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“Okay, this is where it’s getting complicated. Yes. This felt like fate until … I had a customer fix me up with his grandson. His name is Koen, and he’s a welder. He’s sexy. Steph, I’m talking about the kind of sexy that’s making me think about sex nonstop.”
“Now, this is what I’m talking about. Go on. I’m listening.”
I giggle before taking another bite of my oats. “He has a cute little dog,” I mumble before swallowing, “that he takes to work with him. And he’s funny and confident. And sexy. Did I mention that?”
“Ugh, Winnie’s crying. Hurry up.”
“You can call me back later, but I’m in quite the conundrum because, in a matter of days, my life went from perfectly uneventful to having two guys I like. My feelings for them are quite different, but there is some overlap, and that’s the part that’s making this hard to navigate. But it’s a good problem. I hope.”
“Okay. I’m excited for you and can’t wait to hear more. Go have really hot sex with one of them and tell me all about it. I can’t remember the last time I had it.”
I laugh. “Kiss the girls for me … and Dax too.”
“Will do. Bye, Scottie.”
I finish eating and get ready to open the shop. Koen messages me several times in the process. He’s been texting me while he’s out of town. Sometimes, it’s a simple “hi” with a goofy emoji; sometimes, it’s a photo of something he’s welding. In return, I send him the occasional “hi” and pictures of products I’m unloading or my progress on the puzzle.
On Tuesday,Herb’s my first customer of the day. He’s a great start to any day.
“Good morning, young lady.” He tips his fedora, which covers his thick white hair, while grabbing a small cart to use as a walker. He chose a navy cardigan today instead of his usual gray. He’s a dapper man at nearly six feet tall but stands closer to five-nine with hunched shoulders.
“Morning, Herb. Are you having a good day?”
“I am now.”
I smile because I always ask him the same question, and he always gives me the same answer.
“The boy said I did a good job.”
Refilling the soda syrups, I shoot him a curious glance. “The boy?”
“Koen. He said you two met. And you’re …” He scratches his jaw. “What was the word he used?”
I don’t know, but the anticipation is killing me.
“Unethical?” He shakes his head a half dozen times. “No. No. That’s not right. My brain’s still asleep.”
I hold back my giggle, relieved that’s not the right word.
“The word’s not there.” He sighs, wheeling the cart toward the produce section, where he’ll pick out one orange, one ripe banana, and two green-topped carrots.
He’s a creature of habit, buying only what he needs for one day. I’m not sure if he likes his produce as fresh as possible or if he enjoys visiting with me. “I’m going to ask him,” he says. “Otherwise, it will drive me crazy.”
“It’s fine. No need to check with him.”
Too late.
Herb has his phone out of his pocket. “Siri, call Koen.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t get that,” Siri replies.
“SIRI, CALL KOEN!”
I die.
Covering my mouth to muffle my laughter, I feel my cheeks burn with embarrassment. I’m so glad no one else is in the store.
“Hey, what’s up?” Koen answers.
