Member-only story
Romeo is Off His Head
He stood like a squirrel with thoughts of her bouncing in his mind.
He approached the owner cautiously, creeping as if not to wake the vintage dresses in the shop. The dresses stared, expecting him to reach out and admire them, but he had no idea what he would say.
The owner, her name was Yoshiko it said on the business card, was at the work table near the back. He poked his head around a white mannequin to see if he could catch her eye. She was engrossed in her leather-work. A new tote bag was taking shape and she was having a nightmare trying to marry the kimono fabric and the leather. One of the fasteners was testing her patience,
He cleared his throat to subtly get her attention.
Her voice tight and focused growled, “Kevin, don’t mess with me.” Her eyes shot up from the work to challenge the interruption, only it wasn’t the usual annoying ‘other half.’ It was a young guy, mid-twenties, handsome, but clearly lost.
“Hi, Sorry to… I didn’t meant to…” The unrelenting frustration from the fastener was still seething in Yoshiko’s eyes. He waved a hand toward the work. “Please, go back to your sewing. I’ll just…a quick look… then I’m gone Thanks.” He turned slowly to slink toward the door.
“It’s okay, relax. Sorry, this stupid fastener is really frustrating me. I’m ready to toss it…