| "No, mom," Joey Fatone said rolling his eyes. "I'll have to think about it and call you back later." Joey quickly hung up the phone before his mother could reply to his round-a-bout denial of visiting her in about a month, the start of summer. He laughed to himself and got up off the couch, shut the muted TV off, grabbed his keys, coupons and list and headed for the local grocery store called, 'Super Save.' The early afternoon was heavy with moisture. Rainfall finally stopped and the clouds were clearing letting the sun warm the 60 degree air. A slight breeze chilled Joey's bare skin as he climbed into his black Honda Accord for his weekly shopping trip. "Thank you," The chipper cashier named, Crystal, said. "Have a nice day, ma'am." "Hey you," Joey said to Crystal when she looked up at him after putting a credit card slip in her drawer. "I got you something." Joey handed Crystal her usual red rose from the floral department. Crystal accepted it and started to ring up Joey's order. 'Cantaloupe, peaches, air freshener, plastic bags, soda, chips, a frozen dinner, 2 bagels, milk, cheese, turkey and ham from the deli and last but not least, my rose,' Crystal thought. "How has your week been," Joey inquired writing out a check for the total of $69.30. "I did the usual." "Me, too," Crystal commented as she finished packing another plastic bag full of groceries. "Looked forward to seeing you, again." Joey smiled and put the bags in his cart. He stared at Crystal who was putting the check under her till and waited for the receipt to print. She was about 5'6" with longer light brown hair that had mounds of wavy curls. She had a cute smile and pure brown eyes. Average weight and right around his own age of 23. "Hey Joey," Crystal said. "I'll see you next week." "I'll look forward to it, sweetie," Joey commented. "Have a good day." Crystal watched him walk away before she shut her light off to signal her closing. Joey finished putting the last of 6 plastic bags in his trunk when he saw Crystal walking toward him. "Where are you going," Joey smiled. "Just couldn't resist me, huh?" "Actually, my manager just informed me that my mom was on the phone and she can't come and get me, so I told her not to worry cause I would get a ride," Crystal started twisting her rose stem between her thumb and middle finger. "I usually don't ask strangers, but would you mind dropping me off?" "Say no more," Joey said. "I would love to bring you home." "I really appreciate it," Crystal said, climbing into the passenger side that Joey held the door open to. Joey unlocked the door to his larger apartment. He had already brought all the bags up to the door. He brought all the bags inside and quickly put the items away. He realized that one of the movies he wanted to see was coming on so he grabbed a bag of popcorn and popped it. He took a can of soda and patiently waited for the remaining minute left for his hot, buttery popcorn. "Finally," He said aloud. "We'll be right back with your feature presentation," The announcer broadcaster. "Do you have a crush on somebody that doesn't know? If so call Sally at 1-800-Sally now and tell us about it." 'Crystal' Joey thought. He picked up the phone and dialed the number wondering what would happen in the long run. "You've reached Sally's show topics," A young woman said. "Do you have a person who you secretly crush and they don't know?" "Yeah," Joey said. "Okay," The woman said. "My name is Sophia, can I ask you to tell me about how you met and some personal questions?" "Sure," Joey said. "Where do you want me to begin?" "The start," Sophia said coldly. "How about your name?" "Joey Fatone," He said. "Joey Fatone," She repeated. "Age?" "23," He answered. "Before you ask, I live in Orlando Florida. My telephone number is 532-555-2849." "That takes care of that," Sophia said. "Now, how about the story. We will be recording it." When Joey finished, he heard Sophia sniffling. "She's a lucky girl." "Yeah," Joey chuckled. "I don't think it's that touching. After all, I did meet her at a grocery store." "I know," Sophia answered. "I'm just an emotional person like that, I guess." "Well what's my chances for getting chosen," Joey asked. "Be honest!!!" "Actually, that's the sweetest story, so high chances," she said. "Thanks for calling and have a good day. You'll be hearing from us soon." "Thanks," Joey said hanging up the phone and started chewing a piece of popcorn. |
| Surprise! |