Chapter Eight:

I whined when my alarm started going off. Despite the fact that I fell asleep embarrassingly early, that doesn’t mean that I was ready to wake up at five in the morning. Who wakes up at this ungodly hour by choice? No one in his or her friggin’ right mind. That’s who.

I scrambled for my phone and successfully knocked it on the floor, instead. I cursed and dragged myself out of bed and felt around on the floor underneath my bed, for it. Finally, my fingers reached the torturous device and I shut off the alarm trying to murder my eardrums. I sighed and walked over to the bathroom.

I turned on the shower and stripped out of the clothes I fell asleep in, before stepping inside. I closed my eyes as hot water cascaded over my body. If I ever get rich, I’m totally investing in a never-ending water heater. I fucking love showers. They’re fucking perfection.

---

After my shower, I dried off and lathered on lotion, trying to convince myself that I wasn’t actually a zombie, despite how I feel this morning. Coffee. I need coffee. Everything is better with coffee.
I blow-dried my hair and opted to forgo most of my makeup. I normally don’t wear it to work. I’m outside all day. If anything, it would just make me break-out. I put a little moisturizer on my face and painted on a little eyeliner on the top of each eyelid and decided that was good enough.

Once I was de-odorized and my teeth were clean, I reluctantly put on clothes for work. I pulled on a clean pair of black biking shorts, a shorts bra and a pink tank top. I sighed and pulled on a pair of ankle socks. I really need to do laundry. If I don’t, I won’t have any work clothes after tomorrow. Awesome.

I started a load of laundry, before finding my shoes. I grabbed a pink pair of low-tops and sank my feet into them. I knotted the laces and gathered my work things. I threw a couple bottles of water into my bag, two energy bars, along with my wallet and phone.

I put my hair in a low bun and pulled on my hat and sunglasses. It’s supposed to be a lot warmer than it was yesterday. I stared at my windbreaker and decided against it. I pulled on a mesh, half-sleeve hoodie instead.

I glanced at the clock. It’s already a quarter till six. I better get a move on. I pulled on my gloves, grabbed my keys and retrieved my bike. I was out the door in no time. It’s gonna be a long day.

---

After chugging a cup of coffee, I was on my way to work. I didn’t pay much attention to my surroundings as I pedaled dutifully to my workplace. Once I got there, George was freaking out.

“Boss Man, what’s the haps?” I asked him. Everyone was looking at him, worriedly. I’ve never seen my coworkers look so stunned, before. This has to be a first. George looked over at me, with sad eyes.

“Because of all the hippies deciding to protest today, a bunch of the major roads have been blocked off, so no one is sending out for packages. A lot of businesses aren’t even open today.” He explained, looking defeated.

“No one has dropped anything off to be delivered?” I asked to clarify. This has never happened and I’ve been working here for a while. He shrugged.

“I have ten packages. Ten!” He yelled, clearly freaking the fuck out. I raised my hands.

“Hey, G, chill. We can still deliver the ten packages.” I told him. He nodded.

“I can’t afford all of you. So, as soon as the packages are delivered, we’re closing for the day.”

“Okay.” I told him. He handed me two packages. I looked at him, confused.

“You’re one of my faster riders. The bottom package is time sensitive. Deliver that first. The person who dropped off the second requested you, specifically.” He explained. I sighed, and looked at the addresses. I know where both of them are. He handed me the delivery papers and I was off. I’m all for an early today. Mama needs sleep.

---

The first delivery was easy. It was for a health clinic that we often service. No problems. The second delivery was to an apartment. It’s not out of the ordinary for us to deliver to a private residence, but I’d be lying if I said that I preferred them. When we deliver to a business, we know what to expect. I can’t say the same when I deliver to someone’s home.

I locked up my bike outside of the apartment building and pulled out the package and clipboard out of my bag. It didn’t take me long to find the apartment. The building isn’t huge.

I knocked on the door and waited. I’m looking forward to my nap, so much, it’s ridiculous. I stifled a yawn, as I heard the door unlock. A few seconds later the door opened and the man on the other side made my jaw drop. He smirked.

“Come on in.” He invited me. I cocked my eyebrow and stared at him.

“Why did you request me?” I asked, instead of accepting his invitation.

“I thought that was obvious.” Matt replied. I kept my poker face and crossed my arms in front of my chest, keeping a hold onto the things in my hand. His eyes raked over my sloppy appearance, before he smiled in appreciation. I feel like I’m a fucking meal. I sighed.

“Can you take this? I need your signature, so I can go.” I told him.

“Come in for a bit and I’ll sign it.” He tried to bargain with me. I shook my head.

“I’ll just tell my boss that you weren’t home.” I set the package down by his door and started to walk away.

“So, you can give Brian a chance, but not me?!” He yelled after me. I stopped, mentally kicking myself for stopping, in the first place. “Just an hour,” he offered. I gritted my teeth. “I would hate to have to complain to your boss and tell him that the package was open when I got it.” He threatened me. I huffed and turned out. I marched up to him and poked him in the chest.

“Don’t fucking threaten me, Sanders. You get twenty minutes, not a second more.” I growled. He picked up the package and stepped aside, letting me into his place. I leaned against the wall and waited for him to close the door.

“You can sit down, if you want.” He offered.

“I’d rather not – thanks.” I declined. He chuckled. “Why now?” I asked him. He shrugged.

“Brian told me that you agreed to spend time with him. I figured I had a shot.” He admitted. I should have seen this coming, but I didn’t.

“Okay.”

“That’s it? You’re just going to say, ‘Okay?’”

“Yeah, that’s what I said.” I reiterated. “What did you have in mind? You get me here and then what? I stare at you until our time is up?” I asked him. He laughed and shrugged.

“I didn’t plan that far ahead.”

“Well, you are a guy.” I sighed. He smirked.

“Can I get you a drink?” He offered. I shook my head. “Look, if you’re cool with it, can I get your number? I’ll plan something next time. We can just hang out, as friends. No pressure.” He suggested.

“Not friends, acquaintances. I told Brian the same thing.” I gave in. If I’m giving Brian a chance, it’s only fair that I give Matt one, too.

“Awesome,” Matt smiled. I handed him my phone and let him do the rest.

“This doesn’t mean that we’re going to end up together or that I’m going to fuck you.” I clarified. His smile turned to a smirk.

“A man can only hope.”

Notes

Okay, I lied. I'm sorry. Brian WILL be in the next two chapters. I swear. Hopefully that'll make up for it! I wanted to get this chapter up for Mothers' Day. The next chapter will be up Tuesday afternoon.

HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY to all the awesome moms out there!

Back by popular demand *drum roll* cookies! and other delicious things! :D
Katie