Once she's down, I say quietly, "Stay here for a moment please. She seems a little unstable." I start for the stairs and realize Beau is behind me. I look up at him questioningly.
He leans forward and whispers, "I'm not going to leave you alone with that crazy lady." I sigh wondering how this night went downhill so fast.
When I open the door, she turns looking at me and then Beau.
Her voice is shaky as she says, "I'm sorry you had to hear that." She looks down, then back up at him through her lashes, her eyes a bit glossy. "I shouldn't have responded to her attack." My what? Oh, she's good I'll give her that. She continues, "I'm pretty upset. Would you mind helping me get a cab?" Her face is completely innocent. I am forced to reevaluate my earlier paranoid assessment of her character.
"I'll get you a cab," he says coolly exiting the store with her on his heels.
"Would you like me to grab your purchase?" I ask him, holding the door open.
She looks up at him, hopeful. He doesn’t reply as he moves out into the street where a cab stops immediately. He opens the door for her, and she looks at me like a cat that just ate the canary. I imagine her pushing a yellow feather back in with the tip for her finger. I nearly laugh, she is so two-faced.
"Would you like to share?" she asks suggestively, and you can tell the offer applies to more than a cab ride.
"We are headed in separate directions," he says sounding relieved.
"But---how do you know?" she pouts as he closes the door on her upturned face. He hits the window using the universal cabby speak forgo. Her expression is priceless as the driver speeds away. I let a little snort of laughter escape my lips.
Beau turns and throws his hands in the air, "Way to throw me to the wolves. ‘Can I get your purchase?’" He mocks and walks back toward me, crowding my personal space a bit.
He follows me as I step back into the store.
"Hey! How am I supposed to know if you fell for that crazy lady's crap? She sure seemed confident you'd go with her.” I turn my back to him, “By the way do you know her? Did she follow you here?” I turn to look pointedly at him, “Because I don't want her coming back."
He looks offended, "Me! I've never seen that person, but I'm pretty sure she tried to put her hand down my pants at one point tonight, either that, or Mickey is one feisty grandma."
I laugh at the image of Mickey copping a feel, and he scowls but starts laughing, making me laugh even harder.
"I don't doubt Mickey would do it but not the first night she's met you," I say through giggles.
He nods his head believing me and looking properly warned, "I can see that, and somehow I'd much rather it'd been her hand than that nasty piece of work." My laughter dies as I turn and see Lisa and Amy on the main floor now, watching us.
"Hey guys sorry to offend you," I say sincerely. "Things were just going a little too far." I smile in chagrin, hoping they don't cause another scene.
Lisa answers for them both, "No, Sam, you were right. That was uncalled for." She looks at Beau, embarrassed. I’m not sure how much he heard, but I'd be embarrassed too.
I smile, letting them know it's over, "Sorry you guys had to stay even longer. Let me get you guys a cab to get you home safely.”
After a few polite denials, I get the roommates into a cab, giving a generous tip. I step out into the street to get another for Beau. He sees what I'm doing and grabs my upturned hand lowering it.
"I'll be walking. Thanks anyway." I start to insist when he shakes his head, "I'm only a few blocks that way."
He points in the direction of my studio. I shrug my shoulders. He's a grown man and a huge one at that. Someone would have to be crazy to bother him, so I concede.
"Alright. I hope this incident doesn't scare you from coming back. Truly, nothing like this has ever happened. I think the majority found insight in your male perspective and appreciated it," I say honestly.
He waves his hand dismissively with a smirk, "If that's all I have to deal with to get a little normal, then sign me up." His answer is a little strange, but I like the way the left side of his smile is higher than the right. My mind blanks as I stare at his lips. His straight white teeth come into view, and I realize his smile has gotten bigger. I’ve most likely been caught staring at his mouth. Great.
"Have a good night Beau," I say retreating back into the store.
I lock the door and turn my back to him, blowing out a long breath, "Could you be more obvious?" I ask myself out loud. He doesn't even remember the grocery store incident and here you are, oogling his soft full lips.
I snort at my thoughts.
Banging on the door sounds behind me, making me jump and scream. My hands are held over my heaving chest as I turn and see Beau looking through the door. He mimes turning a key on the door.
I unlock it for him. "Everything okay?" I ask, breathing a little hard.
