Page 31 of Champagne Nights

He pulled over to the curb, and after climbing out, Aubrey held my arm, and I walked her down the street to CVS. Walking into the store, I looked up at the signs to see which aisle the toothbrushes were in.

“Aisle five is where we need to go.”

“Okay. Lead the way.”

A smile crossed my lips after she said that, and I couldn’t help but stare at her.

“What kind of toothbrush do you want?” I asked.

“Anything medium is fine.”

“Do you have a favorite color? Shit. I’m sorry.”

“What are you apologizing for?”

“Asking you if you had a favorite color. I mean, without your eyesight, I would assume you don’t even know what colors are.”

“Hmm.” She placed her finger on her lips. “I lost my eyesight when I was eight, but I learned all my colors when I was about four. I know what colors are and what they look like. And to answer your question, my favorite color is blue.”

“Again, I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”

“Stop apologizing, and just grab me a blue toothbrush.” She laughed.

I grabbed one and asked her if there was anything else she needed.

“Do you have toothpaste?” she asked.

“Of course I do. Do you think that I never brush my teeth?”

She smiled. “Just making sure, Mr. Klein. I should also get some new deodorant. I’m almost out anyway.”

“Okay. That’s in the next aisle over.”

She took hold of my arm, and I led her to aisle four.

“What kind?”

“Secret. But make sure it’s the solid, not the gel.”

“Damn. Why are there so many scents?”

“Because we women have to smell nice, and we always have to have options. You pick.”

“Me?” I asked.

“Yes, you.” Her smile grew wide.

I sighed as I started taking the caps off different scents and smelling them. What the hell was I doing?

“This lavender one smells good.” I held it up to her nose.

“Lavender is my favorite scent. It’s the same one I have at home.”

“Lavender it is, then. Anything else?”

“I’ll need some makeup remover wipes.”

“Where would those be?” I asked.

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