Chapter 01

Jeff's Pov

I sucked in as much as air I could and then let it out. In other words, I took a deep breath before opening the shop door. I pushed the door that said pull. Seriously, Jeff? I mentally hit my head and then pulled the door. The bell jingled that was hooked near the door to let everyone know that someone entered. Everyone's eyes were on me and the second later, they were again in their work. "My dear Jeff, you're here!" Mrs.Cameron came to me with a jolly smile on her wrinkled face. But she was still pretty as ever. "Oh my, you're cold. I'm sure it's snowing outside, right?" She said as she took my hands in hers and started rubbing them together to warm them up. She has such a motherly nature. "Yes, it is snowing outside. Please take your coat and gloves before stepping out, Mrs.Cameron."

She gave me a warm smile which melted my heart. "Let's start working now." I followed her inside in the back of the shop. "You can hang your coat there, it's quite warm inside." She pointed to the hooks behind the door of the locker room. I removed my coat and hung it behind the door. She gave me the keys to my locker and left the room, but not before giving me a pat on my back and a smile. I opened my locker and saw a black colour t-shirt which had a small logo over the chest. "Dove's Food Mart" with a dove symbol. Mrs.Dove Cameron was her full name.

After wearing the t-shirt, I returned back to Mrs.Dove. "You can start your work now, Jeff." I nodded. My work was to clean the store. The weather was cold and I was appointed to clean the floor and the windows. I got this job after so much of struggle and I can't let this go. I made my way to the washroom to get a bucket of water. After I got the water bucket, I went to get a mop in the storage area. The area wasn't too big but it was enough to fit the stocks here. I also saw a bottle of phenyl. I added a few drops. I grabbed the mop and dipped it in the water bucket.

I was cleaning the floor when I saw a guy who refilling the empty places. He looked at me and smiled. He was pretty handsome. Or both. I smiled back to him and he continued his work. Even though it was just a smile, I was having butterflies already. I hate this. I see a handsome guy, I get a crush on him and when I think it's just a crush, it turns into an obsession! I'm sure I'm going to dream about him tonight. No matter what I do to get him off my mind, he'll still pop up in my dream. This has happened many times whenever I saw a handsome guy.

I decided to ignore this thought and focus on my work. After I had wiped the floor, it was time to wash the windows. I threw the dirty water in the washroom and refilled it with clean water. The water was so cold. I'm glad I took bath with warm water today or I would've been freezed to death. I took a rag cloth and made my way outside. Even though it was snowing less than before, it was still cold.

I pushed the door open and went outside in the chilling weather. I didn't see many people. Everyone was at home, keeping themselves warm while sitting near the fire. The snow had filled the roads and even the cars. I went towards the window and started wiping the window with the wet cloth. Even though my teeths were clattering, I kept my mouth shut so no one would know. Once I have saved enough money, I'll get another job or maybe I'll ask for a promotion here. Because what if I don't get such a nice owner there.

After I finished one side, I went on the other side. From the window, I saw that guy again. When I looked closely at his t-shirt, I saw a name batch. James. Common name but rare for a handsome boy to have it. What am I thinking?! We had an eye contact for second when I suddenly blushed and looked away. I bit my lips to stop my teeths from clattering but they just won't. I saw him put his stuff down and he came towards me. He opened the door and came to me. "Hey, it's cold. You should come inside." He said with his soft, kinda manly voice. If he ever sang for me, I would sleep. "Uhh, I have to wipe the window. I'll come inside once I'm done wiping."

"Alright, ima stay with you till then." I nodded. He kept his eyes on me as I cleaned the window. Once I was done, he immediately took the cloth from my hand, threw it in the water bucket and dragged me in. "You're cold. Let's warm up." He said and took me to the locker room. The locker room seemed to have a heater which I didn't see before because it was in a corner. He turned on the heater which started to make the room warm. He opened his locker and removed a box. Lunch box. I saw him smile as he pulled of the note that was on the box and kept in his pocket.

"You want some?" He asked and I shook my head as no. "But I want to share." He sat beside me and opened his box. Some rice, salad, chicken pieces. He held the box in front of me and I couldn't help but smile. "That looks delicious." He gave me a spoon and I took a bite. It tasted delicious too. Oh boi, how much I crave for homemade food.