I set aside the wax lips on the counter and taking a piece of paper from next to the register I write three small words. I fold up my note, punch a hole in it, and tie it around the candy using the red foil ribbon we use to gift wrap items with.
I look at the time on the register.
Another hour and he’ll be back for another cigarette break.
I walk into the stock room and tell Mimi I need a break. She comes out front to man the counter for me. I walk out of Safira’s and turn left to the coffee shop next door.
I know every person who works at Winnie’s coffee lounge and they know me and my girls pretty well, too. We’re there at least three times every day to get our coffee fix, and believe me when I tell you Winnie’s coffee is the bomb.
It’s not a large coffee lounge. In fact, there is only one three seater lounge in the store because that’s all it can fit. It’s about a quarter of the size of Safira’s and I’m sure at one point our two stores used to be one.
I go in to find Sammi behind the counter.
Perfect. Just who I need to see.
I walk over to him and smile, he smiles back flirtatiously.
Sammi is eighteen; he works at Winnie’s part time and goes to college. He is cute. At least, I think he is under all that dark hair. His hair is long and brushed forward over one eye. The eye that I can see is a warm brown color.
He smiles and says, “Tina, babe, what can I get you?”
Ever the charmer, I reply, “Actually, Sammi, I need a favor. ”
His face shows unconcealed surprise. A small smile forms on his lips and he says in a husky voice, “Sure! Whatever you need…” He licks his lips in invitation.
I laugh, put a hand on my chest and say, “Oh my, not that kind of favor! Sammi, I’m old enough to be your Mo…uh, older sister. ”
He wiggles his brows at me and responds, “My sister ain’t a hottie. ”
I can’t help but laugh. We banter like this all the time. It’s harmless and Sammi is a sweetheart.
“Can you help me or not?” I say in mock sternness with my hands on my hips.
That charming smile appears again and he replies, “Anything for you, babe. ”
I explain to him what I need done and he looks at me like I’ve lost my mind. After pleading with him and planting and a wet, sloppy kiss on his cheek, he finally agrees.
I jump up and down in victory, thank him and walk back to Safira. I relieve Mimi, take my place at the counter and wait to see what happens.
A half hour passes and the beautiful man across the street appears, right on time, cigarette in hand. I spot Sammi making his way across the street and anxiety knots my stomach.
This was a bad idea. What was I thinking??! God, I am such a turd!
Sammi approaches beautiful man and hands a small brown paper bag to him. Sammi says a few words and walks away. He spies me through Safira’s window and winks at me.
I watch Mr. Beautiful open the brown paper bag and take out the candy.
He looks confused. I’m not surprised.
He tears the note off the ribbon, opens it and reads. He looks even more confused and my heart shrinks.
What I see next makes it all worth it.
His eyes crinkle and a small smile twitches at his lips.
Not great, but definite progress. This is the first smile I’ve seen grace his gorgeous face and it was nice. I can’t help but smile, too.
Yay, me! See?! Not such a bad idea after all.