Who: Riza and Prince Tom Where: Supermarket When Mid November What Random encounter Status: Complete Rating: Low/None
Riza was scanning the shelves in the food store looking for something healthy that didn’t look too healthy so Edward would actually eat it. She’d been keeping a close eye on him lately, she knew he was missing Al terribly and she was no closer to getting custody of his brother. She only hoped he’d behave at school, kicking out at home she could handle but if he did so at school it could cause trouble that she wasn’t sure would be so easily overlooked.
Sighing she threw in a couple of boxes of pasta and pushed her cart around the corner.
Tom shopped about once a month. His cart was full as he pushed it through the store. It was turned slightly sideways, blocking the whole aisle. He was looking up at the different salsas, trying to figure out which would go best with eggs, which would go best with the frozen burritos in his cart. It was a last minute decision, actually, and not on his list. Everything on his list was already in his cart.
Rolling her eyes when she noticed the cart blocking the way and the man stood with his back to her she coughed loudly, “Excuse me but you’re blocking the whole aisle”
Tom turned at the sound of the voice. “Oh, I’m sorry,” he said, giving an apologetic smile. He turned his cart and scooted it to the side so she could pass. “These aisles are so small.”
“Not a problem. Tom right?” Riza said with a thoughtful look on her face, “Cute handtied bouquets mostly in soft pastel colors” she added, which might clue him in on where she knew him from.
Tom raised both eyebrows when she knew his name, but then broke into a smile as she clued him in. “Riiiight, that’s right…” He said, lifting a playful finger to point at her. “Flower Alchemy? Is that the shop?” He used a couple, but one more than the others. “Small world. You shop here often?” He added, teasing.
“That’s me” she grinned, “Or my shop anyway” she laughed, “It really is. I do, though I’m surprised you do” she teased him, “I thought you’d have dates out each night”
“What? Nah. Not every night.” And they were often repeats. One didn’t get to be as good with women as Tom was without repeat customers. “And a guy’s gotta eat, right? Breakfast and lunch.”
“Of course. The most important meal is breakfast after all” Riza laughed, glad he didn’t mind her teasing him. They didn’t know each other very well but he was always fun and friendly when he came into the shop.
“I do make the best pancakes ever.” Tom offered up, giving her a smile. “From scratch and everything.” It wasn’t really suggestive. Maybe a little. Maybe it was an invitation.
“Now that’s impressive” Riza grinned, oblivious to any kind of flirting that may or may not be happening, “So a man who sends flowers and can cook incredible pancakes, no wonder you’re Mr Popular”
Tom laughed. “Well, thanks. I like to think that I’m a pretty likable guy.” He said, giving her a bright smile. “But I should probably let you go. Wouldn’t want your frozen foods to start melting.” Or his own. “You should call me sometime. If you’re ever interested in hanging out somewhere that’s not a supermarket aisle or a flower shop.”
“Careful now, I do have your number you know. I could take you up on that” Riza told him, assuming he was joking because she knew he must have incredibly attractive women throwing themselves at him all the time. What interest could a florist hold for a guy like that?
Tom chuckled. “I’m counting on it.” He gave her a wink. It was playful, not exactly suggestive. She was a beautiful woman, and seemed friendly. He moved around to the front of his cart, grabbing a random salsa from the shelf as he went. “I’m sure I’ll talk to you soon.”
“I’m sure you will” Riza replied, because she was sure it wouldn’t be long before he needed flowers again. “Have fun shopping, I hope nothing melts” she grinned before pushing her own cart forwards and around the corner.
Tom gave her a smile. “Me, too.” Then he waved, and headed off to the checkout. He had a bounce in his step.