𝐑𝗼𝐜𝐤𝐲 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐛𝗼𝐚 <3 {𝓑𝓾𝓷𝓷𝔂}

15

Annies pov

As I and Rocky were walking down the ugly streets, filled with trash and broken glass on the assault road we walked on with no other choice because there wasn't even a sidewalk, I managed to strike up a conversation.

"So I heard from Micky that you decided to enter the championship," I said with a grinning smirk "I'm happy you listened to me," I said rather proudly.

"I'm happy I listen to you too," he said as chuckled, when I looked up though, he seemed rather genuine.
He continued, "I'm not lying! In a way, I don't have anythin' to lose so there isn't a reason to not try."

"Besides, I had to please you," he said, "after those kind words of yours that I guess opened my eyes a lil', I couldn't just do it."

"I'm glad you listened," I said as hugged the side of his tough arm that his tight t-shirt hugged so tight.

Suddenly the quick silence was cut off by Rocky. "Hey, Hey, Hey I have a joke!" he said rather excited, his thick Italian accent echoing in the narrow street. Laughing at his enthusiasm, I motioned him to keep going.

"Why did the tomato turn red?"

"Because it was embarrassed for being a fruit ending up in a salad?" I said.

"No," he said bluntly with a five-second hush

"It's because it saw the salad dressing!!!" he said while cackling at his own joke for a minute and a half which automatically got me to laugh because of how cute he looked and how funny seeing him laugh at such a bad joke was. "Get it?" he said grinning. "Mhm," I said while nodding.

We arrived at the pet store. On the outside was a small and humble store with a window on the right next to the door, displaying a litter of kittens.
"Awww look how cute!!!" I said while pointing at one of the kittens as they played and meowed. "Cute as you."
I looked into his eyes and couldn't help but lean in and peck soft, thin lips. I pulled away and held his hand. "Let's go in!" I said.

Rocky, being the gentleman he is opened the door to me as the little ding of the bell above the door rang across the small store. I walked in feeling warm inside. I saw all the small pastel parrots that Rocky said "looked like candy" and cute hamsters, my heart couldn't help but melt.

We walked further in when I saw the manager of the store next to the lady was a smaller woman, with a skinny figure, short and modest hair, with simple modest clothing. Was that Paulie's sister? She looks so much prettier and quieter than what I imagined Paulie's sister to be like. from Rocky's description of Paulie, I thought she would be just as loud and crazy as he is but that is definitely not the case. Just as I was about to daydream, Rocky interrupted my thoughts.

"Hey, Gloria! Hey Adrian! I would like to introduce ya to my girlfriend, Annie." his informal introduction caused me to blush in front of the owner who I assumed was Gloria, and Adrian. On top of that he just called me his girlfriend!!! After my brain finally processed his choice of words my heart couldn't help but pound and my palms couldn't help but sweat. "Nice to meet you, Gloria—Adrian". I said as I rubbed my palms against my dress to get rid of the sweat before I shook their hand. I think I'm just gonna put it out there I thought.

"I was wondering if I could work here," I said cutting right to the chase.
"I know this is a small store but I have the will and-and passion to do it, I promise I'll be good," I said as looked at Gloria who seemed a little uncertain. She hesitated a little but spoke up "So you'll be fine picking up heavy bags of dog food and changing the cat litter? As well as restocking shelves and assisting customers?"

"Yes...!"

"Alright well, you seem dedicated," she said "I'll give you sort of a free trial tomorrow morning and keep an eye on you to see how you work, then I'll see if you're actually good for the job." she declared.

"Alright! Thank you so much, Miss I won't let you down!". I didn't even ask about the pay, I can ask that tomorrow.

As we turned Rocky gave Adrian a little pat on the shoulder and said "Well Adrian, now you're gonna have a friend at work! I'll see ya ok?" she nodded without letting out a word.

It's gonna take a while to strike up a conversation with her in the future but that was the least of my worries, I'm just glad I have the opportunity for a job right now.

While walking to the door again, Rocky put his hand around my neck, the height differences really made it work. He played a little with my hair as we got out of the store, hearing the ding of the bell as we did before he said,

"I told ya it'll work out bunny".