“And did you manage to back up all the data on your old device?” the Apple Store worker asks me.
“I think I did?” I tap on the Settings button. “Yup, it’s all good. It backed up last night.”
“Brilliant. Just give me a moment, I’ll be right back. You said you wanted the lavender-colored mobile with the two hundred fifty gigs of memory?”
“Yes. If you don’t have lavender, I’ll take the mint green. I need to walk out of here with a phone. This one has had it.”
The tech taps his tablet. “It looks like we have both in stock. I’ll be right back. Feel free to look around and let me know if anything else catches your eye. I’ll be happy to pull it for you.”
The store has several tables with floor models of the latest devices to play with. There are iPads, MacBooks, Apple Watches, and a host of other tech toys. As much as I’d love to buy a shiny new iPad Pro, it’s outside my budget.I need to make do with what I have until it dies. If my phone weren’t beyond repair, I’d be waiting on that too.
I’m wandering around the tables and skimming the cards with information about all the devices when my old phone vibrates. It’s still managing to hang on until the bitter end.
“Text from an unknown number? I wonder if it’s my bank,” I mutter to myself. My breath hitches as I unlock the screen.
Unknown Number
Cheers, Minerva. It’s Sam.
My pulse races. He’s taken the ball from the court and served it right back to me. What do I say? My mind is drawing a blank. Should I be coy? Flirty? Witty? Ugh. I can’t think of anything to say. I stare at the blinking cursor. We just met, so maybe a neutral greeting would be best. I wipe my sweaty hand against my trousers to text him back.
Min
Hi. I’m impressed. It’s just 7:01 now.
Unknown Number
You said you wouldn’t be free until after seven. So I waited until it was indeed after seven.
My lips twitch.
Min
I can practically hear your voice dripping with sarcasm.
Unknown Number
*Shrugging emoji*
Three dots appear. Sam is typing.
Unknown Number
Was that offer for drinks good anytime?
My eyes widen. A small part of me thought I wouldn’t be hearing back from him. But not only did he respond, he wants to meet up. Was Liz right? Did he feel the chemistry between us too? I craft a reply that I hope doesn’t come across as being anxious.
Min
As long as I’m not working.
Unknown Number
What about tonight? I have the day off tomorrow. I don’t have to be up at 05:30.
Min
Five a.m.?
