Page 43 of This Time Around

“I was not hangry,” she protests.

“No? You only inhaled your burrito like you were carb loading for the Olympics for fun, and then magically became level headed again?” I tease.

She bumps my shoulder with hers, ignoring my comment, “Let’s go get burgers. I might need another carb load for our little marathon later.” She winks.

“Oh, you think so?” I ask.

“Yes,” she grabs her purse and walks out the door.

Perfection is Fleeting

“Oh, kiss me beneath the milky twilight”

-Sixpence None The Richer

Blake

“Still not ideal, but I appreciate the update,” I tell the vendor on the phone. She just called to update me on the shipment I am waiting for. I know it is not their fault, so I try really hard to control my emotions when speaking to her. Her company is also in a tight spot, and she is throwing in a few promotional items for free with my order for the inconvenience.

“What are you up to beautiful?” Luke whispers in a velvety tone as he comes up behind me, rubbing my shoulders.

“Just got off the phone with the vendor. She said they’re going to deliver my order a few days early and are throwing in a few free promotional items for the inconvenience.” I turn to him with a crooked smile.

“You know what?” he asks with a raised brow. “I have a few days off, and you’re all caught up for the opening. Let’s take a little retreat for the night.”

“A retreat to where?” I ask.

“It’s a surprise.” His grin is delicious. “You go to the bar and tie up any loose ends so you can relax, and I’ll handle everything else.”

“What should I pack?”

“Nothing. I’ve got it all handled.” He smiles.

“Fuck no! If we are going somewhere, I want to make sure I am prepared and have the right clothes,” I argue.

“Well, the only one who will see you is me, so as long as I like them, that’s all that matters. To be honest, you won’t really need them, anyway.” He slaps me on the ass and ushers me out the door.

Butterflies swirl in my stomach and my mind buzzes with curiosity as I make my way to the bar. There is something about surprises that just makes me so happy, and the thought of being at Luke’s mercy for the night makes the thought even better.

I stop at the lingerie store around the corner to pick him out a little surprise of his own on my way.

I make my way to the back of the small store to the display of intimate sets. I am not a fan of lingerie. My thighs are a little thick and my boobs are a little small, not really being blessed with curves in places showcased by lingerie, so it always feels a little lackluster to me when I put it on.

I’m fumbling through the racks, making my second lap around a small selection, when I hear a soft voice over the sound of the soft music filling the space, offering a soothing melody crooning through the speakers.

The shop is small, with only about 10 racks and a few shelves scattered through the space. Each section labeled with a small sign hanging overhead. There are sections for basics and essentials, shapewear, and intimates.

I peek over the rack and catch sight of a short, elderly woman standing just on the other side. Her hair, a soft cloud of white, styled in tight, neat curls, framing her face with a touch of elegance. She’s dressed in a soft pink blouse, paired with black slacks, hanging effortlessly at her sides. Her black orthopedic shoes are practical and sturdy, yet still enhance the elegance of her look.

A beautiful string of yellow pearls drapes around her neck, with matching earrings dangling from her ears. She embodies the picture-perfect image of a grandmother-warm, approachable, and timeless.

My gaze shifts to her face where her makeup is far more pronounced than most women her age.

A soul that mirrors mine.

The soft blush on her cheeks, the bold outline of her eyes, and the vibrant lipstick are a deliberate contrast to the natural gentleness of her features and clothes, begging to stand out. It’s as though she’s crafted a persona, not just for today, but for a lifetime, and it’s both striking and unexpected.

“Sorry, what was that?” I ask, realizing I was so struck by her beautiful appearance, I didn’t catch what she said.