Page 42 of Can't Text This

My face heats up and she chuckles when she sees the blush.

She’s a little old lady, no more than five foot two, decked out in a bright pink suit and no shoes.

Which makes sense, because I did wander into a shoe store at the mall. The thought of that makes me giddy. The mall is a place every young girl loves to spend her time. It’s also a place I wasn’t allowed to go.

Since moving out east, I’ve been here no less than ten times, and I’ve only been here since the beginning of the summer.

“Aha!” She snaps her fingers together. “I caught ya!”

“How’d you know?”

“You had that whimsical look about you and almost plowed over an eighty-three-year-old woman. A man has to be on your mind for that to happen.” She waves her hand. “When you’re my age, you can spot young love from across the room.”

“Love?” I balk. “No, it’s definitely not love. I hardly know the guy.”

“Oh.” Her eyes light up. “You’re thinking about having sex with him then.” She nods like she understands completely. “I see. Well, that makes even more sense.”

I choke on air and she’s beating on my back with all her might within seconds. She sure does pack a punch for an octogenarian.

“I was not expecting that.”

“Come on, now. What’s a little sex talk between gals, huh? No harm in wanting some lovin’.”

I blink twice. I cannot believe this is happening.

“I suppose that’s true.”

“So, what’s this hunk look like?”

“He’s, uh, he’s tall and tan.” She nods, hanging on to my every word. “Very muscled.” Another nod. “Tattoos.”

She fans herself. “Oh, my. I do love tattoos. It’s not something us old folks grew up with, but it’s one new trend this lady can appreciate.”

“It was never something I was much into either until…”

“I hear you, sweetie.” She grabs my hand in hers. “Well, he sounds like a catch, and if he has you all wrapped inside your head like that, you hold on to him.”

“There’s nothing to hold on to. We’re just friends.”

She winks. “With benefits, though.”

My cheeks heat up again and she pats my hand before walking off.

What in the world…

I shake my head and continue on my way, only to come to a complete stop when I round the corner to go to the next aisle.

“You said tall, tan, muscled, and full of tattoos, right? Didn’t even bother mentioning my sexy grin and charm?” He tsks. “I’m disappointed, Monty.”

I’m struck silent.

There’s no way he’s standing in front of me right now. It’s impossible. I have to be hallucinating.

“Cat got your tongue?”

“W-What are you doing here?” I manage to sputter.

He lifts a broad shoulder. “Shoe shopping.”

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