Friend-Zoned (Friend-Zoned 1)

The White Rabbit.

The sign is white with a whimsical feel to it. The words are written in black and it all looks very plain but artsy.

What a strange name for a club.

I’m confused.

Why would he be at a nightclub during the day?

Maybe he’s security? He’s definitely built for it.

I’m intrigued. I want to know more about him.

The week passes and I observe the man from afar. I have made mental notes. He takes three cigarette breaks a day. He is always dressed in business attire. And I never see him leave. But something about him bothers me.

I have never seen him smile.

***

Meems breaks my thoughts with, “Well?”

Uh, what?

Confusion settles over my features and I reply, “Well what?”

“Did you have a nice trip?” Mimi smirks. “You were miles away, babe”

Oops.

I cringe and say, “Sorry. What were you saying?”

She looks livid. Her blue eyes flash at me and she spits, “I said that fine ass man is out there again!”

I want to stroke her shoulder length silky sunny blonde hair but this is a no-go with Mimi. I’m very affectionate and hugged Mimi once. Once was enough to realize this is a no-go because when we parted from said hug, she looked at me like I ran over her dog.

I save all my workplace affection for Lola who is a bit younger than me and comes from an affectionate household. She gets me.

I sigh through my response. “Yeah. I saw him, Meems. He’s looking pretty good today. Lilac is a good color on him. ”

Her eyes widen and she almost yells, “That’s all you have to say?” She narrows her eyes at me. “You’ve been watching him for two weeks, Tina. Grow some balls and ask the dude out. ”

Um, No.

I don’t do relationships.

I’m twenty eight years old and have only been in one relationship. It was good in the beginning. It totally sucked at the end. Never again.

I’ve dated men since my relationship went bust, quite a few actually. But not one of those men broke through the thick wall I’ve built around myself. I call it protecting myself. It works and I’m sticking to it. It’s a bit lonely but at least I have my friends.

I lower my eyes, fold another sweater and whisper, “You know I can’t do that, hon. I think a new box of those linen shirts came in. Can you please steam and shelf them?”

Her face shows her frustration and she mutters, “Way to change the subject, boss lady. ”

I watch her walk into the stock room but my attention is pulled back to building across from mine.

On the counter next to the register are two clear cellophane wrapped bags of candy. One has Raspberry bullets in it, which are my all-time favorite; the other holds red wax lips.

I don’t have to talk to him to be nice to him. He won’t ever know who they came from.