Note: The bolded word about halfway through just signals a scene change. This is also a two-chapter update. Enjoy!
Mimi sat behind the counter of the camera shop, waiting for the end of her shift. The bell over the door rang out as a young man walked through. Mimi smiled and was pleased when he smiled back.
"Hi," she said in her usual cheerful tone.
"Hey," he said.
"Can I help you?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah. I just, uh, needed to get these developed," he said, pulling out two rolls of film.
Mimi smiled and reached across the counter to take them. No ring? Mimi wondered. "Name?"
The man frowned. "What?"
"Your name. So we know who's picking the pictures up."
"Oh, I'm not picking them up."
Mimi frowned. "I'm sorry?"
"Buddy of mine. His little girl had a birthday and I told him I'd drop off the pictures for him but he's picking them up."
"Oh, okay. Then what's his name?"
"Davis. Roger Davis."
Mimi nodded, scribbling the name on an envelope. She slid the film rolls in and asked Benny the necessary questions. Singles or doubles? What size pictures? She jotted down his answers, trying to think of a way to stall.
"Well, um, if that's all…" the man said. Mimi nodded.
"All right, well, thank you for your help."
"You're quite welcome. Have a nice day."
"You too," he said with a smile.
Only after his car had pulled away did Mimi's smile fade as she realized she hadn't even gotten the guy's name.
"Just my luck," she mumbled.
An older couple strode in and Mimi snapped back to attention. "Hi, can I help you?"
"Angel, good news, baby," Collins said, wrapping his arms around her.
"What? Who was on the phone?"
"My publisher."
Angel turned in his arms to face him. "Oh! What did she say? Did they like the new book?"
"They loved it! They're setting up book signings all over the city."
"Collins! That's wonderful!" she giggled.
He leaned down and kissed her softly. "I love you," he whispered.
"I love you too."
The phone rang. Collins sighed in content and flopped down on the couch as Angel hopped over to the phone.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Angel. It's Mimi."
"Oh! Mimi-chica! Collins is having his new book published and they're going to have him doing book signings and everything!"
"Oh, wow! That's so great! Congratulate him for me?"
"Oh I will," she said, winking at Collins.
"Well, um, I was just calling to see if you guys wanted to go out for dinner tonight but you're probably celebrating…"
"That sounds awesome! We'll have a celebration all three of us. Me and Collins can have our own private celebration later tonight."
Mimi laughed. "You sure?"
"Honey, I am absolutely positive. Where were you thinking?"