Incandescent

CHAPTER TEN.

Charley

It's been a rough, tear-filled week. I'm surprised I was able to get out of bed this morning. "Urg, break up suck." I grumbled.  The weather is as miserable as I felt, it's raining cats and dogs outside. I looked up when the door opened and our eyes met. Is it the last Monday of the month already? A smile blossomed against his lips. My heart skipped a beat. I smiled back and dropped my gaze to my computer. When I glanced up he was making his way down the aisle. I let out a harsh breath as I watched him.

"Will you ever talk to him?" Marie asked with a sigh. I glanced at her and shook my head.

"I-I doubt I'm his type. I mean look at me," I began, gesturing at my dirt covered apron and worn out jeans, "I'm so not his type." Does he even like white girls?

"You are beautiful and I would kill to have your long legs." Marie pointed out. I chewed on my lip, thoughtfully. That's sweet of you but I'm not convinced.  Even if I did—what would I say?

"Isn't it too soon?" I asked. "It's been a week since Shane."

"So! Do you think Shane is sitting around moping over you?" I opened my mouth to answer. "No! Now go over there and talk to him."

I took a deep breath and tightened my ponytail. "Do you have any—thanks." Like always she knew exactly what I needed. I applied some lipgloss and tossed it back to her. "Do I have anything in my teeth?" I asked.

"No you're good." She replied. I got to my feet and went searching for him. I found him in aisle 4, he's looking at hedge clippers. I straightened my apron.

"Hi, do you need help?" I asked with a smile. His dark eyes shifted to me and he smiled. He's 6'2 maybe 6'3, well built and long legged. He's overdressed for a gardening store in his violet button down and slacks.

"I'm good, thanks." He replied.

"Ok, I'm here if you need anything." I said and turned on my heel. You could have at least gotten his name. Something. I groaned. There's no way I'm his type. I walked back to my station and sat down with a huff. Marie was dealing with a customer and the moment the customer left she turned to me and shook her head.

"You didn't talk to him." She said and rolled her grey eyes.

"I did. I asked if he needed help, he said he didn't so I came back."

"Charley—"

"At least I tried!" I spat, "beside what would I have in common with a freaking lawyer? What would we talk about?"

Marie closed her station and jumped off her stool. She shook her head as she made her way down the aisle, grumbling to herself. When she returned he was with her. He was laughing at something she said. He made his way to my station and placed hedge clippers, a hose and two packets of Lavender seeds on the belt. He payed with cash and handed me his card when I gave him his change. I took it hesitantly and looked at him. He didn't meet my gaze until he dropped his items into a bag he brought with him. "Call me when you're free for drinks, Charlotte." He said and pointed at his card.

"I'm-I'm free tonight." I cornered. He twisted his full lips, thoughtfully. And every other night.

"Is 9 o'clock at Don's, ok?" He asked. I nodded with a smile. He smiled back. "I'll see you then." He said and strode off. I turned to Marie waving his card at her.

"What did you say to him?"

"I told him my best friend thinks he's hot but you're too shy to talk to him." She confessed. Urg! Did you have to tell him I think he's hot?

"What did he say?"

"He asked if it was the blonde with green eyes and I said yes." She replied, "if you ask me—I think he was hoping you'd ask him out yourself." She added shrugging. Really? I looked down at his card. He wanted me to ask him out? This is unreal. I thought back to the many easy smiles and stolen glances he has gave me over the years and it washed a wave of giddiness over me.