The Whole Package

“Yes,” she says excitedly and laughs. I tie the ribbon into her hair.

I give up on doing anything special with mine and just leave it down. I fight a yawn as we walk out the door, but I don’t care. Staying up late to talk to Shawn was worth it. I knew I had to get up early to make sure all the animals were good to go for the day, but I’d still do it all over again.

We hop in the car and I say my normal prayer that it starts. I breathe a sigh of relief when it does. Hopefully I can save up some money soon to afford us a more reliable form of transportation. Thankfully it doesn’t take us long to get to work, and Hazel plays Britney Spears on repeat the whole way. She makes me sing along with her and I do it because I’d do anything to see her smile.

“One day I’m going to go to her concert,” she tells me as we get out of the car. We walk into the store and she sing-songs as she moves her arms. “I bet it would be sooooo fun.”

“You are full of energy this morning.”

“I love Saturdays. No school and tomorrow is Sunday Funday.”

“How could I forget? What are we going to do?”

“I’m still thinking on it,” she informs me as I help her open her locker and she puts away her bag. I do the same then pull out the advertisement I made about needing a handyman. I go over to the notice board and pin it up.

“Hazel Basil, high five,” Kyle says, walking into the back room. She holds up her hand and slaps his.

“I’m going to a Britney Spears concert,” she tells him.

“Better get me a ticket, too.”

“I’ll take one, too, if you’re handing out tickets,” I tease.

I wish with all my heart I really could get her tickets. It would be so expensive, but maybe she’d like it. I’m just not sure how she’d do in a super-big crowd like that.

“I’ll see what I can do. The guy on the radio is handing them out if you’re caller ninety-six. I’m going to keep one headphone in all day to see if I can win them for us.” She beams up at Kyle.

Mason walks in and it’s lucky he can’t see Hazel’s face because she makes a face as soon as she hears him. She’s always been a good judge of character.

“You’re needed in my office,” Mason says before turning to leave. He sounds kind of pissed.

“You keep making faces like that it’s going to get stuck that way,” I whisper to Hazel. Her eyes go round in surprise.

“She’s full of it. Don’t listen to her.” Kyle nudges Hazel, who sticks her tongue out at me.

“Better get a move on. Someone is in a mood.” Kyle nods towards the door.

“Tell me about it,” I mumble then walk out.

Kyle will help Hazel settle in for the day while I’m in the office. I wonder what Mason wants so soon. I just clocked in. Maybe he wants to talk about the promotion.

I come up short when I enter his office and see Kim and Shawn. Kim has her head thrown back and is laughing at something Shawn said, and I wonder if they know each other. She’s going to corporate for her new job, so they might. Mason is standing against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest, still looking pissed. I wonder what crawled up his ass? I’m surprised he’s not kissing Shawn’s ass. Anytime someone from corporate comes around he’s all over them.

Shawn’s head turns when he sees me walk in and he stands up. “Good morning, Bailey.” Everyone turns to look at me and my face heats up. I know they can’t know that Shawn and I have been flirting. At least, that’s what I think this is. Why else would he stay on the phone with me for so long?

“Mr. Reed.” I nod. I’m not sure what to do. A handshake seems too formal, so I stand there like a dork fidgeting with my fingers in front of me.

“Can you give us the room?” Shawn says, not taking his eyes off me. I feel my face heat even more.

Kim lets out an annoyed huff as she leaves, but Mason takes a step towards me. “I need you at the front when you’re done, Bailey.” His voice is borderline rude.

“Keep your tone in check,” Shawn warns Mason.

I’m a little shocked how direct and serious Shawn sounds. His easy-going personality is nowhere to be found. Inwardly it makes me happy, and if I were Hazel I’d stick my tongue out at Mason. But I decide to keep it together.

“Sorry, Bailey.” I can tell his words are forced. I nod as he leaves the office.