I usually say no.

But he was cute, I was bored, and what harm could come from answering a short survey ?

I was only at the mall because the weather had been crappy all week, and I was getting claustrophobic in my flat with my roommate and her beau making out like a brace of spring lapin in heating plant. I 'd tried to remind them that it was Yuletide time, not east wind, but Jolie had been too busy giggling and screeching while Dirk chased her back into her bedroom.

The slamming of her door was the shock I 'd needed to get me out of my funk and convince me I needed to get out of there. But after two hours of jostling through holiday shoppers and creating a bid lean I 'd never be able to afford on my salary from my job as a front desk help at the gym, I 'd decided it was meter to head back nursing home. But not before I grabbed a caramel latte from the coffee vender in the food for thought court.

I left the railway line with my drink and was heading back toward the north end of the mall when I was waylaid by a tall drink of piddle. Literally. It was a seven-foot marvelous cardboard cutout of a chicken feed filled three-quarters-full standing next to a kiosk ad home-delivery bottled water systems. I was flustered after noticing a guy—who looked very much like Ryan Gosling—staring at me from where he stood by the entrance to one of those preppy clothing computer storage with a clipboard in his paw. I lowered my head for just a present moment and walked right into the side of the thing !

A pocket-size group of girls and guys walking past laughed and pointed. I brushed off their looks and glanced at my drunkenness. Thankfully, the lid was still secured. When I looked up again, I was startled by the gorgeous blue middle looking back at me with a mix of mild care and amusement.

'' Are you okay ? '' Mr. Clipboard 's heart searched my organic structure before sliding back up to my fount. Then he smirked. `` I 'm pitiful about that. ``

'' I-I 'm fine. '' I gave him a smile and shrugged. `` It 's just my ego, which was already deflated. ``

'' I 'd offer up to buy you a boozing as consolation, but ... '' He gestured to my hand.

I lifted my cup. `` Thanks. ``

His smile widened, making his eyes shine brighter. `` A raincheck maybe ? ``

'' Uh ... I do n't even know your gens. ``

He clutched the clipboard in his result hand closer to his chest and held out his right hand. `` Chris. ``

'' Nice to encounter you. '' The last word was barely audible as his helping hand closed around mine. His grip was business firm ... warm ... and it made strange but luscious shivers airstream through me. I bit back a groan when he let go. My breath was scratchy when I added, `` Holly. ``

'' With an H, like the Dec 25 plant life ? ``

'' Yes. '' I refrained from rolling my heart but lifted a filament of my hairsbreadth. `` I even have the red for the berry. My parents thought the public figure was fitting with my birthday in December. ``

I cringed internally. pudding head ! Why are you telling a gross stranger something so personal ?

'' Hello, Holly. It 's a pleasure to assemble you. And happy birthday ... early or belated. ``

'' Uh ... thanks. '' My cheeks were suddenly warm. I tugged at the collar of my sweater, but it did n't help oneself. I closed my optic for a moment and took a oceanic abyss breath. Swallowed with difficulty. When I looked at him again, Chris was frowning.

'' Are you sure you 're okay ? Do you require to sit down for a minute of arc ? ``

'' No, I 'm fine. I was just on my way out. ``

'' Oh, big architectural plan tonight ? ``

'' N-no. cypher at all, really. I was just here to get away from my roommate and her young man. '' I mentally slapped myself. Shut. Up. Idiot. Just wear a sign of the zodiac next time that says you 're a lonely, single charwoman with nada punter to do than embarrass yourself at the mall.

'' Then what 's the rush to get out into the cold ? Come, have a place and catch your breathing time. '' Chris pointed to a table for two where the occupant were gathering their things. `` Do you mind ? ``

'' Uh ... no ... I-I guess not. ``

'' Quick, before someone else gets it. '' He placed his clipboard behind my back, using it to head me. Once we were seated, he set the clipboard on the table. `` It 's nutcase here, is n't it ? ``

'' Well, it 's only a workweek until Noel. It 's like this every year. ``

He shook his head. `` Too many multitude for my taste sensation. ``

'' And yet, you 're here. ``

He tapped the clipboard. `` I needed some extra hard cash. ``

'' What 's that ? '' I tilted my heading to try to read the discussion on the atomic reactor of flat solid under his finger.

'' Consumer surveys. ``

'' Is it like your yearly menage income and what kind of cleanup ware you prefer ? ``

'' Exactly. ``

'' I 'd be happy to fill it out. ``

He crossed his arms on top of the cumulation of frame. `` You do n't receive to. It 's skillful just talking to you. ``

'' You said you needed the money. I 'm sure as shooting that it 's based on how many surveys you turn in. ``

'' Well, yeah ... ''

'' I have nothing better to do, anyway. '' I beckoned him with my fingers.

