Phil Lester

I rub my tired eyes and give another old woman her order of black coffee and a gluten free muffin. She gives me a crooked smile, baring all her teeth and I return it half heartedly.

"Hey buddy, you okay?" Paul slaps his hand on my shoulder and I turn around to face him. He has a bright smile on his face and his dimples remind me of Dan's. I shake the thought out and smile back at him, nodding my head.

"Yeah, couldn't really sleep last night," I mumble and he gives me a sympathetic smile.

"I haven't really thought about it," Dan's voice replays in my head and I push him to the back of my mind, taking another order from a girl. She has short brown hair resting in a fringe going across her forehead and I think the universe is playing a joke on me because even if I try my hardest I can't seem to avoid thinking about Dan.

My phone goes off, and I wait for the rush to subside before I open my phone and look at the notification. A text from no one else, but Dan.

From Dan: I am free anytime, when are you?

Me: I have my shift right now, it'll be over in half an hour. Maybe we could go after that?

From Dan: Where do you work?

Me: Coffee Beans, across from the 5th street Starbucks

From Dan: ok be there in ten?

Me: yeah ok see you

I sigh loudly and place my phone back into my pocket. Now I have to see Dan again. I promised myself last night again and again that no matter what, if he sleeps with another person I am done with him. I will not let him touch me, no matter what and I really hope that I can muster enough strength to tell him off. I am not usually very convincing when it comes to stuff like this but I have had enough sleepless nights because of Dan and I am tired of his shit.

True to his words, ten minutes later I see Dan dressed in a plain black shirt and black skinny jeans entering the coffee shop. I look away, pretending that I am not aware of his presence and focus on the bearded man that is asking for a latte and a sprinkled donut. I notice Dan standing in line just after the man and I try my best not to make any kind of eye contact with him.

"Hey," Dan's voice is soft and my slight anger towards him dissolves almost immediately.

"Hey, what would you like?" I ask him, and he looks flustered for a moment.

"Oh um, I, a toffee latte I guess?" He stutters and I smile at him to ease his tension and type away the order.

"Anything else?" I ask him, and he looks straight into my eyes before replying.

"Would you like anything?" He asks me and I feel my cheeks heat. Why would he ask me that?

"Huh? No, I, um, I'm good thanks." I blush and he smiles at me, and I feel like the tables have turned from seconds back.

"It's okay, it's on me," He persuades and I finally sigh and order for myself a caramel frappe.

"Thanks," I flush and he shakes his head, as if telling me it's alright and hands me the money.

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I GOT A PIERCING