We’re taught at a young age to never judge a book by its cover, but in a society based off appearances we do exactly that. We see other people and make assumptions about them because of how they look. They can look and seem like one thing but be someone completely different.

Take this massive mass of a man Johnny Park. He’s six foot four, fit, handsome as hell with gorgeous blue eyes and a smile that can melt your panties right off. In my experience, guys like him are either jerks or the sweetest people you’d meet. When I heard that deep, boisterous laugh and saw his gorgeous smile, I prayed he was the latter. Then he avoided me for the next two weeks. There was also that nasty look he was giving me on the first day after class. I could still see the hatred and disgust in his eyes. At that moment, I knew he was the former – a self-absorbed, judgmental playboy.

Then he goes and says and does things that make me rethink everything. But I wasn’t going to let him fool me anymore.

“So,” I finally said, “are we going to do it or what?”

He looked up at me with his wide eyes. It’s the first time since we got to the restaurant that he’s looked at me. He reminded me of a scolded puppy. Was he just a wimp in a monster’s body? I might be getting ahead of myself. Let’s start at the beginning of this shit day…

I’m beginning to contemplate whether eating is a life necessity. I mean, Jesus survived in the desert for forty days and nights. I fast every Lent. Why not all year? Ugh. Who am I kidding? I shoved two hamburgers in my mouth on lunch like my life depended on it. 

I’m glad I went back to school, but I quickly realized that being a student living off a part-time teacher and tutor’s salary isn’t plausible. I had no choice but to pick up another part-time job. Luckily, the coffee shop that I met up with Cami a few weeks ago was hiring. I applied and was hired immediately. It also happened that it was only a short walk from the school so I could go from one job to the other. When I arrived, I walked up to the pickup counter and tried to get the attention of one of the baristas.

“Excuse me,” I called, “it’s my first day of training. I was told to ask for Nico?”

“That’s me!” a perfectly manicured Latin man with flawless skin exclaimed in his heavy accent as he sashayed around the counter. “You must be Dani!”

“I am.” This guy’s energy was so high it was almost overwhelming.

“I’m Nico, one of the leads. I’m so glad you’re joining us. First, let’s get you the uniform shirt and an apron.” He motioned me to follow him to the back. “Jeans are fine, but you might want to consider something darker. It’s less noticeable if you spill something on yourself.”

We walked into the breakroom where there was a TV, vending machines, a table, some lockers, and an office on the far end of the room. Nico walked into the office and grabbed a slip of paper, two beige aprons, and a black shirt in a sealed plastic bag.

“Here’s your locker number and the code to get in. If you lose it, the managers and leads know the code to get in for you. There’s a restroom right over there if you want to change.”

“Thank you.” I walked into the bathroom and locked the door behind me.

“Do you have another job?” Nico asked through the door. “Most of our part-timers have other work.”

“I’m a teacher.”

“What grade?”

“Mostly middle school, but sometimes I sub for the high school kids and the really little ones.”

“My husband’s best friend has a son that just started school. He’s almost five, but he’s the smartest kid ever. His dad is super-hot too. If you’re single, I can introduce you.”

I let out a chuckle. “Thanks, but I’ll pass for now.” 

I walked out of the bathroom to rejoin Nico. After a quick tour of the stockroom, we started on recipes – which were pretty simple.

“So, when you’re not teaching, what do you do?” Nico asked casually as we practiced on some blended drinks.

“I go to school,” I replied. I think he was waiting me to say more because he was looking at me with his big brown eyes and his head slightly tilted to the side. “Th-that’s it.”

“Oh.” He seemed shocked.

I would be too. My life is boring for someone in their 20s. I only have a handful of friends and of those friends I only hang out with two of them.

“I don’t have much free time. Between work and my robotics class, I don’t get out much. I wasn’t always like this though. I used to go out. I had friends. A boyfriend…”

“I’m sorry.” Nico put his arm around my shoulders and gave me a squeeze. It was a simple gesture, but oddly made me feel comforted. “You can be my friend. We’ll go out and party whenever you have time.”

“You’re the absolute cutest,” I laughed.

