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Cordaé Snoh

“Mom, you want to stay here and I’ll check the store? Make sure everything is neat and stacked correctly?”

“That would be nice, Cordy,” she sat on the chair, grunting and rubbing her knee. Arthritis was slowly plaguing her.

Hearing my nickname, reminded me of when Aisha called me that minutes ago.

“You rest and I’ll be back,” I placed my hand on the side door to where the registers were.

Moving to the opposite side of the counter, I straightened the small trinkets. Those were personalized items like stickers, bookmarkers and pens with some of the authors name. Behind that was apparel and blankets. Some displayed character names, others branded author names. After finishing that, I made my way towards the back adjusting books on the table and shelves, here and there.

Touring the store, I made sure all the books and stands displaying the prices were fixed and then went to the front.

“If you want to head home, I’ll lock up.”

“I think I’ll do that,” she lifted from the chair; her knee popped. “See you later. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

With the bookstore still quiet, I called my friend, Jack, on my cellphone telling him about Aisha and how cute she was.

“What she look like?”

“I mean, she was cute with a nice backside and face,” I described. “And she had pretty teeth and real hair.”

“Man, really? A backside? You mean she had ass?”

“You know I don’t cuss.”

“Well say butt or something ‘cause backside ain’t it.”

“Anyways,” I grumbled. “She had her nails done in some Christmacy design and she smelled good.”

“She was that close to you?” Jack asked.

“Yea. She came to the counter.”

“You should holla at her since she’s showing some type of interest.”

“I don’t know if she’s doing that or playing.”

“Man, she’s flirting with you, slow ass!”

“I’m shy and she probably has several men tryna get with her.”

“But she’s flirting with you . Think about it.”

“Before I got on the phone with you she had called me.”

“You gave her your number?” He sounded shocked.

“No. She called the store.”

“Damn, my boy! Ole girl is assertive. Just the kind you need,” he laughed. “I don’t know who she is but I like her for you already.”

“But, there’s another problem,” I interrupted his tirade.

“What, nigga?” He blew out a breath.

“She’s my sisters friend.”

“Okay so what’s the issue?”

“Chardonnay isn’t gonna want me messing with her friend.”

“Char needs to mine her own business and get a man herself,” he fussed. “But that’s a whole other topic.”

“Yea,” I stood from my seat, stretching. “We’re about to close so I’ll call you later.”

“Okay, bro, but just remember one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“Fuck what your sister thinks. This woman could be someone special in your life. Don’t let her get away.”