Penny Picker

Four a Penny.

Warning: Strong Language… Enjoy.

Four a Penny

It was only a moment after I'd walked into the building that I realized, my eyes hadn't been glued to the ground. My heart fluttered with panic - I'd missed out. There could've been a dozen pennies on the ground, and now any person walking by had the chance to find the little lost treasure.

That thought had my chest tightening and I struggled to catch my breath. I had to look back, my eyes feverishly searched the ground just outside the glass doors. I saw nothing, my body panicked and I fought with my mind to focus on something calming or anything else that wasn't pennies.

I have to get to work… there are lots of pennies around, I have time. I-I have lots of t-time... "That's not calming." I struggled to whisper and shook my head as I searched for something else within my mind to calm me.

I knew what was happening. I was having a panic attack, and I had to get myself to calm down. I shut my eyes, resting my hands on my knees trying not to fall over. My mind still racing to get my thoughts off the fact that I could've miss out - that I did miss out, on one of those little treasures. The copper coins were out there and I knew they were, I swear, I could feel it in my bones. I had the chance to find it today and I wasn't tentative enough to see it. This was horrible, I had nothing now, I had no sweet memory, I had-

The old coin, I had the old penny still.

I dug into my coat pocket for the old large coin and as soon as it was between my fingers I was able to catch my first deep breath. With the next breath, I felt my mind breaking from the light headed daze that'd tried to take over. The next, my chest broke from its binds, and the next my heart settled back.

I have this penny… this penny is mine. It's okay Avi. This time you have this one. "You're okay. Breathe… just breathe. There's still time." Whispering to myself I focused on the penny in my hand and its old copper shine, worn and defined in its old age. Even if it did come with a horridly bothersome genie of sorts, I took comfort in having it and gave it a rub. I circled the uneven surface beneath my finger and it made the soft dance of panic slow in my chest. I rubbed the ridged edge of the coin a little harder so I could really feel the teeth against my finger tip. I'd been able to put out the anxiety for now, and I clung to the penny to keep it at bay.

I couldn't help myself as I gave a quick kiss to the small coin whispering "Thank you."

With the new calm, I made my way to the elevator and thought back. Not once since I'd started collecting pennies had I not given the hobby my full attention, and in only a few hours I was distracted so easily by a penny genie, or whatever he claims to be. I looked at the penny in my open palm, thinking; this little thing is flipping my life upside down, but it wasn't something I would just toss away willy nilly. It was still a treasure I cherished, even if it came with a adventurous scary memory and aside from that, I still needed to clean it.

I clutched the copper coin as I entered the elevator with a few other people in tow. The worrying thought came back to mind again, of all the pennies I'd found, and all the time I'd dedicated to the little gems; not once had someone been able to pull my attention from them as much as Devi had.

I thought back to the first penny I'd ever found, it was wedged between the sidewalk slabs just a block from my childhood home. It was magical, it brought me back to my father telling me stories of how our forefathers had always carried a penny on them. Each with their own tale, swearing on the luck of the penny, about how they'd come into their fortune and stature. I would search as a child with my father, with the hope that I would find the one penny that would bring me luck for life, just like my ancestors.

As I recalled all the places I'd found a penny, I felt the one in my hand becoming oddly heated. I opened my palm again to look at the coin, as if it would give an explanation about why it was so hot, but it simply looked the same, old and worn with time. I gave it another thumbed rub before sticking the penny and my hand in my pocket. I couldn't help but continue to hold onto the coin and the addicting calm it gave me.

I adjusted my glasses before stepping off the elevator and walking the familiar office floor. I kept my head down and went straight ahead, hurrying to my little corner cubicle, but before I'd made it there I was intersected by Arron. His tall stature had me taking a step back to take him all in.

