Alyssa goes into her room and lays on her bed, wondering if she actually has a crush on Mr. Dallier. Then she remembers she is supposed to text him about the meal that he brought to her home.
AlyssaMy Momma and I enjoyed the food. Big thanks! ♥️
She then panics at the emoji she routinely sends to her mother. So she sends another message to explain.
AlyssaI was trying to edit my text to say, ‘We ♥️ the 🍲’ but I accidentally pressed send. Please reply. 😬
BradUnderstood. Happy you enjoyed it. ♥️ Oops!
Alyssa😂 You make me laugh so much.
BradHeart emojis and kiss emojis sent for the first time are the two that cause the most stress when there is no reply.
AlyssaI would ♥️ to visit a nice restaurant some day…
BradI’m sure you will.
AlyssaI mean with you.
BradMaybe. We’ll see.
AlyssaNo pressure. Just an FYI.
BradSure. Talk later.
AlyssaGoodnight.
Alyssa’s heart is racing while scrolling through the text exchange. She wonders, ‘Could my mother be right? I can’t have a crush on an older man.’ Yet, she is restless the entire night.
Tamara leaves for work much earlier than Alyssa. The daughter begins getting ready for her 10 o’clock morning shift at a nearby fast food restaurant. After showering and putting on clean underwear she walks into the living room position that is visible from Brad’s window.
She does not see him. Pausing with second thoughts about her actions, she sends him a text.
AlyssaGM! Are you home today?
The brief delay feels like hours, as she awaits a reply. Her excitement builds at the sight of three dots. Finally, he hits the send button.
BradYes. I work at home.
AlyssaReally? I’m getting ready for work and noticed it’s a beautiful day outside. I love the way large picture windows let all the sunlight in.
BradI haven’t looked out yet. Let me take a peek…
Alyssa can now see that he has full view of her in her underwear but she does not make eye contact. Instead she slowly rotates while continuing to text.
AlyssaDo you see what I mean?
BradOh my. Yes. It’s beautiful. Where do you work, Alyssa?
AlyssaI just started working at the Burger Bun a week ago. It’s just a six-block walk.
BradI don’t want you to be late. Is there anything else?
From her peripheral vision, she sees he is still looking her way and she wants to extend the text conversation.
AlyssaI should have time to get dressed. If you see me running, then I’m in trouble. Anyway, I want to drop the bowl off. What’s a good time?
BradI can give you a ride to work, and you just bring the bowl out to the car.
AlyssaThank you so much! That’s perfect. I’ll be ready in 20 minutes.
At this point, Alyssa wants to make eye contact and wave to acknowledge his admiration but he is no longer in view. So she puts on her unflattering polyester shirt and cap with name badge. Instead of pants, she dons a short skirt before waiting on the front porch.
Brad rolls up without honking. She slides onto the front seat.
“Nice car. Where should I put your bowl?”
“In the back seat is fine.”
While reaching between the seats to stabilize the bowl, Brad notices that Alyssa barely buttoned her top. She lingers in her position, so he gets a face full of her bosom, without retracting his gaze
“I hate to see you get fired so soon for violating the dress code. You may want to finish buttoning your blouse before strapping on your seatbelt.”
