Cogitation

Retail

I look out the window wearily.
   My heart hammers in my chest and I viciously chew my gum.
   We're on the highway driving to the mall. Highways are like bridges except stacked on top of each other and double the height.
   If I don't look away, I'm afraid I'll have a panic attack or worse.
   I glance at my three grandmas.
   I wonder what it was like back then to be in a lesbian polyamorous relationship.
   Gotta respect our pioneers.
   "Are we almost there?"
   I sound like an impatient child.
   "We're almost there. You can probably see it from the window," Says Abuela, she rubs my arm to comfort me.
   I'm not falling for that.
   That window and I are not friends.
   "Do you remember what he looks like?" Nona asks from the passenger seat.
   "Yeah, don't worry. I won't screw up."
   "You better not. I don't know how'll be able to explain to your parents if anything goes sideways," Avó states bluntly.
   "Thanks for believing in me."
   "No need to thank me. Your welcome, though."
I got my sarcasm from her. My parents don't get sarcasm for shit. I also probably where I got my bluntness. Though, I like to think I'm not that bad.
   "We're here. Everyone get out!" She exclaims.
   I look outside my window and sure enough, there's the mall. I unbuckle myself and step outside.
   Today's the day. We've been planning for months and the time is here.
   The four of us walk inside together and ride up the escalator to the second floor.
   I hop off and look around.
   Grey suit and green tie with brown dress shoes. Dark slick back hair.
   Dark green eyes paired with bushy eyebrows.
   You'd think an overly formal guy would stick out in a commercial mall.
   There's a guy with a grey suit but with back shoes.
   There's a guy with the exact outfit but with wild dirty blonde hair.
   "There he is!" Abuela exclaims.
   I look around trying to see what she's seeing.
   A pair of hands grab my shoulders and turn me around.
   "He's this way," Avó stated with a smack to the back of my head.
   "Oh."
   There he is.
   He fits the bill exactly.
   All there's left to do is approach him and keep him talking.
   "I see him," I confirm.
   The four of us get in a huddle.
   "Do you remember what you have to say?" Asks Nona.
   I nod, "Yeah just talk about the display he's looking at and try to draw his attention away long enough for you guys to do your job."
   Abuela grins at me and ruffles my hair, "You're ready. Make us proud."
   "Y'all know how to add extra stress in an already anxiety-inducing scenario. It's a talent."
   Avó chuckles before scolding me, "Don't make her feel bad, she just excited. We've been waiting and planning this for a while now so don't ruin the moment."
   "As long as everything goes according to plan, we should all leave with our chins held high."
   "Nothing's more intimidating than three grandmas and their grandson."
   "What do mean? We're terrifying," I say with a smirk.
   "Stop procrastinating. Let's get this show on the road," Abuela states with a wide grin.
   "Waiting on you," Avó says before lightly pushing my shoulder.
   "I'm going. I'm going," I stress, lifting my hands in surrender and slowly backing away from the huddle backwards.
   I spin on my heel and stuff my hand in the pockets of jeans with my thumbs hanging out.
   I approach the display, standing well over two meters away from him.
   "It's a nice display," I say with a shrug.
   "You've seen better?" He asks.
   Hook line and sinker.
   "Well, yeah. The story is boring and dull."
   "It's a classic."
   "Exactly. It's been played out."
   "I mean, the designer told it differently."
   "No, really? No story is ever told in the same way twice. It's the subtense of the tale that matters."
   "You can't expect someone to come up with an entirely new story. You never know, they might have a deadline or a hectic life."
   "So, that means that a person should allow barriers get in the way of doing a good job? Even if a person is busy and especially if they have a deadline, they can always think of ideas. Besides, a hectic life might work for their benefit. A personal story will give more emotion and definition than a classic."
   "You're real hellbent on making me dislike this display."
   He turns to me with his arm crossed against his chest.
Bingo.
   "It's not my fault you don't have a taste."
   "Well, suppose so. But, it isn't my fault, Arlo, that you went through with the plan."
   Uh.
   "How do you know my name? What plan?"
   "Let's just say I've done my research," He looks at me dully and continues, "I know you and your grandmas were planning."
   "Yeah. Your right. We're planning on going to the mall to make fun of people's tastes in displays."
   He chuckles, "Cute. You'll be a great addition."