Page 6 of Something New

“What?” My head turns back to Miranda waving an even bigger chew toy in front of my face. “How many things does Chucky need? You’re going to go broke on that dog.”

“Mind your business. I’m going to spoil him rotten, he’s my baby. What do you keep looking at over there?”

“Have you seen that girl in here before? The one talking to my aunt?” I pull back my shoulder for her to see.

“Nah. Why?”

“She walked into me when we came in.”

“You want me to question her? Get her name, number, and history?”

“Why would you do that?”

“Your head hasn’t stopped swiveling over there like a revolving door. I could get things going for you with a smooth introduction. You have no game when you try to get a woman’s number.”

“What are you talking about? I have no problem talking to women and getting a number.”

“Hmm…when’s the last time you’ve been on a date?”

Shit. It has been a while. But… “Last month—“

“I mean with someone new. Where you actually go out and have a stimulating conversation which makes you want to know more about the person you’re on a date with.” She turns to me and tucks the chew toy under her arm. “Sex with an ex is not a date. It’s an easy lay. Way back when last month doesn’t count.”

“Worry about your dog who you’re more enthusiastic about than your husband. I got this.”

“We’ll see, buttercup.” She smirks. “And as for my husband's happiness, like my dogs, mind your business.”

“That’s a double standard I’ll ignore, the way you ignore not getting into my personal life, aka my business.” We walk out of the aisle and I tell Miranda I’ll catch up with her as she walks into the ten items or less checkout line.

I follow my aunt walking into the aisle beside me. “Hey, Aunt Rachel.” She stops holding her notepad against her chest. “Who’s the new girl at the register in the green top?”

“That’s Lexi. Why?”

“She accidentally bumped into me. I haven’t seen her in here before. How long did you say she’s been working here?”

“I didn’t.” She stares at me, while I nod my head waiting for an answer and for her to elaborate.

“You could help me out here by making this easier.”

“What do you want me to make easier, Noah?” She smiles broadly.

I smile back at her with a smile just as bright and tip my head behind me. “Who is she?” I point to the shield on my chest. “This is sort of official business.”

“What kind of official business, Noah?”

“Making me work for it, aren’t you?”

“You know.” She shrugs carelessly. “The official business of…?”

“Getting to know who that attractive young lady is.”

“Short or long version?”

“Short please, I gotta get back out there.”

“First thing I’ll say is, I like her.”

“That’s good. Means I will also like her.” I rock on my feet waiting for her to speed this up.

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