That Boy With The Beanie

Babe?

I pass the books to Gem, the bookstore worker who I know as my appearance in this store isn’t uncommon.

“Hi Charley” Gem says. She is about 20 and has brown, braided hair and is about the same height as me.

“Hey, Gem” I respond “How are you?”

“Good” She responds “You see that fittie with the lip stud? He is in the sports section, I think. He’s a real hottie, you should see him” Just as Gem says that Luke comes around the corner with two books, one about football from Australian culture, one about Liverpool’s Best Players Ever. Typical boy.

His eyes find mine and he smiles. He obviously isn’t done looking, as he goes over to the Graphic Novel section. I often visit that particular section. I am a kinda nerd. Well, a hardcore nerd.

“Ooooh” Gem says, hitting me slightly hard on the shoulder “He got the hots for you, guuuurl” Gem smiles. I decide not to say anything, I wanna see what she says when Luke calls me Babe or holds my hand. Even nerds need to show off every now and then.

Luke walks back towards us, holding a few copies of some graphic novels and his two football books. He reaches us, slides the books on the counter, comes behind me, puts his hands on my waist, gently and kisses me on the neck. He smiles and so do I. Gem’s mouth has dropped, and she looks totally shocked as she starts to put my books through the till.

“You ready babe?” Luke says. There it is.

“Yeah you babe?” I respond.

“Yeah” He says. Gem, still as shocked as ever, finishes putting my books through the till.

“All together?” She asks, slightly directing the question towards Luke. I try to say ‘no separate’ but Luke beats me to it.

“Yes, please” He smiles at Gem, who is still shocked. Gem finishes putting Luke’s books through the till, and then puts both our books into two bags. Gem places the bag on the counter, and places the receipt in the bag.