“Can I ask why you’re taking that class?”

“The school I work at is starting a robotics program and I wanted to brush up so I can apply. But I’m wondering if it’s worth it.”

“It must be expensive if you’re getting a part-time job to help pay.”

“Well, that. Plus there’s a really irritating guy in my class. He avoided me for the first two weeks. On the first day we met, I was leaving campus and he stared at me with this really nasty look when he saw me…ugh, I don’t know what his problem is.”

“That sounds terrible. I think my husband’s friend takes a robotics class. He can teach that guy a lesson. Do you know…”

“Excuse me,” a familiar voice called making my blood run cold.

“Come on, I’ll show you how to do the register,” Nico whispered with a smile.

I didn’t want to turn around. If I did, it would just confirm what I already knew. But I had no choice. I kept my head down as I followed Nico to the register. Maybe they won’t notice me. I dared to peek up and immediately locked eyes with Sara. She was glaring a hole right through me. Lance did his best to pretend I didn’t exist and kept his eyes glued on Nico. If he keeps doing that, Nico might get the wrong idea.

I shifted uncomfortably behind Nico as he chatted with Lance and Sara’s glare intensified. She clung to Lance’s arm as if I needed a reminder that she had taken him from me. She could have him. I don't care. Why are they even here? They don’t live in this area. Why this shop of all places?

“I’m going to find a place for us to sit,” Sara said irritably. I could tell she didn’t want to be near me. I didn’t want to be around her either.

Lance said nothing as his girlfriend stormed off. He finally looked my way and cleared his throat, “I’m sorry about that.”

“It’s whatever,” I snapped.

Nico’s eyes were darting between us like a ping pong ball. It was clear we knew each other and not in a good way.

“How much?” Lance asked.

“Seven dollars and eighty-five cents.” He tapped his card on the reader and continued to stare. I ripped the receipt from the printer and held it out to him. “Anything else?”

He glanced over his shoulder before responding in a hushed voice, “Can we talk for a minute?”

“I’m working.”

“That’s what I want to talk to you about. Why are you here?”

“I told you: I’m working.”

“Are you that hard up on cash you had to get another part-time job? If you told me, I would have helped you out.”

I scoffed. Unbelievable! This guy always complained that I wasn’t independent enough. Then I was too dependent on him. Now he’s offering to help his ex-girlfriend financially? What kind of horse shit is that?!

“I don’t need your help,” I declared. “Not before and sure as hell not now.”

“You’re so God damn stubborn,” he hissed. “Could you at least work somewhere else? It upsets Sara when we run into you.”

“I can’t believe you,” I huffed. “I’m not changing jobs just because she’s uncomfortable. If she doesn’t like seeing me, go to a different coffee shop.”

“This is right next to the school though.”

“Are you seriously asking me to make things more convenient for you and the woman you cheated on me with? Are you out of your fucking mind?”

“Oooook,” Nico said as he finally jumped in. “Ericka! Take over the register, please? Sir, your drinks will be ready on the other side.”

Nico put his hands on my shoulders and led me to the back room. I was so full of rage my body felt numb. The ringing in my ears was louder than sirens on a cop car. I couldn’t even see straight at this point.

“Are you ok?” Nico asked gently as he placed his hand on my trembling arm. 

I shook my head. How could I be? The man I had been in love with for three years was treating me as if I was the biggest nuisance in his life. It was like a knife slowly being twisted in the middle of my chest. I was sure I was over him. I didn’t care who he was with or that he had picked her over me, but honestly, I’m still hurt. I’m angry and upset that after everything, I still wasn’t good enough in the end.

Nico had me stay in the office as we did some paperwork. I have never been so thankful for repetitive, mind-numbing work in my life. I was so thankful for Nico. He knew when not to pry but make me feel better at the same time. I think I’ll like this guy.

We finished up my paperwork right before the end of my shift. Nico told me to take some coffee home, so I let our coworker Ericka what I wanted while I went to change. When I came back out, I could see Lance and Sara at a nearby table. The best thing I can do is ignore them. That’s what an adult would do, right?

