He clocked in at 6:59 am. He knew she’d already be there, in her normal place two lines over. Today was the day. Nervous, he hoped he wasn’t sweating. It wouldn’t be good for his surface.

The belt fired up after safety checks. The factory noise level rose. Insert two bolts in panel A, attach panel B, tighten nuts. Repeat.

He caught her LEDs. Now was his chance. He tapped his wrench against the panel.

tap-tap
i

tap-thunk-tap-tap tap-tap-thunk tap-tap-tap-thunk
luv

tap-tap-thunk
u

He thought he felt his motors stop. Panels slid by, unbolted. Was that a blush rising across her smooth silver cheek? Was she flattered…or embarrassed?