I walk out to the front counter and look around expectantly for the staff. A moment later the manager comes out of what I assume is the stock room with one other person. I double check to make sure there are no stragglers behind the second guy, but there isn't. Hm, small staff.

The manager gives me a warm smile. "You look much better. All is well?"

I nod shyly in response.

"Good to hear. Now , this will be your co-worker Leigh." He motions to the elaborately dressed guy next to him and I bow my head with a polite smile. "Leigh, this is Laolanna She'll be here most days after she's done at school and whenever we need her on weekends."

Leigh offers his hand and I accept it with feigned confidence. "A pleasure to meet you." He has a soft voice, and soft hands, but not feminine. His longer black choppy hair gives him both softness and edgy style, it's odd, but somehow attractive... I meet his eyes briefly. Dark chocolate brown and...guarded? It's unsettling, but he seems nice enough.

"Well, now that's taken care of. I myself am late. Leigh I'll let you handle the rest. Good luck you two." With a nod to each of us the manager takes off leaving Leigh and I standing in awkward silence.

We glance at each other. "Come. I'll show you around." He motions with his arm for me to follow.

He gives me a quick tour of the place explaining how things work and what the rules are. I pick up on what to do pretty fast, it's quite simple. He's a little odd, but he seems to be loosening up.

"Have you worked here long?" I ask as confidently as I can muster as I fold a shirt.

His lips curl up at the corners ever so slightly. "For a while now,yah. I dropped out of school so I could do this and focus on doing what I enjoy."

"Really? So, you're really into fashion then. I guess I could have figured that out just by looking at you." I laugh nervously."You're dressed very nicely by the way. It's different, but it's nice." I scratch the back of my head feeling embarrassed. Why did I have to say that?

He smiles, more fully this time. It's a nice change from the guarded look. Warmer. "Thank you. My brother dresses in a similar way. Perhaps you've met him. Lysander, he still goes to Sweet Amoris."

I shake my head. "Not yet, no. I've only met a handful of people. Today was my first day." I continue folding clothes trying not to think about what a day it's been. Should I wait for Nathaniel or just get it done before school in the morning? It would be better to get it first thing, but I should probably wait. I-

"Laolanna!"I blink and look up. "Are you alright? I was talking to you and you didn't even notice." He sounds kind of insulted and definitely worried.

"I'm sorry. I was thinking. I guess I zoned out. I honestly didn't hear you." I shake my head before offering an apologetic smile. "What were you saying?"

"Nothing. If you don't mind my asking I heard you had a rough day, what happened?"
He gestures to my face.

I blush remembering that I look awful. "I don't really wanna talk about it, but the short story is some girl took my money and my picture for my ID. Needless to say, she wasn't nice about it."

He looks a little sad. Maybe that's confused. Or shocked. He's a bit hard to read. "I'm sorry to hear that. I don't remember it being a violent school. I hope the rest of the semester is kinder to you." He's sad. That's definitely sad. Why does he care so much?

We spend the next couple of hours getting to know eachother through small talk, tidying the store, and helping the few customers that come in. Before I know it my first shift is at an end. We say goodbye after we close up and head our separate ways.

"See you tomorrow, I guess." I say while stifling a yawn. "It was nice meeting you." I wave.

"Good night, Laolanna. Get some rest." He inclines his head in goodbye and turns around walking away.

I smile at his retreating back. He was nice.