Page 10 of Lavender Lake
“Oh. Dry cleaning, I guess,” Brock said.
I handed the receipt to Bowman who took it to the bench. He set it down and quickly scribbled his name. He then gave it to Brock who held it like a priceless artifact.
“How about a picture,” Bowman offered.
Brock gasped. “Really?”
“Really.”
Brock whipped out his phone and opened it. “Will you take our picture?”
“Sure thing. I’ll take a few. Okay, smile.” The camera app shuttered rapidly. “Okay, now do silly.”
Brock stuck out his tongue and Bowman screwed up his face in a comical expression of cross-eyes and puffy cheeks.
“Perfection.” I handed Brock his phone.
“Can I get a photo with you?” Brock asked me.
I blinked. “Me? But I’m not a legendary bull rider.”
“No.” Brock angled his head and shot me a cocky grin. “But you’re really pretty. And I want to show my friends.”
“Hmm. You might just be a legendary charmer, you know?” I quipped, and then gestured to him. “Let’s get this picture quickly before your mom blows a gasket.”
Brock stood next to me and I placed my hand on his shoulder.
“Do you have a boyfriend?” Brock asked.
Bowman held the camera steady, but his eyes were on me, as if he, too, was waiting for my answer.
“No,” I said. “I don’t have a boyfriend.”
“Good,” Brock said. “Then I have a chance.”
I laughed. “Maybe in a few years.”
“Here you go,” Bowman said, lowering the camera and handing it back to Brock.
“Thanks!” Brock grinned up at him. “This made my day!”
“Meeting me?” Bowman quipped. “Or her?”
“Her. Definitely her.” Brock blew me a kiss, and then ran back to his parents.
“That kid isn’t lacking in the charm department,” I said, looking at Bowman. “When he’s older, women everywhere won’t stand a chance.”
“Pretty sure that’s what he’s counting on,” Bowman said. “Pharmacy bag?”
“Hmm?”
“You’ve got a pharmacy bag. Like for a prescription?”
“Yes. I had a mild sinus infection. Anything else you want to know?” I crossed my arms over my chest.
“Why don’t you have a boyfriend?”
That wasn’t the question I thought he was going to ask.
