"Thank you. Was there anything you were looking for in particular? Everyone is out for pumpkins at the moment, but if I'm honest, these apples make the best pie in the world."
I point to the green cooking apples. We're in peak apple season and mine are the best, which reminds me, I should take Bill and Norma some apples too.
The girl puts a finger over her lips and taps on them like she's making the most important decision of her life.
"Why don't you take some apples with you," I say, putting a few big ones in a bag and handing them to her. "And then, once you've made your apple pie, you can tell me if I'm right."
She laughs, raising the bag up. "I've never baked a pie in my life. I could end up poisoning you."
"I doubt it. First of all, I'm not Snow White, and second of all, I was raised in the country. I've eaten far worse than bad pie."
She laughs again. "I'm Mia, what's your name?"
"I'm Ashton, but you can call me Ash."
"Nice to meet you, Ash. Thank you for the apples. I guess it's as good a time as any to learn how to bake apple pie, right?"
I'm about to agree when a tall, blond man approaches Mia. Probably her boyfriend.
They look cute together, even if a little mismatched. He's almost too clean-cut for someone that looks as bright and sunny as Mia, but who am I to judge.
"Sorry I'm late." he says.
"Don't worry," Mia says. "I'm more than happy to have a super long lunch break."
"I bet you are. What have you got there?"
"Ash gave me some apples. I'm going to make apple pie."
I laugh at her doubtful but determined declaration.
The guy looks at me, and I feel like I'm under a spotlight. Isn't it meant to be November? Cold? Why do I feel hot all of a sudden?
I try to look away, but the guy's green eyes are so captivating. How would I describe them in a book? Forest green, deep, mesmerizing, stunning...no, perfect.
"Hi," he says with a deep, smooth voice I could probably listen to for hours. "Are you Ash?"
I nod, and Nicki elbows me. Where did she come from? She was serving a customer minutes ago.
"Yes, I'm Ash. Can I help you with anything?"
He tilts his head and smiles, showing me a set of perfect teeth to go with his perfect face.
"What would you suggest I take with me?" he asks.
I look at the variety of seasonal vegetables and fruit around me and can't help feeling proud of the quality of my produce.
"I would suggest a pumpkin. I know most people think they're only good for decorating, but they're great for soup, which will go perfectly with your girlfriend's apple pie," I say, picking up a small pumpkin I know will taste delicious.
He raises his eyebrows. "My...girlfriend?"
I look at Mia who's wearing a shocked, or disgusted—I can't really tell—expression on her face.
Oh shit. Why do you always have to open your mouth, Ashton Cinder? Please let them not complain about me to the market manager.
"Ew! I know he's supposed to be gorgeous and all..." Mia says, waving her hand in front of Xander. "But I like girls, thank you very much."
Nicki, who's been standing next to me and watching this car crash, suddenly perks up.