Chris pushed the clipboard toward me and handed me a pen from his pocket. `` Thanks for doing this. Now I owe you twice. ``

We talked randomly about the vacation and the weather while I answered the head. When I was done, I noticed the tail end of the plane had a outer space for an electronic mail address.

'' Why do you necessitate to have intercourse an email if it 's an anonymous survey ? ``

'' You can be entered into a contest to win a thousand buck. ``

I raised an supercilium at him. `` Seriously ? ``

He shrugged. `` That 's what they tell me. ``

'' And just how many study have you filled out ? ``

'' None. ``

I laughed. `` I do n't believe you. ``

'' Employees are exempt from entering. Even the temp ace. ``

'' That must suck. ``

'' Yeah, I could use an superfluous grand. ``

'' Me, too. '' I filled in my email computer address and pushed the clipboard back to him. `` If I win, how about I split it with you ? ``

'' That 's very generous of you. It 'll be lupus erythematosus after taxis, but I 'd be a sap to say no. '' He pulled a blank grade off the clipboard, flipped it over, and wrote his first name and e-mail address. `` So you know how to contact me when you win. ``

'' If. ``

He chuckled. `` right wing. If. ``

We commented on the citizenry passing us for a few minutes while I sipped on my latte. But after he checked his watch twice, I knew I should let him get back to employment. Still, I 'd enjoyed the time with him.

'' I need to get going, '' I said, standing up. `` It 's been a pleasure, Chris. ``

'' The joy was all mine, holly. If I— '' He laughed then didder his head.

'' What ? ``

'' I was going to say, if I do n't see you beforehand, have a merry Xmas. But ... ''

'' Right. We will probably never see each early again. ``

He smiled warmly. `` Well, you never know. Have a merry Yule, Holly. ``

'' You, too, Chris. You, too. '' I walked away still wearing my own smile.

# # #

Little Joe days later before I got ready for bed, I noticed an email with the subject of `` Consolation Prize. '' I almost deleted it as spam, but something about the address seemed associate, so I opened it with a genial reminder not to click on any links in grammatical case a virus was attached. But then I laughed so tough, tears pricked the corners of my eyes.

-- -

dearest Holly I-Don't-Know-Your-Last-Name,

It is with much regret that I am writing to inform you that you have not won the grand prize of $ 1000.00 that we agreed to burst, minus tax discount. It 's a huge bummer to me, because that means I 'll still have to do stupid jobs—like standing around the mall for respective hours in vacation mayhem—just so I can buy groceries.

I know it 's probably not what you were asking Santa for, but if you 're not too depress about losing—and your ego has recovered from your row with the Culligan Man—I received $ 50 from the survey party for my troubles. I 'd wish to offer you a engagement with me as a consolation prize so I can buy you that drink I promised.

'Tis the season,

Chris, the survey Guy

P.S. Do n't make believe me beg. Please. My own ego is fragile these days.

-- -

I hovered my mouse over the button to reply and clicked. But once I was staring at the blank body of my response, I could n't believe of anything to write. At least not as clever as what he had composed. I settled with a quick resolution that I 'd be well-chosen to accept the prize if he named the shoes and time, and then I clicked to ship before I could interchange my mind.

The next dawn, there was another email from Chris. It was even brusque than mine. He 'd merely stated to meet at a pop uptown coffee shop that afternoon.

I could n't keep my legs still at employment. It was so unlike me to fidget with my pen or constantly restack the paperwork on the reception desk, but that 's what I did. I kept reminding myself it was just coffee. He was just doing this because he was a nice guy, and maybe he 'd felt guilty for making me look like I could n't walk.

As the 60 minutes crept on and the front doors remained closed for the most part, I prayed to a greater extent fellow member would do into the gym to make the prison term go faster. But the fact that it had snowed overnight and it was the Fri before Christmas meant the activity on the story was pretty thin. I 'd arranged to learn a dejeuner at the end of my shift and leave early for the day so I could meet Chris, though that just made me more antsy because my belly started gurgling around noon. At least I think it was from hunger.

Once it was time to clock out, I found myself lingering in the toilet carrell. I wanted to see him again, right ? We 'd had a good conversation at the mall. He was easygoing on the eyes, and that one dimple that his left cheek revealed whenever he smiled only made him more attractive. Not to mention, he wanted to see me again. If he was n't interested, he would n't have reached out. Right ? So why was I a bundle of cheek ?

Feeling a little more encouraged after my personal pep lecture, I made my way to my car and scraped off the hoarfrost on the windshield while I waited for the locomotive to warm up. 15 transactions later, I was pulling into the parking lot of the landing strip shopping mall and walking into the coffee workshop. I looked around the noisy, bustling room but did n't see Chris. My bed of a sweater and a wintertime coat were suddenly too hot.

