I usually say no.

But he was cunning, I was bored, and what damage could issue forth from answering a suddenly survey ?

I was only at the mall because the weather had been lousy all week, and I was getting claustrophobic in my apartment with my roomie and her boyfriend making out like a pair of give rabbit in heat. I 'd tried to cue them that it was Christmas meter, not Easter, but Jolie had been too busy giggling and screeching while Dirk chased her back into her bedroom.

The slamming of her door was the jounce I 'd needed to get me out of my blue funk and convert me I needed to get out of there. But after two 60 minutes of jostling through holiday shoppers and creating a wish list I 'd never be able-bodied to afford on my earnings from my job as a movement desk assistant at the gym, I 'd decided it was time to head back home base. But not before I grabbed a raw sienna latte from the coffee vendor in the nutrient court.

I left the line with my deglutition and was heading back toward the North end of the mall when I was waylaid by a tall drinking of water. Literally. It was a seven-foot tall cardboard cutout of a glass filled three-quarters-full standing next to a kiosk ad home-delivery bottled water system of rules. I was flustered after noticing a guy—who looked very lots like Ryan Gosling—staring at me from where he stood by the entree to one of those preppy clothing stores with a clipboard in his helping hand. I lowered my head for just a present moment and walked right into the side of the thing !

A small group of daughter and hombre walking past laughed and pointed. I brushed off their looks and glanced at my beverage. Thankfully, the lid was still secured. When I looked up again, I was startled by the gorgeous aristocratic eyes looking back at me with a mixture of soft concern and amusement.

'' Are you okay ? '' Mr. Clipboard 's center searched my body before sliding back up to my face. Then he smirked. `` I 'm sorry about that. ``

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

'' I 'd provide to buy you a boozing as comfort, but ... '' He gestured to my hand.

I lifted my cup. `` Thanks. ``

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

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

He clutched the clipboard in his left hired hand finisher to his chest of drawers and held out his right hand. `` Chris. ``

'' Nice to meet you. '' The terminal word was barely hearable as his bridge player closed around mine. His grip was firm ... warm ... and it made unknown but delicious shivers race through me. I bit back a groan when he let go. My breathing space was raspy when I added, `` Charles Hardin Holley. ``

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

'' Yes. '' I refrained from rolling my heart but lifted a filament of my whisker. `` I even have the red for the Chuck Berry. My parents thought the epithet was fitting with my birthday in December. ``

I cringed internally. pillock ! Why are you telling a terminated alien something so personal ?

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

'' Uh ... thanks. '' My brass were suddenly warm. I tugged at the collar of my perspirer, but it did n't assist. I closed my eye for a moment and took a inscrutable breather. Swallowed with difficultness. When I looked at him again, Chris was frowning.

'' Are you sure you 're okay ? Do you desire 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 boyfriend. '' I mentally slapped myself. Shut. Up. Idiot. Just wear a sign adjacent fourth dimension that says you 're a lonely, single woman with nothing better to do than obstruct yourself at the mall.

'' Then what 's the rush to get out into the cold ? semen, have a bottom and hitch your breath. '' Chris pointed to a table for two where the resident 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 manoeuver me. Once we were seated, he set the clipboard on the table. `` It 's crazy here, is n't it ? ``

'' Well, it 's only a week until Christmas. It 's like this every twelvemonth. ``

He shook his principal. `` Too many multitude for my tasting. ``

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

He tapped the clipboard. `` I needed some additional cash. ``

'' What 's that ? '' I tilted my head to try to read the actor's line on the mickle of tabloid under his finger.

'' Consumer survey. ``

'' Is it like your one-year home income and what sort of cleanup products you prefer ? ``

'' Exactly. ``

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

He crossed his arms on top of the atomic reactor of forms. `` You do n't have to. It 's nice just talking to you. ``

'' You said you needed the money. I 'm sure that it 's based on how many sketch 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 pouch. `` Thanks for doing this. Now I owe you twice. ``

We talked randomly about the holiday and the weather condition while I answered the questions. When I was done, I noticed the bottom of the sheet had a space for an email address.

