Picasso and Snickers - Part 5 - Smooth Operator

Jason looked at Debbie and handed her the broom.

“Never let this out of your sight,” said Jason. “You’re going to need it.”

Ever since the McCann’s introduced scones and crumb cake to the book shop the broom has been like a third limb to Jason. He was happy to pass it on.

“You’re cute, by the way,” said Jason. “I thought I’d just get that out of the way in case you were wondering. How old are you?”

“I’ll be seventeen next Saturday,” said Debbie.

“How about me?” said Jason.

“I don’t know,” said Debbie. “I guess you’re seventeen or eighteen.”

“No, no,” said Jason. “I mean, don’t you think I’m cute?”

“I guess so,” said Debbie.

“How cute?” said Jason. “Ryan Gosling cute or Justin Bieber cute? You’re answer’s critical. I do hope you get it right. If you don’t I’ll spend the rest of the day moping. It won’t be pretty.”

With that Jason tilted his head and squinted his eyes. Then he lit a pretend cigarette and ran his fingers over his stubbly chin.

“Well?” said Jason.

“I don’t know,” said Debbie.

“Ah, c’mon,” said Jason. “What’s the first thing that came to your mind?”

“Shaggy,” said Debbie.

“Shaggy!” said Jason. “From Scooby Doo?”

“A little, yeah,” said Debbie.

“I can’t believe this,” said Jason. “We’ve only been going together for less than ten minutes and we’re all ready going to have our first fight.”

“What?” said Debbie.

“When did you ever see Shaggy smoking a cigarette and looking all sexy like I was just doing?”

“That was your sexy look?” said Debbie.

“The sexy squint in my eyes. The don’t-mess-with-me pose,” said Jason.

“To be honest,” said Debbie, “you looked more like my dad when he squirts grapefruit juice in his eye.”

“Now I look like your dad!” said Jason. “What did I ever see I you in the first place? Me and you are through.“

“We had some good years, though,” said Debbie.

“Yeah, we did," said Jason. “Remember that time in Bermuda when we rented that leaky bungalow and we had to sleep in our rain hats?”

“I’ve never been to Bermuda,” said Debbie. “So who was she, you cheatin’ dirt bag?”

“Oh, yeah,” said Jason. “That was my mom.”

“Good answer,” said Debbie. “So, are we going to be doing any work around here soon?”

“Not much work involved, I’m afraid,” said Jason. “People around here spend more time browsing than buying. I’m the behind-the-counter guy. When they’re ready to buy. I ring them up. You’re going to be the coffee girl. Nothing fancy. We serve no-frills coffee, scones and muffins. After you serve. You sweep. It’s not complicated. You’ll have a hard time getting yourself fired here.”

“They told you about that?” said Debbie.

“Well,” said Jason. “They are my parents. And I’m not judging you. When I first heard about the keys in the paint can, I couldn’t wait to meet you.”

“Really?” said Debbie.

"Yeah,” said Jason. “And I all ready know where I’m taking you for your birthday.”

“What?” said Debbie. “You didn’t know it was my birthday until five minutes ago.”

“That’s when I decided where I was going to take you.”

“You move pretty fast,” said Debbie.

“I’m not getting any younger, you know,” said Jason. “Besides, my dad just gave me his ‘65 Chevy convertible. Don’t you want to be seen cruising around town with me? In a convertible no less?”

“It’s the middle of February,” said Debbie.

“We’ll wear hats,” said Jason. “You’re going to love it.”

Before Debbie had a chance to answer, Rupert McCann walked into the shop.

“Ah, there she is,” said Rupert. “I’m glad you showed up, Debbie.”

“I was just about to show her around, Dad,” said Jason.

“I see you handed off that broom pretty quick,” said Rupert. “You move fast.”

“You don’t know the half of it,” said Debbie. “We’re practically engaged.”