My first stop was back at the mall. Cindy was just getting off her shift, and she recognized me on her way out of the store.
“Oh hey, Shawna, right? How are you liking the wardrobe?”
I smiled. “Well, I guess you could say that it’s turning some heads.” I left out my theory that my head-turning was augmented by pheromones. Half-truths make better compliments.
“That’s great!” She seemed genuinely happy. It was refreshing to meet someone who honestly liked being helpful. “So why are you back here, then?”
“Actually,” I admitted, “I came to see if you were still here. You see, I’ve got this… this date tomorrow night, and…”
Cindy’s smile grew as I explained the situation, pressing me for details along the way. I had a date with a guy, no I just met him, yes he was pretty hot, no I’d never been to the pub, yes I was thinking about wearing that little red dress…
“Anyway,” I said, “he’s bringing a couple friends and I’m going the same. And I just moved here, so…”
“Omigod yes that sounds awesome. I’ll meet you there at seven!”
That was easy, I thought as we said goodbye. We’d known each other all of a few hours, but it felt comfortable, even natural that I should take Cindy along on my date. I hoped my next meeting would go as well.