When spring finally comes

 Cleo couldn't help to be disappointed when she found out from Rox that the two rooms where Rox used to live had been taken.

"But, I thought you were going to help me?" Cleo doubted Rox even thought about her. It would be this way. She figured as much. She scowled back as if it were her natural outlook on things.

"I was going to," Rox explained it was too late. "I'm sure something will come up."

Cleo couldn't help but roll her eyes. Who did Rox think she was capable of? Nothing good ever came her way. Of course, Ali and Daigo were just as sickening. Cleo wasn't sure how much of this giddyfest she could take at work. 

She went to clean the tables. She worked extra hard at this freaking pizzeria. God, she couldn't even stand the smell of this place. But it was employment. She had to remember that. It wasn't easy finding work. And she knew she wasn't the most pleasant person. She hadn't been for a long time. 

Cleo looked back at the clock. Closing would be soon. The dining area was empty, and she'd taken great care to refill the spices on the table and fill the napkin dispensers. It was best to stay on top of things, even if she fretted that Ali and Diago were up to no good with all that laughter of theirs.

Yes, to be young and in love. It was getting old. Cleo swelled a frown. She didn't want to be full of envy, but sometimes being a girl brought out the worst in her. Why was it like this? Cleo heaved a sigh. She knew Diago and Ali would take her home, but she didn't like it. 

Her snarl deepened. It was useless to make it an issue, and then Gregory showed up.

"A soda please," he asked so gingerly as if he was sweet, never mad.

"For fuck's sake," Cleo grabbed the cup quick enough. It had been ages. He said he would call, but he never did.

"I was wondering if you were still here," Gregory was such a big fat nuisance. "Aren't you happy to see me?"

Usually, they'd both have to be three shades to the wind before they played around. Gregory really thought so highly of himself as if he might be the next Madonna in the rock and roll world. But as of yet, the thriving heavy metal world hadn't noticed.

"Well, you're just Gore to me," Cleo hoped she didn't sound sexy, but it never took much for him to get the wrong idea.

"Yeah, just the way I like it," His Hungry Like A Wolf sneer bounced back, leaving Cleo all tingly.

Of course, they moved on this little party to his old black Trans Am. He leaned against the car and slurped on the Pepsi product while Cleo stammered about knowing that Gregory knew everything there really was to know about her.

"Why are you here?" She blurted after everyone left and the parking lot was empty.

"Did you ever find a place?" He wanted to know as he tilted his head, looking at her out of the corner of his piercing eye.

"No."

"Good."

Cleo winced back. Gregory's big mouth laughed as he took her hand and put it near his dearest sweet spot.

"Shit!" Cleo spit back.

"Why are you like this?" He winced as he tossed the empty cup across the parking lot and pulled her in. "Where are you going to go?" Gregory breathed her in in one gulp. Oh, it was nasty and oh so naughty yet so very full of zest that lingered through Cleo.

If it was always like this, what were they to do to get by. Yes, he worked at the car wash. Everything was always so temporary and yet it felt in full throttle.