ROSIE
When the show is over everyone gets up to leave, as do I, but Amon stays right where he is. Obviously waiting for me.
I make my way to the end of the row and stand before him, his eyes dancin’ a little. “Amon.”
“Rosie.”
“Are you here for me?”
“I am.”
“Oh. I see. Well. What can I do for you?”
“I asked you to go bowling last night.”
“You did.”
“You turned me down.”
“That’s right.”
“Well, I was wondering if it was just bad timing or if it was me.”
I let out a breath. “Why are you wondering that?”
“Why?” His eyebrows shoot up. “Because if it was bad timing, I’m gonna ask you again. But if you don’t like me, I’ll move on.”
“That’s very forthcoming of you.”
“Thanks. I like to be forthcoming.”
He’s talking with a straight face, but I’m smiling pretty big right now. “Well, can I think about this a little bit?”
“Can you define ‘little bit?’”
I smile bigger. “You’re flirtin’ with me.”
“Why does that surprise you? You flirt with everyone.”
“Well, yeah. But that’s me. You’re… you.”
“What are you saying? I’m not flirty?”
“Are you flirty?”
He smiles now. But he narrows his eyes too. “Should I ask again? Or should I move on?”
“If I say move on, will you truly move on? Or will you try again?”
His smile grows. “Try again.”
“Then I’m gonna tell you to move on.”
He nods, still smiling, then leans forward. “By the way, I read your little paper. Not the one you gave me, but the one from last week. My sisters had a copy.”
“Oh, right. They do the Revival marketing and I’m part of the marketing now.”
“I like it.”
“Which part? The whole idea of it? Or just the vibe?”
“The writing.”
I nearly giggle. “You like the ads?”
“Yeah. I’m kinda jealous of Robust and Hearty because I like his taste in women. And I was thinking that the woman he described sounded a little bit like you.”
I nearly guffaw. I manage to hold it in, but my cheeks get hot and I know I’m probably turning bright red. “You fancy a…” I pause to think back on what kind of partner Robust and Hearty was looking for. “A courageous and resilient woman who is ready to embrace the thrills and trials of a life less ordinary?”
Amon nods. “I do.”
“Well.” I pull myself together. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Amon Parrish. But I am not looking for a man at the moment. I am quite happy with my life as it is.”
He nods at me. Pretends to take off an imaginary hat and bows a little. And even though he’s not in costume—he’s wearing his usual outfit of black tactical pants and black t-shirt—I picture him in one. “Well, then,” he says. “I will leave you to your day. But I’ll see ya around, Rosie Harlow.”
I nod back. “See ya around, Amon Parrish.”
He turns and walks out, not even looking back. But I’m not unhappy about that because he already told me that he’s gonna try again.
I am being courted.
—
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