'' Why do you require to know an e-mail if it 's an anonymous survey ? ``

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

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

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

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

'' None. ``

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

'' Employees are free from entering. Even the temporary ace. ``

'' That must nurse. ``

'' Yeah, I could use an extra imposing. ``

'' Me, too. '' I filled in my e-mail savoir-faire 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 less after taxation, but I 'd be a fool to say no. '' He pulled a blank form off the clipboard, flipped it over, and wrote his first gens and email destination. `` So you know how to contact me when you win. ``

'' If. ``

He chuckled. `` Right. If. ``

We commented on the people 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 study. Still, I 'd revel the fourth dimension with him.

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

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

'' What ? ``

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

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

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

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

# # #

quaternary days later before I got ready for bed, I noticed an electronic mail with the theme of `` Consolation loot. '' I almost deleted it as spam, but something about the address seemed familiar, so I opened it with a mental reminder not to click on any links in sheath a computer virus was attached. But then I laughed so hard, tears pricked the corners of my eyes.

-- -

Dear 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 elevated plunder of $ 1000.00 that we agreed to break up, minus tax deductions. It 's a Brobdingnagian bummer to me, because that means I 'll still own to do stupid jobs—like standing around the shopping mall for several hours in holiday 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 low-spirited about losing—and your ego has recovered from your run-in with the Culligan Man—I received $ 50 from the survey company 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 time of year,

Chris, the sketch Guy

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

-- -

I hovered my mouse over the clit to respond and clicked. But once I was staring at the lacuna body of my response, I could n't think of anything to publish. At least not as clever as what he had composed. I settled with a quick answer that I 'd be happy to accept the prize if he named the place and time, and then I clicked to send before I could shift my mind.

The future daybreak, there was another email from Chris. It was even shorter than mine. He 'd merely stated to meet at a popular uptown coffee store that afternoon.

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

As the 60 minutes crept on and the front doorway remained closed for the most office, I prayed more members would hail into the gym to stimulate the time go faster. But the fact that it had snowed overnight and it was the Fri before Christmas meant the body process on the trading floor was pretty dilute. I 'd arranged to take a lunch at the end of my shift and leave early for the day so I could meet Chris, though that just made me more fidgety because my stomach started gurgling around noon. At to the lowest degree I think it was from hunger.

Once it was time to clock out, I found myself lingering in the can sales booth. I wanted to see him again, right ? We 'd had a dependable conversation at the promenade. He was easy on the heart, and that one pregnant chad that his provide cheek revealed whenever he smiled only made him more attractive. Not to mention, he wanted to see me again. If he was n't matter to, he would n't birth reached out. Right ? So why was I a bundle of nerves ?

Feeling a little more bucked up after my personal pep talk, I made my way to my car and scraped off the Robert Frost on the windshield while I waited for the engine to warm up. 15 minutes later, I was pulling into the parking lot of the strip mall and walking into the coffee shop. I looked around the noisy, bustling room but did n't see Chris. My bed of a sweater and a winter coating were suddenly too hot.

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

I checked my watch and turned around to go away ... only to stare into those bright, blue eyes.

'' Hi, Buddy Holly. ``

I gasped since I 'd nearly run into him and closed my centre for a arcsecond. Still trying to get my breathing back under ascendance, I smiled at him. `` Hi, Chris. You really have to arrest doing that. ``

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

Something inside me stirred when his fingers moved a chain of hairsbreadth from one side of my head to the other then grazed my cheek while he tucked it behind my ear.

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

'' Uh, thanks. ``

'' Of trend. '' His dimple flirted subtly when he smiled. `` Did you order yet ? ``

'' I was waiting for you, '' I said, shaking my head. I shifted my gaze to the register where two people were in line. Then I noticed a group of six were just coming into the coffee bean shop.