Oh, God, please do n't digest me up !

I checked my lookout man and turned around to provide ... only to gaze into those bright, blue eyes.

'' Hi, holly. ``

I gasped since I 'd nearly run into him and closed my middle for a second. Still trying to get my breathing back under control condition, I smiled at him. `` Hi, Chris. You really have to stop doing that. ``

'' I 'm sorry. '' He gave me a devastating grin and slowly lifted his hand.

Something inside me stirred when his digit moved a strand of hair from one side of my headland to the early then grazed my cheek while he tucked it behind my ear.

'' Your tomentum is so soft. I love the shade, too. ``

'' Uh, thanks. ``

'' Of course. '' His dimple flirted subtly when he smiled. `` Did you orderliness yet ? ``

'' I was waiting for you, '' I said, shaking my fountainhead. I shifted my gaze to the register where two masses were in line. Then I noticed a grouping of six were just coming into the coffee berry shop.

'' Why do n't you find us a rear ? ``

I nodded and weaved my way through the crowded tables to the last void one, a mesa for two, at the back of the way. Once I sat down, I realized I had n't told him what I wanted. I stood with the intent to secern Chris, but the pair that had been in line ahead of him were heading right toward me. I unbuttoned my coating and sat again, staking my claim on the board. They paused, glanced around, then changed their path to the former side of the room. I watched them while they waited for three woman to lift a table for four before sitting down themselves. Sighing, I resolved that I would just have to get in line myself when Chris was done.

'' One tall, caramel latte for you, '' he said a few proceedings later, setting one cup in front of me, `` and a tall, maple pecan latte for me. ``

I blinked up at him, my encephalon and mouth trying to mold together.

Chris took the seat across from me. `` You look puzzled. ``

'' H-how did you fuck ? '' I finally managed.

'' Facebook. '' He removed the lid on his cup and blew across the top of the scintillating liquid inside.

'' What ? ``

'' It was leisurely to receive you with your email computer address. '' He attempted to take a sip of his boozing, cringed, and then said, `` You listed the drink in a post from last calendar month as one of your must-haves if you could only contract five things to a deserted island. ``

A tremble raced up my back although both of my script were cupping my hot drinking. I raised both brow at him. `` stalker. ``

His eyes widened. `` No ! I just wanted to eff Sir Thomas More about you. ``

'' Uh, huh. ``

'' Look, I 'm unplayful. I swear. I 'm not some creepy guy stalking you. ``

'' Yeah, that 's exactly what a creepy, stalker guy would say. Gain my trust, and then fire when I least shady it. ``

Chris chuckled. `` You 're just jealous that you did n't think of checking me out, too. ``

I opened my mouth, but naught came out, so I snapped it shut again.

'' Am I right ? ``

I narrowed my eyes at him and swallowed heavily. He actually had a point. Why had n't I thought of looking him up ? The regretful that could have happened was he either did n't have Facebook or his profile was restricted to only friend. But now that I thought about it, maybe subconsciously, I had n't tried to find him for fear that he had given me a faux email name and address just like some charwoman do when they do n't desire to trouble oneself with item guy rope. Yet, he had sent me the message that debunked that theory. So I could have—

'' You 're cute when you blush, '' he said, the rim of his cup hiding his grinning when he blew on the contents again and tried another sip.

My impudence grew even warmer after his admission. But then I thought of something. `` Wait, your electronic mail utmost nighttime said you did n't know my last-place name. If you looked me up on Facebook ... ''

His face turned red this time. `` Busted ! I just thought of doing it after you replied to my substance. ``

I rolled my centre at him and took a sip of my drink, relishing the smooth, creamy grain, deliberate not to burn my tongue.

'' So, you like to fill out surveys. ``

I shook my caput. `` No, I — ''

'' Do n't deny it. They 're all over your profile. ``

'' Oh, those aren't— ''

'' They 're study. Like the one you filled out at the shopping centre. ``

'' I do n't think— ''

'' Do they ask you questions that you provide mostly honest answers to so that others will be intimate more about you ? ``

'' Well, yes. '' My knees were bouncing again. I wanted to shrug off my coating due to the fact that I was sweating, but after his price of admission, I also wanted to be prepared to stand out up and leave if the need arose.

'' Holly, the only if difference between those and the one you filled out for me is your name is attached to the ones online. Plus, I doubt there are consumer authority that care that 'Alone'by center Best fits your love life, or that you think Sam Elliott is fuckable. ``

I covered my eyes with my leave behind hand. `` Oh, my God ! Now I 'm going to die. ``

Chris chuckled. `` Why are you embarrassed ? You put it on the cyberspace. ``

'' Please, just change the subject, '' I mumbled.

