Page 43 of Lessons in Love
See? He’s intuitive like that.
“I need your advice.”
When I reach the counter, he closes his romance novel with the pirates on the cover, and looks up. “The chocolate didn’t work?”
“She liked it.”
“All girls like chocolate. If she liked the other box, bring her more.”
“I’m not sure chocolate will fix this mess.”
After crossing his arms over his chest, he leans back and kicks his feet up on the counter. “Look, I’m no psychologist. I just know that we like to complicate things that aren’t so complicated. Zen. We need to get Zen with our world, become one with the things we value.”
“I’m trying, man. I’m just so fucking confused.”
“Language.”
“Huh?”
“Don’t swear. Five years ago when I decided to find true harmony with the flowers and trees, swearing had to go. Except for roses. Those bitches love a foul mouth.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Life. The journey we’re all on to find peace in our existence. You’re what? Like forty?”
Really?“Twenty-eight.”
“Whoa! Your aura is a tangled mess.”
“I know. That’s why I’m here.”
“You’re here for chocolates. You may not have known that when you walked in, but this box,” he says, pushing it forward, “will lead you to what you need.”
“A box of chocolates?”
“Trust me.” When I pick up the box, he adds, “That will be twenty-tree ninety-five.”
“For chocolates?”
“There’s a lot more in this box than the last.”
“Whatever. Here you go and keep the change.”
“Thanks, man, and I work on Monday if you want to do a recap of your date.”
“How did you know I had a date?”
“Really?” He points at my clothes.
“Fine.” I turn for the door. “I’ll see you on Monday.”
“After twelve. I like to sleep in.”
I roll my eyes and head back out the door. With my arm in the air, I have one more stop to make before I meet Virginia, so I hail a cab. When I get in, I say, “Bendel’s please.”
He eyes me in the rearview mirror, and then nods. “Fifth Avenue. You got it.”
I walk into the store, and two ladies chatting straighten up and smile. “Can I help you?” They both ask at the same time before quick stepping around a display until they’re standingnext to each other with large grins. One of their mouths tenses and she nudges the other. “My turn.”