"There you are Avi. I was worried you wouldn't make it in and Clinton would lose his shit." He glared over to the cubical Clinton was peaking over from. Whipping his blue gaze back on me, I felt a jolt of panic flash through me. "Alright, it's nothing crazy we just need you to sit down and review Mr. Sondoma's account while Lexi and I get the new Caster account on board." His deep blue eyes stayed steadily on me as I silently nodded and agreed. "Come to my office and do a quick rundown with me." He turned to walk to his office.

I nodded my head giving an internal sigh of admiration of the man and contemplated if I should put my things in my cubical first or not. It wasn't until I felt a solid grip just above my elbow that I'd realized Arron had taken off and come back to get me. I gave him a apologetic look, "S-sorry."

Arron gave me a warm smile, "Don't sweat it Avi. You're more of a space case today than usual though. Are you feeling alright?" He looked down at me as we walked with concerned deep ocean eyes. I wouldn't deny he was a very handsome man, strong jaw, vibrant eyes and hair combed to perfection. Just like all the women in the office, I'd drop my pants for him too.

My eyes went wide and fell in embarrassment, I couldn't believe I'd thought something like that while I walked right next to him. "I-I'm f-fine... Thank you."

Arron pulled me back to a stop, but what really caught me off guard was his large cool soft hand cupping the back of my neck and the other lifting my messy bangs so he could feel my forehead. The close contact was making me dizzy and I felt a wave of heat surge through me. "Hmm, I don't know about that Avi. You're fairly warm." His hands stayed firmly in place while he caught my gaze. "You can take a break and lay on the couch in my office for a bit. You still have a half hour before Mr. Sondoma gets here and if you're not feeling better by then, I'm not going to make you go in." This time he pulled me close with his arm wrapped firmly around my shoulder. It felt like everyone in the office watching us as we walked towards his luxury corner office, that didn't really seem like it should be on this floor. Arron allowed for no subtle movements away from him and it was making my body flutter with collywobbles.

"R-really, I-I'm fine A-Arron…" My protest did nothing to change Arron's mind and he was opening the door to his office, showing me in. I fought to calm myself as I walked into the large room.

"We need to make sure you're up for this Avi." I started to become light headed, abandoning the large coin into my coat pocket, I wasn't normally invited into the boss's office. I was barely able to stand as Arron started to remove my jacket. My mind was working in overdrive to try and take in what was happening right now. "Honestly, I was fighting Lexi over promoting you rather than Clinton." His hand slide along my upper back as he guided me further into the office. "f*****g crap that she doesn't know an employee's worth." He tossed my coat to the small leather couch in his office; the penny along with it. "Apologies for cussing, just makes me mad and I think you've worked a lot harder than anyone else in this office." Arron cupped my jaw, his thumb grazing over my cheek. "Don't worry Avi… I'll make sure you get what you deserve." His smile sent a chill down my spine making my body flush again. I became anxious in the growing thickness of the atmosphere. "Take a seat." He offered.

I took the chance to reunite with my coat, sitting on the lush couch with my coat bundled firmly in my lap. The coin is close again, practically in my palm. I tried to convince myself, so I could keep some kind of level head. I wasn't sure how to respond to the declaration that Arron thought I should've gotten the promotion instead, so I did what I knew best, I got down to business. "So what do we need to go over? I'm fairly familiar with the Sondoma account." My eyes started to wander the large office. "Unless there's been changes over the weekend?" I felt the couch dip as Arron sat beside me, my eyes darted to him and I was captivated in his blue eyes again. Had anyone been able to get this close to him?

"Hmm... I always knew you could do more Avi." Arron's voice rang deep in my ears. "Clinton always leaves everything to the last minute and then panics like a fool." A charming smile slid over his lips, causing my eyes to fixate on them. "You're quite different from everyone else, and I've always been trying to figure you out." His arm blanketed the back of the couch and I couldn't control the jolt in my chest or the quickening of my breath because of it. What was he talking about?