'' Is it because I know ? Is that what bothers you ? ``

It had been a long time since I 'd wanted to crawl under a careen, Dominicus 's encounter with a life-size hoarding at the mall notwithstanding. I refused to take that he was right ... again. But my silence only proved his point.

'' Holly ? '' His voice was voiced. `` Your honesty is ... refreshing. ``

I felt a tear in my eye for some reason. Why did I care so much that he had teased me ?

'' I wonder, are you as forthcoming in somebody ? '' There was a pinch of business organisation in his phonation, and his hand rested over my right that I still had wrapped around my cup. `` I 'd like to know the substantial Holly McGregor. ``

I sniffled, only half-paying attention to him.

'' Look at me. ``

Although his tone remained silence, it demanded that I obey. I lowered my left bridge player and blinked away the forming tears. His smile was gone. In its topographic point was a slight frown, despite the visible light still shining in his eyes.

'' I 'm sorry, Holly. I did n't mean to upset you. ``

I took a deep breath to calm my nerves, but my exhale was shaky. `` I guess I figured I 'd be the one to tell you all about me, not some online visibility. ``

'' I have a look those reply barely scratch the surface of the who you really are. ``

A box of my mouth turned up at that.

'' But to even the playing field, the song that most represents my love aliveness is'I Want To Know What passion Is'by Foreigner, and I think Stevie nick is fuckable. ``

I laughed.

His smile was back. `` Hey, she 's hot. ``

'' I hate to include it, but she is. You 're right hand again. God, will you please stop doing that ? It 's annoying. ``

Chris sipped his boozing for a moment then grinned widely. `` Like cheese and wine-colored, some multitude only get serious with age. ``

I rolled my eyes at him and lifted my own cup.

'' So, now that we 're here face-to-face, evidence me about you, holly. ``

'' I do n't know. I 'm not that interesting. There 's not much to— ''

'' That 's ok, I 'll just read your previous station. '' He pulled out his cellular telephone phone.

'' Stop ! okey, you win ! ``

He laughed and put the phone on the table. `` Good, because that probably would have taken quite a tenacious sentence to get through your history. ``

'' Now you 're just being mingy. ``

'' annotation to self, Holly does not like to be teased. ``

I pressed my backtalk together and narrowed my middle at him.

'' Would it be easier if I put all my enquiry into a sketch of my own ? ``

'' That isn't— '' A sudden, increasing tune made us both jump. I realized it was my sound. I had felt it buzzing in my pocket letting me know I had new texts, but the ringtone I could n't ignore. `` I 'm sorry, I need to get this. It 's my mom, and she only calls when it 's authoritative. I 'm really distressing. ``

'' By all means. '' Chris picked up his own headphone and seemed to tune me out.

'' Hi, Mom. I ... What ? Slow down. Oh, God. Are they sure ? Ca n't they ... Yes, I heard you. Yes, I 'm writing it down, '' I said, reaching for my purse to get a pen. My hand shook as I scribbled some words on a napkin. `` I-I 'll get there as soon as I can, Mom. ``

As soon as she hung up, I dropped my phone on the tabletop and covered my eyes. This was n't happening. I was dreaming, and I 'd wake up any mo. Please, God, tell me I 'm dreaming.

'' Holly ? ``

I jumped and looked up through blurry middle to see Chris frowning at me with a wrinkle brow. The din of the coffee shop rushed back in, drowning out my mom 's password that kept repeating themselves. In those few short second on the telephone set, I 'd forget he was here. Where I was. And then in an New York minute, I accepted that this was in fact realism. I suddenly found it firmly to breathe.

Chris reached out and cover up my hired hand with his. `` Holly, talk to me. What 's wrongfulness ? ``

nictitation away my tear, I managed to say, `` My dad was in an accident. They do n't know if he 'll make it. Another guy ran a red Inner Light while turning and fishtailed on the blow, hitting my dad 's car. ``

'' Oh, my God. I 'm so meritless. Is there anything I can do ? ``

'' No. I-I need to get to the hospital. '' I went to stomach up and ended up knocking over my purse. It fell to the storey, some of the table of contents spilling out. `` I 'm so regretful to cut this curtly. ``

'' Buddy Holly, stop. ``

I looked up from where I crouched on the tile base while reaching for a contrary lipstick pipe that rolled further under the table. `` I-I have to go. ``

'' Yes, I know. But take a moment to rest. I 'll pick up your things. '' His work force gently grasped my upper arms. He helped me stand then sit back down. He squatted in front man of me and held my regard, his hired man clasping mine while he evenly said, `` Deep breath in. Let it out slowly. Again. trade good girl. stay fresh doing that. ''