Blank Pages

Three

Richard slides his phone back into his pocket and follows the sales assistant to the register to complete his purchase. He thanks her politely as she hands him back his credit card and informs him that the items will be delivered the next day. As he slowly pockets his wallet and receipt, he makes up his mind. He walks over to the other end of the counter where Pretty but Talentless Painter is still filling out forms and clears his throat. She looks up.

"Hey. Did you see anything you like?"

He resists the urge to respond with a cheesy pickup line. Don't be a creep, Richard. "Yup, your sister is a very convincing salesperson."

She laughs that fascinating laugh again and Richard finds himself involuntarily leaning closer to hear it better. "She is. Well, I'm glad you got what you came for."

An awkard silence ensues and he mentally berates himself. Kingina, Faulkerson. You ARE a p*ssy. It's just coffee, you've done this before! Yes, but not in very long time. How does one ask a girl out, again? Ugh. P*ssy. The awkward silence has started to become an unnerving one, and he can see the wariness creep into Pretty but Talentless Painter's eyes. He takes a deep breath.

"Wait. Before I go. I wanted to ask...would you like to have coffee with me? I want to make up for...you know. What I said about your painting earlier."

She puts her pen down and studies his face, her tense expression relaxing. "But I told you I wasn't offended. Besides, sinagot mo lang naman yung tanong ko eh. Nothing to make up for."

Richard uneasily runs a hand through his hair. "Okay. Then how about to thank you for your assistance?"

"Wala naman akong ginawa. Coleen was the one who walked you through the whole store, you should ask her to have coffee with you," she points out, the hint of a smile appearing on her lips.

Richard's eyebrow twitches ever so slightly. She isn't making this easy. Alright. One last attempt. "Sige, ganito na lang. Would you like to have coffee with me simply because I find you charming and intriguing and I'd like to know a little more about you?" He raises both hands in front of him, palms open. "Just as potential friends, no hidden agenda."

A pause.

Then her pretty face breaks into a wide grin. "Okay. Friendly coffee it is."