"I-I think I should get back to my desk, g-get some work done while I'm here, and before I meet Mr. Sondoma." I was becoming anxious in growing feeling suffocating the large office and I needed to get out. I was up on my feet and ready to head for the door. "Thank you for your time Arron. I-if I have questions, I'll b-be-" Arron had stood, and took hold of my arm with his firm grip.

I was taken aback by the gesture again, Arron was not normally such a touchy friendly guy; curious to know what he was thinking, I studied him. Arron had always kept his distance from the rest of the employees, even I had been more sociable than him. With him it was all about business which never bothered me at all. So I had to wonder what was so different about today.

Arron's eyes wavered and his grasp loosened on my arm, "Look, I just… You really work too hard Avi, and you look. You look so damn…" He let out a vexed breath. "Tired, you do have someone to take care of you at home, don't you?" His eyes focused back on me with a deep gaze.

I gave my face a rub wondering if I really looked that worn. "N-no, I don't have anyone at home to take care of me…" His eyes asked for more. "... I-I live alone… besides, I'm not at the age where I would need someone to come in and take care of me." I gave a shrug at the thought. Not many people had asked me about my personal life, I did the minimum work to be social with the rest of my co-workers but rarely went past that.

"Not even a girlfriend?" I let the question hang in the air as I focused past Arron to the door behind him. This had to be the oddest conversation I'd ever had with anyone and I shook my head no. "Boyfriend?" My eyes shot up at the question and my heart did a shrill scream in my chest, as if he'd just taken a look into my diary; the embarrassment of my boss knowing my s****l orientation made me want to run from the room.

"N-no." I sputtered out.

"Hmm."

"I don't think this is the type of thing we should be talking to me about, sir." I hoped calling Arron sir would be enough to set the tone back to a comfortable work environment. I'd never thought I'd be here, with my boss, asking if I had a girlfriend or boyfriend.

"Sir? Come on now Avi, don't call me that. It makes me feel old." Thankfully Arron took a step back with a sigh. "Tsk… I'm sorry I'm really not good at this whole regular socializing thing… I'm a little bit in your face, hey?"

"Ha, yeah. You can say that." The tension was eased ever so slightly. "And those questions…" Just the mention of them made my face flush even though I tried to play it cool.

"Mmhmm, those questions. Real nail biters, hey?" Arron's lips parted ever so slightly when he smiled this time, erecting the same flushing heat inside me.

"I-I better go…" I started my slow step around Arron, trying not to look too desperate to leave.

"Before you go Avi."

I hesitated to stop and tightly squeezed my jacket for comfort. "Y-yes?"

"Are you going out for drinks with everyone tomorrow night?" I was once again taken aback by the question; I knew there was a office get together tomorrow, but for Arron to ask if I was going? I felt like I stepped into another world and it was something I'd daydreamed about on more than one occasion.

"This day is just too weird." I absently whispered to myself.

"Wait, what?" Arron looked confused, his dark thick brows pulling together over his ocean blue eyes.

I couldn't help the sway my heart did when he looked my way and I let a small smile slip over my lips. "I was thinking about it, yeah."

"Perfect, you'll be able to show me the ropes." Arron went around me to open the door. "Mr Sondoma should be here soon, don't hesitate to come and ask me anything, Avi."

I gave a nod and slipped out the door, like walking out of an alternate universe that was held only inside Arron's office. I felt a lump drop straight to my stomach and a burst of heat turned through my body. As I walked to my desk, I fought the urge to look back, as if it would shatter everything I'd just experienced. I'd never seen Arron in that kind of light and now, all the daydreams I'd had, cracked open and was bleeding into the real world. I felt like a giddy girl gushing over her crush. I dug into my coat, fishing out the coin that brought me comfort.

"Maybe I am overworked." I sat at my desk, talking to myself, and rubbing the Old Coin between my fingers in hopes of stopping my racing mind. "Maybe Arron really does think I can do more than just… hell, I've closed five different accounts here." I shuffled through papers and my eyes ran over the numbers on the computer screen beside me as I mumbled on.

