Page 47 of Tito

I nodded.

“She hated Jared long before she made him leave. He was far too timid and compliant. She never complained to him, but she did to me. All the time. If you want to win her heart. Be assertive.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

“Not an asshole,” he said. “Assertive. There’s a huge difference. Be nice to her.”

I laughed. “I will.”

His face went stern. “I’m serious.”

“So am I.”

He straightened a folded shirt and met my gaze. “Thank you.”

Reggie handed the girl her bag of belongings and offered a smile. The girl smiled in return and waved on her way out. As the girl left the store, Reggie came to where Raymond and I were standing.

Her hair was up and tied with a leopard print bow. A black sleeveless top showcased her athletic arms. Jeans and leopard print flats topped off the simple—yet remarkably attractive—ensemble.

“You two looked like you were having fun,” she said with a smile. “What were you talking about?”

Raymond looked like he’d been caught stealing a pack of gum from the &-Eleven.

“We were discussing your hair,” I said. “How good it looks today. Raymond was telling me about all the different styles you wear. We agreed we like it when it’s up.”

Relief washed over Raymond. He thanked me with his eyes and then took a step away from Reggie. He gave her a slow-motion once-over.

Reggie reached for her bow, touching it lightly as if to make sure it was still in place. She looked at me, and then at Raymond. “Really?”

“It looks fabulous,” Raymond said. “I tell you that all the time.”

“Thank you.” Reggie shifted her eyes to me. “And, thank you.”

I grinned and gave a reassuring nod.

“Sorry,” she said. “But I don’t know anything about your hat yet. I haven’t heard back from corporate.”

“I’m not worried about the hat.” I locked eyes with her. “Does Friday or Saturday work better for you?”

She seemed embarrassed. “Whaaa—”

“Friday or Saturday,” I said. “Which is best?”

A confused look came over her. “For what?”

“We’re going on another date,” I said. “Which day works best? Friday? Or Saturday?”

“I uhhm. Well,” She stammered. “I—”

“I’ll pick you up at six on Saturday,” I said. “At six.”

The corners of her mouth curled up a little. “At my house?”

“Correct.”

“Okay,” she said, checking her watch. “I’m sorry. It’s way past closing time. We need to get started on our inventory.” She glanced at Raymond. “If we don’t get started, we’re never going to get out of here.”

“I hate Wednesdays,” Raymond replied.

“Sorry I was tied up with that girl for so long, but I need to lock up,” Reggie said with an apologetic smile. “I guess I’ll see you Saturday.”

I smiled and turned away. “I’ll see you then.”

As I stepped out of the store, Raymond pulled the security grille down behind me.

“What will you be driving?” Reggie asked from inside the store.

“The motorcycle,” I replied.

“Seriously?”

I smirked. “Face your fears.”

“Believe me,” she replied. “I am.”