“Here you go, hun,” Ericka smiled as she handed me my iced coffee.

“Thank you,” I sighed with a smile. “I need this today. It’ll get me through…”

Click

What the hell was that? Ericka and I both looked over in Sara’s direction. She still had her phone up, pointing at me as she typed something on her phone.

“Just go, hun,” Ericka whispered. “If you say something to her, she’ll just feel like she accomplished something. I’ll have Nico deal with them.”

I nodded as I clutched my coffee. My coworkers here at the coffee shop by far more amazing than the ones I have at Westerly - except for Cami of course. I headed for the exit and just as I was about to walk out, I crashed into something very solid, sending my iced coffee all over me. Now I know why Nico said I’d want to wear dark clothes. 

“Oh shit, I’m so sor…” I know that voice. “Dani, are you ok?”

Johnny Park was standing in front of me with a dumbfounded look on his stupid, beautiful face. “Of course it’s you,” I sighed as I wiped the remnants of my drink from my shirt. “I’m fine.”

“I-I’m so sorry,” he stuttered. His hands were up as if he wanted to help me but didn’t want to touch me at the same time. “I didn’t see you.”

Of course he didn’t see me. He only has his head down all the time. Why would he look out for people walking around? “It’s fine.” I tried to get around him, but his gigantic body was blocking the exit. He’s a walking fire hazard.

“Can I get you another coffee…”

“I said it’s fine.” It came out more forcefully than I intended. I couldn’t stand the way he was looking at me. His piercing blue eyes were filled with concern…pity. It made me hate him more. “I have to go.”

I didn’t let him respond. I pushed past him and headed to my car. I just needed to get out of there and away from prying eyes. I was drenched in coffee. Even if I hid the stains, the smell would give me away. I don’t even think I have time to go home and change. This was a mess. I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes.

“Dani!” Johnny’s voice called from across the lot as he jogged in my direction.

Seriously with this guy? “What?” I barked as I shut my car door. He looked so hurt by my reaction. Ugh why am I so concerned with how he feels? “Sorry, I’m just…not in the mood. So, whatever you want, just say it already.”

“I, um…I have a hoodie in my car.”

What the hell did that matter to me? “Good for you?”

“I meant you can take…wear it. It might be big, but at least it’ll hide your coffee stain.”

“I don’t need it. I can go home and…”

“You’ll be late for class. Unless you live across the street, you’re not going to have time to get home, change and get to class on time. Please, I insist.”

What is he playing at? He has a point though. I have shorts in my car I can change into, but it would take to long to do a whole outfit change. I have no choice but to concede. “Fine.”

“Great! My truck’s right here!” He eagerly unlocked his car and went to grab his sweater. This is the Johnny Park I had hoped he was. Sweet, kind, thoughtful… “Here you…”

His backpack fell out of the passenger’s seat and a dozen or more condoms fell out of the bag, littering the parking lot like beads at Mardi Gras. Scratch what I said earlier, he’s a pervert.

“Wow,” was all I managed to get out.

“N-no, no. T-this…this isn’t what you think. My friend…” He was desperately trying to explain the situation, but I really couldn’t care less right now.

“You really don’t need to explain. It’s none of my business.”

“But it’s really not…”

“Thanks.” I grabbed the hoodie from Johnny and I shook my head as I headed back to my car. “I’ll get this back to you.”

“Wait, Dani…”

“Bye!” I yelled over my shoulder as I got into my car.

I could see Johnny in my rearview mirror cursing to himself and furiously typing out a text on his phone. If he’s telling the truth, he has some weird friends. He really doesn’t have a reason to lie to me either. By why did it matter? He is allowed to do whatever and whoever he wants. It’s not like I’m having sex with him anytime soon. From the sizes he dropped, it seems humanly impossible. XXL exists only in erotic stories.

I shot a quick text to Layla to meet me at the bathroom on the way to the engineering building. I quickly changed out of the coffee soaked jeans and pulled on a pair of biker shorts. You could barely see them under this huge sweater. I felt like a baby wearing their dad’s shirt. Was Johnny really this big?