"C'mon, c'mon." She whispered, walking slowly, eyes darting everywhere.
"No, please no." Then she saw it. Quickly she darted forward, grabbing it and pulling it to eye level.
The Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks.
She grinned as she held the book in her hand. It had been published yesterday and she'd looked for it everywhere only to find it sold out. Now here she stood, at the Crossroads Mall, the last place she thought to look.
She sighed as she thought about the lack of book shops in Everett, Wisconsin. A few minutes later, she left the store with a small stack in her arms.
'Perhaps I'll head over to Hallowed Grounds, grab a coffee.' She thought. Her stomach fluttered at the thought and it was decided. As she turned the corner, someone slammed into her roughly, her books fell to the floor and she tipped over, landing on her ass.
Pain tingled through her spine causing her to groan.
"Watch where the hell you're going." she heard someone yell. She looked up into the face of a suited man, briefcase in one hand, coffee in the other and an indignant look on his face.
"Sir, I'm sor-" she muttered until he cut her off.
"You're damn right you're sorry." he probably had a whole spiel of displeasure to send her way but the appearance of a security guard shut him up momentarily.
"Everythin' alright here?" CJ asked looking down at Vera on the ground.
She gave him a small smile from the ground.
"No it's not." The man started. CJ put up his hand to stop him and then extending his other hand to Vera.
"I'm not talking to you asswipe." he said helping her up and then kneeling to pick up her fallen books.
She took them from him gently and he glared at the irritated man, leading her towards the elevator.
"You good Red?" He asked, looking her over.
"I'm fine, thanks CJ." She replied, chuckling at the nickname he'd given her.
"Just lookin' out for my favourite girl." He tugged on a strand of her auburn hair and winked, grinning when she blushed.
The elevator doors opened and the noise of the busy level of Hallowed Grounds became louder. The two walked in companionable silence, waiting in the line.
"What'cha got this time?" CJ asked, looking at the stack in her arms.
Vera looked down and then held them up, so he could see the titles. He nodded, impressed.
"Zombies, really?" He gave a wry grin.
"I don't look like a horror nerd do I?" She mentioned.
"No, no you fuckin' don't."
She shrugged. "Zombies are my favourite."
"Way better than vampires." she added. CJ nodded in agreement, stepping forward to order their caffeine.
"Black coffee and a vanilla latte with an extra shot of espresso and 2 pumps of caramel, no foam." He said, adjusting his cap.
Vera looked at him, surprised.
"What?"
"You know my whole order?"
He seemed embarrassed and shifted on his feet.
"It ain't that fucking hard to remember." he muttered, a barely visible pink flush on his cheeks and neck.
She laughed. 'Typical CJ.'
He handed over her drink and grabbed his. The two walked out towards the entrance doors.
"You need me to walk you to your car?" He asked, glancing at her. The sky outside was growing darker and with the news reports showcasing all sorts of horrific violent attacks, he didn't want her out there alone.
She shook her head.
"It's okay CJ. My car is right there." she pointed to the blue Volvo closest to the doors.
He nodded. "Alright, but I'm not taking my fuckin' eyes off you until you're outta my parking lot." His tone was joking but he was serious.
"I'll see you soon CJ." Both of her hands were full so she leaned up and placed a kiss on his cheek and smiled. He held the door open and true to his word, watched until she was safely in her car and driving away.