Page 12 of Living for Truth
We text pretty much every day, just checking in, and sending each other random pictures. She sends me pictures of interesting books she finds in the library, and I send her pictures of the arrangements I make.
It’s nice.
But I want to meet her in person.
I’m working up the courage to ask her to hang out, but I haven’t figured out a way to bring it up organically.
The bell above the shop’s door rings, and I walk around the back counter to greet the customer. I stop in my tracks when my eyes land on one of the prettiest women I’ve ever seen.
She’s probably about five-foot-seven, dirty blonde hair cut in a bob just above her shoulders, and is curvyas all get-out. The black jumpsuit she’s wearing hugs her in all the right places, showcasing her wide hips perfect for grabbing and thighs that would feel so fucking good wrapped around my head.
I take a deep breath to calm myself because I shouldn’t be having sex fantasies about a customer, let alone one I haven’t even spoken to.
But then she turns her hazel eyes framed with round gold wire glasses on me and gives me a soft smile with luscious lips covered in a glossy pink hue, and my breath stutters.
I clear my throat and put on a smile to hopefully cover the fact I was totally ogling her. “Hey there, welcome in. Is there something specific you’re looking for today?”
“Hi. I’m actually looking for…” She shakes her head. “Never mind, sorry. I’m just here to pick up an order for Mitch.”
“Ah, yes, I just finished wrapping it. Follow me, and I’ll get you checked out.” I walk back to the counter, and the blonde goddess follows me, her eyes taking in the premade bouquets, the various potted plants for sale, and the wall of buckets housing individual flowers for a “do-it-yourself” bouquet experience.
“Everything in here is so lovely,” she says as I round the counter and grab the bouquet of roses from the fridge.
She eyes the jewelry on the counter, her gaze snagging on the peach moonstone crystal butterfly necklace. She reverently traces a finger over the pink crystal and gold chain before placing her hands back at her sides and perusing the rest of the jewelry.
“Thank you, my sister’s my silent business partner, and she likes to make sure it looks ‘aesthetically pleasing.’I’m not complaining though, I’d rather focus on the flowers. She’s also the one who makes the jewelry.”
“It’s all gorgeous.”
“Yeah, she’s pretty talented. Mitch paid online when he ordered, so I’ll just need a signature here.” I turn the iPad around, and she uses her pointer finger to scribble a signature.
“Perfect,” I say, handing over the bouquet and wishing this interaction wasn’t so quick. It feels unprofessional to ask for her number or make a move, so I don’t. I’ll just have to hope she comes back sometime. “You’re all set. Is there anything else I can help you with?”
She pulls her bottom lip between her teeth, glancing around the store again, looking like she’s going to ask a question, but she stops and shakes her head again. “No, I think that’s everything. Thank you so much for your help.”
“Anytime. I hope to see you again soon.” I try to add a little flirtation to my smile, but I’m not sure it comes across that way.
“I’m sure I’ll be back. Have a wonderful day.” She smiles at me, then turns and walks to the door.
“You too!” I try—and fail—not to watch her walk away. When the bell dings, signaling her departure, I turn back to the iPad to see if I can put a name to the face. The only legible part is the “H” at the beginning of her signature. The rest is all scribbly.
The “H” reminds me of Hannah. The girl I’m crushing on who I’ve never met. How ironic I have a crush on a girl I’ve only talked to through text with no idea what she looks like and another crush on a girl I only had atwo minute interaction with but no clue what her name is.
I’m a hopeless romantic at heart. I fall fast and hard and then get my heart broken. It’s been a pattern since I was in junior high, and apparently I haven’t grown out of it.
It’s why it was so hard to be in the NFL. When I was playing football, people wanted to be with me for status and benefits, not because ofme. I also didn’t have a lot of time for deep connections because of the practice schedule, but I tried my best.
It’s why it’s hard now as a thirty-six year old man to just jump into a relationship without vetting people thoroughly. It’s not just my heart that could get broken if I attach myself to someone. If I introduce someone to Alyssa, and then they disappear, it would break her heart, too.
The bell above the door rings again, and I take a deep breath and plaster on my customer service smile.
No time for life complications when there are people who need flowers.
“But I promise to clean the litter box for a week! Come on, Dad. Every other girl in the class will be there,” Aly whines, twirling her spaghetti around her fork.
“Bub, you’re supposed to do that anyway. That’s your contribution. You know the rules. I’m more than happy to let you go to the party and have a late night but no sleepovers.”
“Ugh! You’re the worst!” She stands from the table, storms out of the kitchen, and up to her room, slamming the door and rattling the wall.
