"What time are you off?" I inquired. "I'd love some more of your company."
"Uh, I'm working pretty late tonight." She said unconvincingly, "Feel free to call me some time, you know? I'd love to do coffee or something."
"Okay, will do! Nice to meet you, Michelle." I smiled warmly, and wished silently she'd tell me what she didn't want to say out loud.
"Hey, Joe!" She turned back suddenly as I walked away. "It's, uh, my day off. I just wanted to have an out in case you turned out to be a weirdo, so I was going to go check the schedule and bother the other girls."
"So does that mean I'm not a weirdo?" I turned back, grinning.
Again, she blushed deep red and smiled. "Sorry. You know how it is."
"No worries, Michelle." I smiled, and wished she'd want to come with me.
"I guess the question is, what are you doing?" She said sweetly. "Because I'd love to go do that coffee. Say now."
I had actually been out to grab a few groceries and then head home to shower and then go in for a four hour shift, but I wished I didn't have to go to work and would get paid for it anyway. Suddenly my cell rang and I picked it up, giving Michelle the 'just a minute' finger.
"Hey, Joey." My dock supervisor said.
"Hey, Keith, what's up?" I responded, butterflies in my stomach. Would that *really* work?
"Listen, the cube can just took a shit. I talked to the boss and we think it's unfair to cost you a day because of that, so we're paying you through. Should be up tomorrow, but enjoy the day off, man!"
"Wow, thanks, Keith! Have a good one." I hung up the phone in amazement and by now Michelle was in front of me expectantly, waiting. "Well, looks like we can go do coffee."
"Cool!" She put her arm around my waist and smiled up at me. "Let's go, then! You pick a place."