I’m back at the supermarket for some necessities, and to see if I see my crush, of course. I stroll through the hardware aisle. I mean, where would all that muscle be if not there?
“Hi, can I help you?”
I know that voice. My body gets stiff and I can hear my heart pound in my ears. I’m numb. I turn around slowly and swallow hard on the frog in my throat.
“Hi,uhmm- I, I uh…”
What the heck, Kay? This is what you came for!
He’s looking extra gorgeous today. He has on a baby blue shirt, which is hugging every muscular part of his upper body. I notice that the supermarket badge is printed on the shirt. He must work here. Maybe that is why he offered to help me and not because he likes me… I realise I’ve been staring and start looking around nervously. I see that his badge says ‘Regional Manager’… that explains why I don’t see him around. He must go between the different supermarkets.
“Looking for me?” he says, completing my sentence, but I give him that “Huh” look, which makes him rephrase his statement.
“You looking for help, I presume. I can help.”
Help me to touch all over you, yeah.
“Yes, uh. I mean no, I will manage.”
I look at my watch and notice I have spent more than thirty minutes at this place. I grab a pack of nails and walk past him as fast as my legs can carry me. I am not coming back here.
But I spoke too soon, because there he is again in the parking lot, waiting at the car. Shit, did I forget some of my shopping or my bank card at the cashier? Is he here to make fun of my embarrassing moment? As I’m wondering whether to make a run for it, our eyes lock. Shit, I’m screwed. He waves at me as I come closer.
“Hi again,” he says, smiling broadly and flashing that perfect set of teeth. Oh, great, and he has deep dimples as well. Hell, I might faint here right now. Focus, Kay. I must look like a pumpkin right now. The sun is in my eyes, my mouth is dry and I can feel my upper lip sticking to my gum. I bet my hair is a mess as well.
“William Jones is the name,” he says, stretching his hand out.
“Kay, Kaylee,” I reply with dry lips and shake his hand. Very soft for a man, I notice, and it makes me smile. He takes care of himself.
“I still wanted to ask how you want to use the nails and if it was the right ones you grabbed, but you seem to be in a rush.”
Why is it so hot suddenly?
“Yeah, I think so. Want to hang a picture at the Snack Shack where I work,” I say, thinking fast on my feet. I’m glad I picked the right nails for this task, even though I was in haze. I learnt some DIY skills from Dad.
“Okaa-ay,” he says, and I can see that that’s not the answer he’s been hoping for.
“Then I won’t keep you any longer.”
I don’t mind being kept by you, I want to scream.
“As manager, I’d like to give you a short survey about your experience in the store today.”
WTF? my mind screams, and I can feel all the blood draining from my body.
Oh, so now my brain is also leaving me!
“Okay.” This time it’s me hoping for more. I hide my disappointment and wait for him to ask me some boring questions.
“Over dinner. Tonight, The Inn, 7 o’clock.” He smiles at me and leaves. What just happened right now Kay? What just happened? I’m smiling from ear to ear.
Tell us: Have you ever met someone special at an unusual place? What do you think of William so far?