Cheers
It was eleven thirty-two in the morning when I finally woke up. I didn't even bother texting her. I knew she was either asleep or some other thing. I usually only heard from her at night, or after work when she was horny and needed me to get her off, which was a fair trade, considering I cleaned the entire apartment every morning after she spent the night. Not to mention, I hadn't needed double A batteries in over a month. Lindy was someone worth thinking about. Just not until later; I had things to do. I slid out of bed, and felt the warm wooden floor under my bare feet, thanks to the warm ray of sunlight that always seemed to make it through my blinds. I was instantly greeted by Cassie, my Shih Tzu. It was as if she could sense my awakening. Some days, I would open my eyes, and just lay there motionless, in bed. Still, she would come bursting through my door, like we were being robbed. Not that a small nine-pound dog would be my first choice against an armed criminal. She was perfect though. I remember the adorable cream-colored puppy at the animal shelter. I almost tripped over her three times on my way to the kitchen to make us breakfast. I slipped on my size ten house shoes and opened the fridge, and the cabinet. With my morning tunes playing in the background, I gripped the handle to my refrigerator, trying not to make eye contact with my to-do list for the day. Opening it, I already knew that number one on the list was groceries. I grabbed eggs, half a gallon of milk, the last slice of cheese, a handful of spinach, tomatoes, and onions. From the cupboard, I took out a banana. I made a veggie omelet, and for Cassie, my low on groceries backup dog food with meat mixed in, to avoid her attitude. Right before taking my first bite, Jordan called. I answered after a few rings. "Hello?" It was a video call. She looked at me and smiled. "Where are you?" I tried to feign disinterest in the conversation, but just enough to keep her on the line. "I'm at my place. Why?" She looked away from the camera, and back at me. "Same. Was hoping I could come and visit." I answered quickly and thoughtfully: "Maybe later. I've got a lot to do today." She licked her lips. "Okay, when you're done, let me come and help you unwind. I'll bring you some wine; I know you like that fancy shit." Yeah. If Lindy doesn't have plans for me, I thought. I grinned sheepishly. "Yeah. I'll call you." I ended the call. I stared across my black table and looked around at the five empty chairs surrounding it. On several occasions, I thought I should plan a get-together, but the cleaning up, getting everyone on the same schedule, and having to be the best possible host, even when people are here longer than expected (and some people just never want to leave.) I guess I was going to have to put that aside because I shot out of the door with my car keys and nothing else; half an omelet on my plate and the milk still on the counter. I drove until I reached my favorite grocery store.
Not many people shopped there, but just enough people needed groceries often enough to keep them in business. If they weren't, then I surely was. I greeted Dylan, a man who always seemed to be working on the floor when I was there. He tried to ask me out on a date on multiple occasions, but usually, I was with Cassie, and she did not like him at all. Which was convenient because neither did I. I was schlepping my way through the party favors until I took a sharp turn, and bumped right into this girl. I couldn't tell who it was at first until my vision wasn't so blurry anymore. It was Lindy. My heart dropped and I began feeling a bit.. thirsty. She had this ridiculous effect on my body. Still, I kept my cool. "What are you doing here, stalker?" She laughed and looked me in my eyes. I could just kiss her at that very moment. Maybe Dylan would see us and take a hint. "I need some of those cute baby girl paper plates, for my niece's birthday." I pointed right in that direction as if I had been working there all of my life. "Top left." She thanked me. I said nothing. "I can't believe you had the energy to wake up this morning." She said, licking her lips as if I were naked before her eyes. I replied quickly and wittily. "What, did you think I was gonna sit in bed all day waiting for you to come and fuck me or something?" She shrugged her shoulders and then winked at me. "You're a creep," I said in between giggles. "Call me." She said as she walked to the dairy aisle. I bet she didn't even need paper plates, I thought. She's going in the complete opposite direction. Anyway, party favors. I bought magic trick sets, fake peanut gags, shot glasses, and mustaches. I soon realized that I was going to need a shopping cart. I walked over to the front of the store, like a walking toy chest, and dumped them in the nearest cart. After what seemed like hours, I was finally done. I had the pastries, the burgers, the veggies, luxury dog food, and even the alcohol. I wanted to call Lindy, but I couldn't; the sun was still out.
