My heart fluttered like a violently shaken snow globe. “I’m okay, promise!”
Karl nodded. “All right. By the way, is that for me?”
Remembering the sandwich, I thrust it at him. “Here. I hope you like it.”
Closing his eyes, Karl took a deep inhale of the paper bag. “Mmm... Garlic spinach wrap.”
“You can tell just by smelling it?” I asked, impressed.
He grinned. “Just a guess. Thanks, Angelo. You can keep the change, by the way.”
“Er, about that...” I reached into my pocket and handed him the money back. “I wanted to return the favor from earlier. So I bought it with my own money.”
Karl looked surprised. “Angelo... That was very kind of you. But ah, look! My hands are full, so I can’t take the money back.” He winked. “Guess it’s stuck with you.”
Before I could reply, Karl slipped away back to his Santa chair, leaving me with his money and a lot of questions. I sighed and tucked it into my wallet before returning to his side, ready for another wave of families to arrive.
But I couldn't stop thinking about Karl's kindness. Iwasgoing to pay him back properly, no matter what. And—if I could muster the courage—I had just the right idea...
I counted down the minutes until my shift ended. Not because I disliked my job, far from it. But for the first time since being hired, I had something even more exciting to look forward to. I hoped my bravery didn't falter before I could pop the question.
As Minnie congratulated us for a fantastic first day and let us off the hook, a lump formed in my throat. Was I really about to do this? I wasn't the kind of person who took outgoing, courageous leaps. What if it failed?
What if Karl said no?
"Angelo?"
That sexy, deep voice pulled me back to reality. I'd been too distracted by my thoughts to pay attention.
"S-sorry, I zoned out for a second," I said.
Karl smiled. "That's okay. I wanted to say thanks for all your help today. And your company."
"Of course! It was a lot of fun."
He glanced up at the sky. The golden rays of the sunset reflected off the glass pane that loomed over the outdoor market which let in fresh air while protecting it from the full brunt of the elements. He squinted at it for a moment.
"Well... I better get changed and head home," Karl said, already taking a step towards the dressing room.
My heart flipped upside down. It was now or never! If I didn't ask, I couldn't muster the courage to try again later.
"Oh, um, wait," I said.
I groaned internally at the meek way my voice came out. Could I have sounded anymoreawkward?
Karl paused, glancing back at me. "Yes, Angelo?"
My head spun. I stared at him and tried not to stammer. "Actually, I was just wondering if... Um, would you feel like... grabbing a coffee with me this evening?"
For a split second, I felt hopeful. A flicker of pleasant surprise flashed across Karl's face. But then it was smothered by something dark and somber.
My heart sank. He was going to say no. I was stupid for even thinking of asking him. I shouldn't have gotten ahead of myself like that.
"Angelo, I really want to," Karl said gently. "But I... work nights at a second job."
My stomach twisted into knots. If he worked a second job, wouldn't that imply he needed the money? If so, then why would he willingly give me a twenty to keep? I couldn't make heads or tails of his response except that his answer was no.
"Oh, that's okay," I said with an awkward laugh. "Forget I asked!"
