Chapter 4
The rest of the day passed excruciatingly slowly as Yang waited anxiously for her moment to act. By the time eight o'clock rolled around, she was practically chomping at the bit to take over the till for Ruby and Nora. She wandered out of the kitchen, only to find Nora and her sister in what seemed to be an increasingly heated argument.
"All I'm saying is, I don't think we should have to kick people out! Just stop letting people in," Nora explained. Yang had never been particularly close to her, as she had just started working at the shop a few weeks ago, but she had never had any reason to be angry at her.
"What's going on?" Yang interrupted, approaching them.
"It's past eight!" Ruby exclaimed, frustrated. "We have to start telling people we're closed." Nora huffed, and went back to counting the bills in the till.
"Surely, we can wait a few minutes," Yang offered, twisting her hands together. "I mean, it's barely a few seconds passed." Ruby grumbled.
"Fine. But if we get in trouble, I'm taking both of you conspirators down with me." She stalked off to retrieve some crates from the back, so they could be unloaded. Nora shot Yang an appreciative smile.
"Thanks."
"No problem. But, uh, Nora?"
"What's up?"
"Maybe I could take over the till for awhile?" Yang asked, eyeing her feet. "I mean, I've had my hands in dishwater all day, it would be nice to have a break." Nora chuckled.
"I know what that's like. Here." She handed Yang the envelope of money that she had already counted, and went to join Ruby. Yang sighed in relief.
The bell jingled loudly, signalling the exit of another customer, leaving only one behind. She was deeply engrossed in the book she was reading, her chin propped on the palm of her hand as she read. She looked oddly adorable like that, but Yang didn't want to interrupt. No, she reminded herself. You've waited all day for this.
She strutted out from behind the counter, toward the girl.
"Hey," she said. Real clever. The girl looked up, striking amber eyes appraising Yang carefully.
"Hi."
"Just uh, wanted to remind you that we're closing soon." Yang checked her watch. "Ah, technically, we are closed, actually."
"Oh!" The girl exclaimed. "Sorry about that." She put her bookmark between the pages of her book - adorable cat are peeking over the pages, and set it on the table. "I can't help it. Sometimes I just get so caught up in the fantasy world, you know?" Truth be told, Yang didn't know.
"Of course," Yang grinned. The girl smiled back at her, and moved to get up. Yang shot a hand out to stop her.
"Uh, actually. You can stay." The girl settled back into her chair, staring at Yang, who shifted beneath her gaze. "I mean, if you want. You can, uh, leave now, or later. Maybe with me." A bright smile spread across the girl's face.
"Okay."
Yang was practically shaking when she got back to the till; her normally deft fingers could barely hold the coins over the drawer, and her brain could barely function.
"How're you doing?" Nora asked suddenly, making Yang jump.
"Oh my god," she gasped, a breath catching in her throat. "Where did you come from?"
"Uh, the back room." Nora smiled at her knowingly. "I figured I'd finish up for you, if you wanted. I know there's somewhere else you'd like to be right now." Yang's eyes widened.
"Don't worry," Nora winked. "I won't tell anyone."
"Remind me that I totally owe you one," Yang said, grinning, as she shoved the envelope back into Nora's hands, racing to the staff room to find her coat.
"Jeez, what's the rush?" Ruby asked, as she set down another box on the counter.
"I'm uh, leaving early," Yang answered, hanging up her apron. She paused. "You don't need me, do you?"
"I mean-"
"Great!"
Yang grabbed her coat, shoving her arms into the sleeves before rushing back out into the cafe. She was just pulling her scarf on when she approached the girl's table.
"Ready to go?"
