Page 59 of Fish out of Water

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I was ‘smart’.

I was ‘funny’.

I was not, however, wantable.

So I changed.

I started over. Made myself better.

Better looking.

More successful.

Proved I was worth considering.

And it worked. Sort of.

I stepped deeper into the shop. “Do you carry shoes?”

“For sure.” The guy stepped out from behind the rack.

And I realized he was not what I thought he was.

I followed him toward the back of the store, struggling to keep my eyes off the screaming yellow of his pants and the pineapple print stamped all across them. His shirtsleeves were rolled up and a stack of random leather bands wrapped around his wrists. A pinky ring sparkled at me from one hand.

“We carry loafers, oxfords, wingtips, and chukka boots.” He motioned to a wall of leather in all colors and styles. “If you find something you like let me know and I’ll grab your size from the back.”

The bell to the door dinged and he left me staring at the options.

Questioning more than my choice in footwear.

“Oh my gosh. I love your pants.”

I knew that voice.

It was currently the bane of my existence.

I turned to find Julia a little too close to Pineapple Pants, her smile wide.

And it pissed me off.

I was past the racks of printed slacks just as he was introducing himself.

“I’m Benjamin.” He tucked one hand into the pocket of the tapered pants Julia was admiring and held the other her way.

“Julia.”

My fists clenched as her hand fitted into his.

“Who are you shopping for today, Julia?”

I didn’t like him touching her.

I didn’t like him saying her name.

“Me.” I crowded in at her side.

Pineapple Pants took a half step back and I hated him a little less.

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