Vitamin C and Secrets

Maya's parents owned the most embarrassing store in town: Natural Vibes Health & Wellness. Which meant Maya spent every Saturday stocking shelves with organic everything while her friends were at the mall living their best lives.

"You missed another spot," said Liam, the new stock boy with dangerously messy curls and a smile that made Maya's stomach do unnecessary gymnastics. He pointed at the papaya display she'd definitely arranged correctly three times already.

"It's called artistic spacing," Maya shot back, lowkey panicking because she'd forgotten to brush her hair that morning. "Not that you'd understand."

Liam laughed, and Maya felt her face turn the color of the vitamin C supplements she was holding. This was fine. Totally fine.

The store's ancient TV in the break room was broken AGAIN, which meant Liam had to climb behind it to fix the cable. Maya was supposed to be studying for her chemistry test but was definitely just watching Liam's sneakers disappear behind the entertainment center.

"Hey," his voice came from behind the TV. "Since we're basically coworkers now, I should warn you about something."

Maya's heart rate spiked to concerning levels. "What?"

"I saw your Instagram," Liam said, emerging with dust in his hair. "You're trying out for the school musical?"

Maya wanted to actually expire. Her older sister had posted an embarrassing video of Maya singing in the shower, captioned "my weird sibling." "Delete that."

"I thought you were joking!" Liam's eyes went wide. "You're like, actually talented?"

"I mean," Maya shrugged casually while internally screaming, "I guess."

"That's awesome," Liam said, and for some reason, he actually meant it. "My little sister wants to try out but she's terrified. Think you could, like, give her some tips?"

Maya stared. "You spy on my Instagram for audition tips for your sister?"

"I wasn't spying!" Liam protested. "I was casually researching. There's a difference."

Maya couldn't help it. She laughed. And then Liam was laughing too, and suddenly the Natural Vibes Health & Wellness store wasn't so embarrassing anymore.

"Fine," she said. "But only if you help me restock the orange juice. That's, like, actual work."

"Deal." Liam grinned. "But I'm picking the playlist."

"Only if it's not country again."

"No promises."

Her phone buzzed: her friends at the mall, asking where she was. Maya typed back: actually busy, talk later.

And maybe working Saturdays wasn't so terrible after all.