Consider Yourself Lucky

Two

I tried not to think about it. I tried distracting myself from the fact that he finds me attractive. I've never had someone look at me the way he did. Well, Flake does. My cat. But only when it's time for me to feed her. Grandma got me Flake when I was fifteen. She said by then I was old enough to take on the responsibility of another life, but of course with something as simple as a cat. On my fifteenth birthday, she took me to three different shelters to find a white kitten. I specifically wanted a white one because I thought maybe she would bring me some good luck. Or at least keep any extra bad luck away. Which for the most part, she has.

Every Friday, I work my eight to five shifts at the grocery store. It's seven in the morning and I'm dreading getting out of bed. Not like I have to be at work in an hour. I drag myself to the shower and take a quick ten-minute rinse. I get out and throw my uniform on and run downstairs to grab breakfast. Grandma hands me a muffin and some coffee in my travel mug and I'm on my way out the door. I get to work five minutes before I have to clock in and prepare myself for the day ahead of me.

When the clock hits one it's time for my lunch break. I run to the deli to grab a sandwich and get to the service desk to pay for my food. As I'm waiting for the person in front of me to finish their transaction, I hear a familiar voice behind me.

"Fancy seeing you here." I turn to see Collin standing behind me, smile so wide.

"Well not so fancy considering this is my job. I'm here more often than not." I'm hoping he understands sarcasm. I don't want to seem rude like I was yesterday.

"You're right. I guess it's fancy seeing me here, huh?" Good, sarcasm back.

Suzanne calls to me indicating it's my turn in line. I get to the desk and give her my sandwich and water to scan. I hand her a five-dollar bill, grab my food, and proceed outside to the patio tables to eat.

Two minutes later, Collin walks out of the store holding a package.

"Fan mail?" I say a little too enthusiastically.

"I wish. I'm not that popular. However, if you're interested in sending some fan mail, I do enjoy steaks or beer." Beer. GROSS.

He sounds like a typical guy. Steaks on the grill with a beer in his hand listening to rock and roll on his iPod. Meanwhile I sit at home eating pasta, drinking homemade lemonade listening to whatever classical music Grandma plays on her record player. Maybe I do need to get out more.

"Well, I'd be a bigger fan if we didn't meet the way we did."

"Gosh Addy, I told you I was s-"

"Sorry, yes I know. I was getting under your skin." He smiles at me. I smile back.

"When do you get off work?" Why is he asking when I get off work? What does he want?

"Uhh, five o'clock. What about you?" Why did I ask that? He owns his own store, I'm sure he can close shop whenever he feels like it.

"Whenever I want. How do you feel about steaks and beer?" Again, beer. GROSS.

"I don't like beer and steak medium rare. But even if I did like beer, it's lasagna night and Grandma would be upset if I wasn't home." Grandma would actually be excited if I went to get steaks and beer. Even more excited if she knew it would be with the handsome flower shop owner.

"Did you think I was asking you to go get steaks and beer with me?"

"Oh, I uh-" He wasn't? Now I'm embarrassed.

"Addy, I was just getting under your skin. I was asking. But we don't want to upset Grandma so maybe another time." Oh, he was.

"I also hope she liked her roses. Tell her she's welcome to my shop anytime."