“I love this ring so much. Someday, it’ll be on my finger.” I handed the ring back. “Gotta get back to the workshop. Can’t afford to lose my job.”
“Hey, I can come to your place one night if you wanna get together again,” Kim said as I walked to the door. “Just let me know when.”
“I’m not sure we can any time soon. My roommate isn’t very friendly about having friends over,” I frowned. “Maybe she’ll go out of town for the holidays. I’ll let you know.”
I hate lying to her, but what else can I do?
“Hey, I forgot to ask, any new texts?” Kim called out.
I looked over to see there were no people in line. I waved to Santa and walked back over to Kim with the cell out.
“How do I figure out who this person is?” I asked. “Why doesn’t this person want their phone back?”
“I want to know if the person is a male or female. I still think it’s a man,” Kim grinned. “Why don’t you just ask.”
“Because we don’t have conversations, just witty banter.” I unlocked the phone. “Here, read them.”
Kim read through the last twenty-four hours of back-and-forth texts, then handed the phone back to me.
“Just ask. Maybe say something witty that would force the person to respond in a way that would tell you if they’re male or female,” Kim suggested. “Do it now so you don’t chicken out.”
I thought for a few minutes then grabbed the phone and sent a text.
“I was updating and need to know if I want the workout for women app the update is suggesting.”
“Women’s workout? Not needed. Just say no to all apps.”
“What if I want something to entertain myself? Maybe I need to exercise my battery.”
“Well, last I checked, you didn’t need an app for a woman.”
“Gotcha!” I blurted out. “You’re right. It’s a man. It has to be.”
“Or it’s a woman who thinks her cell is a male,” Kim argued. “You need something more definite.”
“I’d like to get a new case. I’ve been getting bounced around lately.”
“Well, get something sturdy. We’re men, after all, we need to look tough.”
“I think that is as definite as I need. It’s a man.” I looked out the door again. “I have people in line now. Gotta go.”
“Keep me up on the banter,” Kim called out as I left the store.
A nice family with two boys and a little girl waited patiently to see Santa. I could feel the cell buzzing in my pocket, but it would have to wait. I had to be good at my job.
“Happy holidays. Come on over and hop up on Santa’s lap.” I waved them over. “Now, everyone look up here and give me your biggest Merry Christmas.”
Pictures were completed and they were looking at them. “Are you going to be participating in Santa’s special giveaway?” I laid an autograph book on the counter. “You three look like you can sing. Why don’t you start at the jewelry store right across from here?”
They paid for the pictures and went off to get their book signed. I sat on the stool behind the counter and pulled the cell out of my pocket. I kept it below the counter so Santa Aaron wouldn’t see it. Everyone that knew me also knew that I didn’t have a cell phone.
“Are you trying to get a new case to look good for a girl?”the cell asked.
I blurted out a laugh, then looked up to see Santa staring at me. “I just thought of something funny that happened yesterday.”
“You should be careful laughing by yourself. People will think you’re crazy,” Santa Aaron replied.
I nodded in agreement then went back to looking at the phone. I’d figured out how to use the alarm clock on the cell. I set it to remind myself to change my wig, but first there were a few more customers. The cell fun would have to wait. I put it in my purse and went to the people in line.