I was absent in thought while I pushed the coin back and forth along my desk, what it would be like to search day in and day out for pennies. With an elbow on the desk I rested my chin in my open palm and thought dreamily about it, but it wasn't long before I was interrupted by a sudden voice.

"You know, I've never liked when people mumbled." It was Clinton leaning over me with his palms against my desk. "But, I've never minded listening to you." He grinned smugly down at me and I responded with an annoyed eye roll that settled back on my work.

"What is it Clinton?" I said with a little sting to my voice. I was here - on my day off - because of him, and I wouldn't lie I hadn't been too fond of him since he'd gotten the promotion I'd worked so hard for. It had never really bothered me before, but knowing now that Arron thought I was a better candidate for the position made the whole thing hit me again like it was just yesterday.

"I just wanted to know what's up with you going into the boss's office." He leaned further down his light honey eyes watching me, and his elbows pinned down the paperwork I had on my desk. "Was it about me?"

"I don't think this is a conversation we should have Clinton." I turned my irritated gaze onto him, trying to hint that I didn't have time to deal with his insecurities.

"Why? Because it was about me?"

"No, because I need to prepare for Mr. Sondoma to come in." I pulled at the papers under Clinton's elbows and he was quick to move. "Something you should've been preparing for right about now." I shot a glare in his direction, which he seemed completely unfazed by.

"Oh come now, I knew I would screw up. So why not give it to someone that wouldn't?" While I quickly moved papers into organized files, I hadn't noticed Clinton had picked up the old coin I left on my desk. It was flipping through his fingers now as my eyes widened in pure disbelief.

"Give that back!" I stood quickly palm out waiting for my coin to be returned, I felt my body burn with adrenaline as I locked eyes with the tall gorilla. I was fighting the urge snatch the small, helpless coin from his giant hands.

"It's just a penny, why you getting so worked up over it?" But his voice came out in a hesitated tease. Clinton's eyes darted from the penny to me, trying to understand the desperate connection.

"Damnit Clinton, I'm not messing around. Give. Me. My. Coin." Clinton stopped in surprise at my tone.

"I never knew you had an angry bone in yeah Avi. Maybe if you simmer down and ask nicely I'll give it back." Clinton's voice had gained more courage, laced with amusement. Half of the office had stopped to see what was going on in my usually quiet corner.

I clenched my jaw as I tried to calm the burning surge of anger pulsing through my veins. "Please. Give me my coin back." I wanted my eyes to shoot daggers, piercing the flesh of the face before me. Then I'd take my coin back with ease.

I swear I could see Clinton fishing for more of a reaction from me. "I don't think that was loud enough, Avi." This was low, even for him, but I wasn't thinking reasonably. With anything else I would've just given what they'd asked and hoped for the best, but this was my penny he was messing with.

I clenched my hands into balled fists. "Give me my f*****g coin back Clinton before I-I-"

"Before you what?" Clinton chimed in, obviously gaining confidence.

I was already boiling with rage and that had been the last straw, I wanted my penny back and wasn't going to play around for it. "BEFORE I F-" A hand had cupped over my wide yelling mouth, cutting me off. I was stunned only for a moment before trying to pry the hand from my mouth, but I was pulled back against a solid chest

"Before he f***s you up, you performing baboon." It was Devi, his choice words gave him away instantly. "Now give Avi his f*****g coin back…" We all stood stunned and waiting. "Oh, wait. I think I know the problem." His cupped hand fell from my still open, now gawking mouth. "It's because we're talking too fast for you, right?" Devi pointed between us as he nodded to me, like he'd figured out a solution to the whole situation. He walked past me and into a very close proximity of Clinton. "Giiive. Hiim. Hiiss f**k-ing. Pen-ny. Back." Devi was extending the words and talking slowly as he kept his gaze locked on Clinton.

