Page 18 of Tito

“I asked the store manager out,” I argued. “That’s a huge step. Think about it.”

“What store manager?”

“From the Buckle. I went in looking for another hat. One just like it. She’s trying to find me one.”

His eyes narrowed. “The store where that chick worked?”

“Shelley,” I said. “Her name was Shelley.”

“Where Shelley worked?”

“Uh huh.”

He glanced around the living room while formulating his thoughts. After a moment let out a long breath. “I could argue that asking her out, considering where she works, is unhealthy. I’d have to think about that one a while.”

“I think it’s a step in the right direction,” I said. “Might be for the wrong reasons, but it can’t hurt matters, that’s for sure.”

“When are you going out?” he asked.

“Saturday.”

“Day after tomorrow?”

I realized I had yet to speak to Reggie since meeting her. I nodded. “Guess it’s Thursday, huh?”

“For about ten more hours,” he said.

“I should probably say something to her,” I admitted. “I haven’t spoken to her since I asked her out.”

“When did you ask her out?”

“Right after I lost the hat. On Sunday.”

He laughed. “Might not hurt to touch base with her.”

I retrieved my phone from the end table. After a moment of staring at the screen, I looked at Goose. “Not sure what to say.”

He extended his hand. “Give me your phone.”

“Why?”

“I’ll type her a text.”

“I don’t want you sending her something that’s—”

“I’ll let you read it,” he said. “You can decide if you want to send it.”

I handed him my phone.

“Does she know you ride?” he asked.

“I didn’t mention it, no.”

“What’s her name?” he asked.

“Reggie.”

“Like Reggie Jackson?”