Perfect Always

My face warms as I take in his tall stature and broad shoulders. “I still can’t believe we haven’t crossed paths before.”

“Well, basketball, you know. Which brings me to why I’m here.” He plants one arm on the counter, leans over, and points at my computer. “My dad’s old school, so I need to buy him some tickets for the ball games.”

I take my seat and smile up at him. “Basketball, I’m assuming.”

He knocks on the counter and slides a phone from his pack, giving me the dates and seat requests. I load all the tickets into the payment cart, enter his dad’s information, and process the card. I exhale as a confirmation screen pops up.

“Okay, you’re all set. Do you want a printout?”

His phone dings, and he holds the device up so I can see the screen. “Nope, got it. Thanks, and sorry my dad is so paranoid.”

“Parents, right? I’m sure he has nothing on mine.” He’s still leaning over me, and I feel weird, so I stand up again.

“You put him and my mom together and it’s like One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. The movie from the seventies. Ever see that one?”

“I saw it in my History of Film class. Crazy stuff.” I fold one leg onto the chair and sit back down.

He takes a step back. “Well, I guess I’ll see you around. Maybe in class.” Moving towards the door, he motions to me. “Or maybe me, you, and Bree could hang out again.”

“Bree went home for the summer.”

“Oh.” His eyes cut to the floor and back to mine. “Okay, see ya then.”

“Yeah, see you.” Forcing a smile, I wave and refocus on my computer, hoping the extended goodbye has ended.