - and maybe its long suppressed hope, but I kind of wish he does like me like that. Just a little bit.

................

I'm at home later at night, just watching tv when I decide to call Jo. I don't expect him to answer immediately but he does and now i don't know what to say.

'Hi Jo.' My voice sounds scratchy.

'Hey, you called me.' He sounds surprised.

'Yup, I did indeed-y.' What the heck is indeed-y?

'Is everything alright?' Its a bit strange that I called 'cause I normally don't. So I understand his concern.

I smile a little. 'I can call you without something being wrong, you know?'

'That's not what I meant? I just wanted to know if you're okay.' Ah.

'I'm doing great. I called because I wanted to check on you. So how are ya?'.

'I'm a little tired but I'm good. Nothing a little sleep won't fix. But guess what?'.

I can't guess for shit. 'You know I can't guess. Just tell me what it is.' 

'Its a book. Two books actually. I won't tell you which ones it is. I'll give them to you when I see you.' WHAT!

'Then why did you tell me to guess if you won't tell me which it is. C'mon, don't be heartless, tell me? I'm begging you.' He knows I'm impatient. How dare he? I'll get back at him.

He's laughing his ass of. Asshole. 'I don't know. I wanted you to guess what it was but you didn't so now I won't tell you which it is.' I hate him -No, I don't. But he's a- 

'You're a piece of nose booger.' He's still laughing at me.

'I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Not really.' The audacity.

'Just tell me'. I plead when he stops laughing.

He's quiet for a bit, then - 'Find out next time. Goodnight Bliss.' and he ends the call. He dared.

I send him a text - When I see you, you're dead meat. 

He replies - I love you.xoxo

I'll let it go for now because he's cute. Just for now.

Love you too. I don't like you right now though - I reply.