‘Riiiinnggg’ 

The bell rang out overhead, announcing the change in shifts, and Jackie looked up as Second Shift began to filter in.  ‘Almost lunchtime.’ Jackie returned her attention to the car shell in front of her, working her way around it, checking for imperfections or mistakes. Quality control was one of those Jobs that just made the time drag like nobody's business. 

A tap on Jackie’s shoulder caused her to turn to look to see an older man gesture over his shoulder. “Lunch time.” She let him take her place, heading back up to the break room, where she clocked out for lunch. She grabbed her sack lunch from the communal fridge, taking a seat as more people filtered in, talking loudly amongst themselves. 

“So the plan is to hit up Broadway and then Halsted for some barhopping?” Jackie only recognized two of the people in group five. Dakota from administration and Steven from Production. 

“Yeah, we can meet up with everyone else at Unabridged Books.” One of the people who she didn’t recognize said. 

“God. I need this. I’m so glad we decided to do this.” 

“Same. Life has been kicking me in the metaphorical dick for weeks now. I’m ready to blow off steam.” Dakota said, stretching her arms over her head with a laugh. 

“Blow off steam, sure.” One of the three Jackie didn't recognize drawled. “We all know you just want an excuse to dust off your hoeing shorts.”

“And what if I am?” Dakota snarked, placing a hand on her hip, and turning away from the fridge. 

Jackie half listened to the back and forth as she bit into her sandwich. “Oh. Hi Jackie.” Dakota said, seeming shocked that Jackie was there when they caught each other's eyes. She was surprised they knew her name, she wasn’t exactly the most social person here. Although it might have been because her name was embroidered on her coveralls. 

“Hi, Dakota,” Jackie mumbled around a mouthful of food. “Big plans for tonight?” 

“Yeah! Wanna join?” Dakota asked only for one of the unknowns to slap her arm. “What?” 

‘Probably not an actual invitation. I can just tell that I wouldn't be welcome.’ Jackie swallowed her mouthful, giving a small smile. “Oh, I have to pick my brother up after school, but thanks for the invite.” A small pang of regret stabbed itself into her heart, but it was better to turn them down now than go and be the outsider of the ground. Jackie knew that feeling all too well. 

“Oh, that sucks.” One of the unknowns said in a way that made her think they didn't think it sucked at all. 

Jackie shrugged, she didn't really know what else to say. Did it suck? Maybe. But really, it was better to not be an inconvenience to people who probably didn’t even want you there to begin with. And besides, Jackie was used to playing second fiddle to her own wants. 

‘They were just being friendly. It’s what coworkers do.’ Jackie mentally consoled herself, trying to soothe the regret she felt into something she could ignore. She was a master at this. At telling herself that what she was doing was what everyone around her wanted her to do. That it was better this way. That it was better if she turned down the offer. That her lack of a social life was a good thing. It didn’t always work the way Jackie wanted it to, but all she could do was try. 

Jackie shoved her sandwich into her mouth, finishing it off, she pulled out a bag of chips. She scrolled through social media as she ate chips, finishing off the bag as her pitiful thirty-minute break came to an end. 

Tossing her trash into the garbage, Jackie clocked back in before heading back onto the floor for the second half of her shift. It drags by, but eventually, the bell for shift change rings, and her replacement arrives, allowing her to leave. 

Grabbing her keys, wallet, and jacket from her locker, Jackie clocked out, heading toward the door as she shoved her arms into the jacket. She pulled her phone from the pocket, noticing her brother's name lighting up the screen. Flipping open the phone, she saw a text from J.C. which she barely read before sending off another.

Jackie: 

Do u need me 2 pick u up?

J.C.:

No. I’m @ Oliver’s. Remember?

Jackie:

Yeh. Just wanted 2 make sure. Have fun. 

Jackie pocketed her phone as she trudged toward where her truck was parked, having collected a light dusting of snow during her shift. Reaching for the handle, she jerked the door open, sliding into the seat, cold sinking into her bones. Turning on the engine, cold air blowing from the vents. ‘Maybe I should look into getting the heat fixed in this?’ Jackie shook her head of the thought as she put the truck into reverse and pulled out onto the street.