"W-who the hell are you?" Clinton eyes had filled with confusion as he looked between the magically appearing copper haired man in front of him and me.

Devi dropped his arms back and threw his head up with an exaggerated frustrated sigh. "Holy, f*****g hell Avi. How do you put up with these f*****g idiots?" Then without a second thought Devi had grabbed hold of Clinton's arm that held the precious penny, and it caused him to cry out in pain. Then he tried to free his arm, but no matter how hard he tried, Clinton was unable to get free.

"Ch-chill out Devi..." I wanted the penny back just as bad as Devi showed, but I had some restraint… didn't I? I was filled with adrenaline and ready to take Clinton on myself just a moment ago, but Devi had stepped in and stopped me.

"Open your bigfoot hand and drop that fuckin' penny, you little s**t hole." Devi was talking through clenched teeth, low and menacing; it had worked. Clinton opened his hand and dropped the penny, it bounced along my desk, spinning a little before resting. My eyes locked onto the it and then glanced back to Clinton and Devi.

"L-let him go Devi. He dropped it… let go." I caught a moment to realize my heart was racing, thundering in my chest. Devi wasn't a man, he was much more, a genie with obvious powers and the fear of what could happen scared me. I grabbed the penny from my desk and watched the rage in Devi's eyes go from burning fire to simmer. He threw Clinton's arm away from him like he couldn't do it quick enough and stood firmly between me and the rest of the office.

I had no clue what to do next. The whole office was silent, watching us to see what would come next after the crazy display. I wanted the answer, what happened to the normal, repetitive day I usually had?

"Tell your boss, Avi quits." Devi was speaking to Clinton again, and that was the only thing said before Devi turned to hook an arm around my waist; I was being carried out under Devi's arm like some football. It wasn't until we'd gotten to the elevator that I started to react.

"Wh-what the hell just happened Devi!?" My voice slowly climbed in volume. I was squirming to get out of his ungodly grip he had around me. "I-I can't quit!"

"f**k that s**t Avi, you can quit that crappy un-appreciative place." Devi hadn't let me go yet and I was still hanging from his arm. "Besides, if I let you stay there… you'd be devoured and who knows where I would end up…" I wasn't quite sure what Devi was talking about or how he knew that I was under appreciated at my work, but I didn't want to be carried around like some item.

"L-let me go Devi." I was dropped in an instance, barely catching myself before my face hit the ground. "Geez, you're not subtle are you?" I was pulled up by the arm to my feet by Devi.

"In all my years I've found being subtle isn't the way to go." Devi c****d a smug smile at me, with his copper eyes gleaming. I felt that flutter of discovery bubble inside of me reaching up to my cheeks. My throat had become dry and I shut my mouth, turning to watch for the elevator.

Ding.

The elevator had arrived and we stood silently beside each other, waiting for the doors to open. In that time it was like everything had stopped, what was I doing? Why hadn't I ran back to the office and begged for my job back, apologizing for everything that'd just gone down. I'd worked here for four years of my adult life, and I planned on making my career here too.

I turned on my heel as I felt the wave of panic rise inside me, everything I'd been working for would be gone if I let this happen.

"Hey, hey, hey bones. Where the hell you think you're going?" I was spun around with a strong grip pulling at my left shoulder. "You seriously want to walk back into that f*****g office and be made to beg for that s**t job back?"

"T-thanks to you I'll have to beg for my job back!" I began. "Seriously Devi, what the hell was that? Where did you even come from? How did you get in here?" I knew it was the most obvious answer. He was a genie and he had those kinds of powers. I knew it, but I still couldn't believe it.

"Geez Avi, you shouldn't have to beg for anything." Devi had come around and started pushing me into the still open elevator, which should've closed and continued on its up and down journey by now. I was still trying to resist being pushed along by Devi, "Avi… you need to trust me. I'm going to be... your lucky penny." His voice was a deep whisper, close and heavy in my ear.

I wasn't resisting any more.