said, then headed to the new releases.
The three employees remained at the counter.
“Seriously though,” Dave said, suddenly putting on a serious face. “Applebee’s. And
don’t listen to him. He’s just a dumb jock. You need to listen to me: the lover of
ladies. Working man. Your sensei, young grasshopper.”
“First off,” David called from across the store, “being on the track team hardly
makes me a jock. There aren’t even cheerleaders at the events. Second, Applebee’s
sucks!”
“Grasshopper, have you ever used a vacuum before?” Dave asked solemnly.
“I have. Yes,” William replied.
“Well then, let me go grab it from the back office!” Dave ran back into the Adults
Only room.
“That’s not where it is and you know it,” Ed shouted. “I’ll go get it.”
Dave left William alone to vacuum the store. William appreciated the moment of
quiet. As he worked, he reflected on everything he and Casey had talked about since
they started dating. He kept drawing a blank.
While vacuuming the Family section, William spotted The Care Bears Movie.
“Love-A-Lot,” he said under his breath.
Excitement spiked. He didn’t know if Care Bears were being sold at toy stores, but
maybe David could accompany him to the toy store after work. If new ones weren’t
available, he could check secondhand stores like Goodwill or Salvation Army.
He turned off the vacuum and called out, “David!”
“My name’s Dave,” came a voice from the Adults Only room. William rolled his eyes.
David walked over with a video in hand. “What’s up?”
“I know what to get Casey. Can you meet me here at three when I get off?”