Target of Affection

Chapter 2: Flirting with Possibility

The next few days passed by in a blur for Lois. The everyday routine—the humdrum of Peter's crude jokes, the kids' constant squabbling, the endless housework—felt more tedious than ever. But in the back of her mind, she kept thinking about Naomi. She could still hear the warmth in Naomi's voice, feel the strange excitement bubbling beneath the surface whenever they talked.

Lois wasn't one to believe in fate, but every time she thought about Target, about returning, she felt a pull she couldn't ignore.

It was a Wednesday morning when she found herself in the Target parking lot again, this time with no list, no real reason to be there. Her heart raced as she stepped inside, the familiar red-and-white décor welcoming her like an old friend. Her eyes darted around, searching for Naomi.

It didn't take long to spot her.

Naomi was at the customer service counter this time, talking with another employee, her laughter carrying softly across the store. That same easy confidence radiated from her, and once again, Lois was captivated by her presence.

Taking a deep breath, Lois approached, her palms feeling oddly sweaty. "Hey, Naomi," she said, trying to sound casual.

Naomi turned, her face lighting up with a smile. "Lois, right? Back so soon? Must be those irresistible deals."

Lois chuckled, trying to suppress the rush of warmth that spread through her at Naomi remembering her name. "Yeah, something like that."

"Can I help you with anything? Or are you just 'browsing' again?" Naomi's grin was teasing, her hazel eyes sparkling with playful energy.

Lois swallowed. "Actually... I was wondering if you were free for a coffee sometime?"

For a moment, Naomi didn't answer. She simply looked at Lois, a flicker of something deeper crossing her expression. "I'd love that," she said softly, slipping a folded note into Lois' hand. "Text me. My break's in a couple of hours."

Lois nodded, her heart pounding as she pocketed the note and left the store. Her stomach fluttered as she replayed the moment in her mind. It wasn't just the flirting—it was the feeling of being seen, of someone looking at her like she was more than just a wife and mother.

As Lois drove back home, she tried to make sense of her feelings. This wasn't just about an innocent crush anymore. Something about Naomi was pulling her in, and Lois wasn't sure if she should run toward it or away from it. The idea of confronting her attraction made her anxious, but there was also something thrilling in the uncertainty. She hadn't felt this alive in years.

---

Across town, Meg sat slumped in her usual booth at the coffee shop. Riley was working behind the counter, moving with practiced efficiency as she made drinks and chatted with customers. Meg had found herself coming here more often in the past week, drawn to Riley in a way that felt oddly comforting but also intimidating.

Riley noticed her, gave a small nod, and smiled as she handed off a drink to a customer. She had that same tough, edgy look about her—choppy black hair, intense blue eyes, and a leather jacket thrown casually over her work uniform. She exuded a certain coolness, like she didn't care what people thought, and Meg envied that.

Sliding into the booth across from her, Riley smirked. "You've been coming here a lot lately. Figured you'd get bored of the place by now."

Meg shrugged. "Better than being at home."

Riley's expression softened, though only slightly. "Rough day?"

"Rough life," Meg muttered, half-joking but mostly serious.

Riley nodded, her blue eyes piercing but not judgmental. "Yeah, I get that. My family was the same way."

This was the first time Riley had mentioned anything personal, and Meg's curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"

Riley leaned back in her chair, her face hardening as she thought about it. "They weren't exactly a Hallmark card, if you know what I mean. My mom was checked out, always chasing some loser guy. Dad wasn't around, and when he was, he wasn't sober. I left as soon as I could."

Meg blinked, the vulnerability in Riley's voice surprising her. "That sounds awful. How'd you deal with it?"

"By leaving." Riley's tone was blunt but filled with an underlying sense of strength. "No point in sticking around for people who don't give a damn about you."

Meg sat in silence, her fingers wrapped around her coffee cup. Riley's words hit a little too close to home. She had always tried to ignore how neglectful her own family was, pretending things were normal, but hearing it laid out like that made it harder to keep pretending.

Riley tilted her head, sensing Meg's unease. "You ever think about getting out? You know, doing your own thing?"

"I don't know if I could," Meg admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's... complicated."

Riley didn't push, just nodded slowly. "I get that. But just so you know, you don't have to stay stuck in that place forever."

Their conversation lingered in Meg's mind long after she left the coffee shop. Riley's words were like a seed, planting the idea that maybe she didn't have to put up with her family's abuse forever. Maybe she could have a life outside of them. A life of her own.

---

Back at home, Lois stared at her phone, Naomi's number glowing on the screen. Her thumb hovered over the call button, her heart racing. She had no idea what she was getting herself into, but she couldn't deny the pull.

Taking a deep breath, she tapped the screen and waited for Naomi to answer.