Just a number

It was going to be one of those days. It was summer vacation. A Saturday in June. There was a steady flow of customers. Some were her regulars and some where people just passing by. She tried to keep the smile plastered to her face as she greeted everyone that came in the doors. Her patience was wearing a little thin, though. She had kids running through the store, trying to work off the pent up energy from being in the car before having to buckle back in and continuing their journey. They had nearly knocked over 3 displays while sending another crashing to the floor. You could see the parents, already at their wits end, regretting their decision to take a family vacation. However, they were still letting their kids run wild in the store. Libby sighed and looked over at the cardboard snack display that was now lying on the floor, praying that people would walk around it and not on it until she could take a breath and get it cleaned up. Then she saw the piercing blue eyes that made her heart stop. She watched as he walked over to the two kids who knocked over the display, said something to them and then stood over them as they sheepishly picked it back up and went to stand by their parents. He smiled and winked at her, causing her to blush. He stood over by the coffee, waiting for her to clear the customers out of the store. He had to take his shot today. The worst that could happen is that she would say no. Sure, he would be disappointed but it wasn’t like he hadn’t been rejected before in his life. And he knew that it would be a possibility that she would say no. After all, he was close to sixty years old and while he didn’t know her exact age, he figured that she was in her mid to late 30s. As she was taking care of the last customer, he walked up with a cup of coffee in each hand. When it was his turn, he set them both down and leaned on the counter. “I figured you could use a quick pick me up. You have been running crazy.” “Oh, yes, thank you. And thank you for helping with the display situation. I don’t know what you said to those kids and I honestly, don’t care. Little assholes. I swear, people do not teach their kids how to act in public any more. My parent would have beat me if I was running around acting a fool like that.” “Different generations, baby.” Libby felt butterflies in her stomach when Tyler called her baby. “So, what can I do for you today, Tyler?” “I just stopped in to fill up and get a coffee before I hit the road. I have a quick little delivery for a friend.” “The coffee is on the house for being so patient and helping me out today.” “Why are you here? You don’t work Saturdays normally.” Libby came out from behind the counter and walked over to the coffee station to clean it up and restock. “Keeping tabs on me?” “Oh, no, not at all. Just when I occasionally come in here on a Saturday, they tell me that you don’t work Saturdays.” “So, you have asked about me?” Libby shot Tyler a sly look over her shoulder as she wiped down the counter. “Would it be an issue if I have?” Libby hesitated for a moment. Was he flirting with her or was she reading too much into this simple conversation? “No, not at all.” Libby finished up and went back behind the counter. It was now or never. “Let me take you out.” “Excuse me?” “Would you let me take you out? Even if just for a cup of coffee or a drink. It seems like you could use one.” “Sure. When?” Tyler was not expecting her to agree so quickly. “Uh, do you have plans tonight after work?” “Tonight will be fine. Do you have your phone on you or is it in your truck?” Tyler pulled his phone from his back pocket. “It’s right here.” “Can you unlock it? I’ll give you my number and you can text me later.” Without hesitation, Tyler handed over his phone. He watched her as she quickly entered her name and number in his contacts. He could not believe that she had said yes. Now, he just hoped that it was not a phony number and she was just trying not to hurt his feelings. Libby handed back the phone as one of her employees came walking through the door. “I will message you later. Try and have a good rest of the day.” “Be safe.” Tyler walked out his head held high and trying to maintain his composure when he actually wanted to a damn cartwheel. He couldn’t believe she agreed to let him take her out. Either she just agreed to be nice or clearly did not care about the difference in their ages. Either way, he was going to do his best to make sure they both enjoyed the night. “Wow, Tyler sure seemed happy today. Why are you here?” “Chelsea called off so I am filling in.” “You need to stop covering for all of us. If we can’t come in call someone else. It’s not right that you are always the one to step up when people want to be lazy.” Libby laughed. Diana was one of Libby’s favorite employees. She would remind Libby that even though she was the manager she did not have to take on everything herself. “It’s fine. It was a little crazy earlier but it is settled now.” “So why was Tyler all happy? I’m sure if was because you were here. He is always asking about you. I think that he may have a little crush on you.” “Why do you say that?” Libby could feel her cheeks warming and turned away from Diana. “Have you not paid attention to the way he is around you? He always wants you to wait on him, he tries to come in every time you are here and just the way he looks at you.” “With eyes like his, he can look all he wants.” Libby’s hand flew to her mouth. “Seriously? You don’t think he is old?” “He is hot. Those eyes are to die for. Yeah, he is older, so what.” “He is not exactly fit and trim either.” “Been there done that. I want to cuddle with something soft, not a lump of rocks.” “Listen to you! What has gotten into you?” “He asked me out.” “Did you really say yes?” “Well yeah, why not?” “Uh, his age?” “So what? He is a nice guy from what I know of him and he is pretty good looking.” “And you are going to go out with a guy that you barely know.” “You are aware that is how you meet people right? Friends were strangers at one point in their life. I don’t see what the big deal is. It will probably only be one date.” “Ok. I’m just saying, this is so unlike you.” “Yeah, I know. Buy you know what? For once in my life I am going to do something totally unlike myself. I have not went out with anyone since my divorce. I know for a fact my ex has been with quite a few people. Now if you will excuse me, I need a break. Everything in under control. I am going into the office for a few. If you need me holler.” Libby walked to the back office and shut the door. She just needed 5 minutes of quiet so recoup from the morning.