'' Why do n't you find oneself us a seat ? ``

I nodded and weaved my way through the crowded table to the last empty one, a table for two, at the back of the room. Once I sat down, I realized I had n't told him what I wanted. I stood with the intention to tell Chris, but the couple that had been in line ahead of him were heading right toward me. I unbuttoned my coat and sat again, staking my claim on the tabular array. They paused, glanced around, then changed their path to the early side of the way. I watched them while they waited for three char to annul 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 minutes later, setting one cup in nominal head of me, `` and a tall, maple pecan latte for me. ``

I blinked up at him, my brain and rima oris trying to forge together.

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

'' H-how did you make love ? '' I finally managed.

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

'' What ? ``

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

A tingle raced up my back although both of my hands were cupping my hot drinkable. I raised both eyebrows at him. `` prowler. ``

His eyes widened. `` No ! I just wanted to know more about you. ``

'' Uh, huh. ``

'' looking at, I 'm good. I swear. I 'm not some creepy guy stalking you. ``

'' Yeah, that 's exactly what a creepy, sneak guy would say. Gain my cartel, and then flak when I least suspect it. ``

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

I opened my mouth, but nothing 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 worst that could have happened was he either did n't have Facebook or his profile was restricted to only friends. But now that I thought about it, maybe subconsciously, I had n't tried to find him for fearfulness that he had given me a fake electronic mail address just like some charwoman do when they do n't require to bother with particular guys. Yet, he had sent me the message that debunked that hypothesis. So I could have—

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

My impertinence grew even warmer after his entrance fee. But then I thought of something. `` time lag, your email live Nox said you did n't know my last name. If you looked me up on Facebook ... ''

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

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

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

I shook my head. `` No, I — ''

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

'' Oh, those aren't— ''

'' They 're surveys. Like the one you filled out at the shopping center. ``

'' I do n't think— ''

'' Do they ask you query that you provide mostly true answers to so that others will fuck more about you ? ``

'' fountainhead, yes. '' My knee were bouncing again. I wanted to shrug off my coat due to the fact that I was sweating, but after his entrance fee, I also wanted to be prepared to jump up and result if the need arose.

'' Holly, the only departure 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 Heart best fits your love life, or that you think Sam Elliott is fuckable. ``

I covered my middle with my will hand. `` Oh, my God ! Now I 'm going to die. ``

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

'' Please, just exchange 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 creep under a rock, Lord's Day 's encounter with a life-size billboard at the mall notwithstanding. I refused to take on that he was right ... again. But my silence only proved his point.

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

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

'' I wonder, are you as forthcoming in person ? '' There was a tinge of concern in his voice, and his deal rested over my right that I still had wrapped around my cup. `` I 'd like to know the real Holly McGregor. ``

I sniffled, only half-paying aid to him.

'' face at me. ``

Although his tone remained placidity, it demanded that I obey. I lowered my result manus and blinked away the forming rent. His smile was gone. In its billet was a svelte scowl, despite the light still shining in his eyes.

'' I 'm dingy, Holly. I did n't mean to trouble you. ``

I took a deep breath to calm my nervus, but my exhale was wobbly. `` I guess I figured I 'd be the one to evidence you all about me, not some online profile. ``

'' I have a feel those resolution barely scratch the aerofoil of the who you really are. ``

A recess of my mouth turned up at that.

'' But to even the playing field, the song that most represents my beloved life is'I Want To Know What dearest Is'by outsider, and I think Stevie Nicks is fuckable. ``

I laughed.

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

'' I hate to intromit it, but she is. You 're in good order again. God, will you please kibosh doing that ? It 's annoying. ``

Chris sipped his boozing for a moment then grinned widely. `` Like cheese and wine, some people only get better with age. ``

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

'' So, now that we 're here face-to-face, differentiate me about you, Buddy Holly. ``

'' I do n't roll in the hay. I 'm not that interesting. There 's not much to— ''

'' That 's okay, I 'll just translate your former place. '' He pulled out his cadre phone.

'' occlusive ! okay, you win ! ``

He laughed and put the phone on the table. `` undecomposed, because that probably would get taken quite a long time to get through your history. ``

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

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

I pressed my lips together and narrowed my eyes at him.

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

'' That isn't— '' A sudden, increasing strain made us both jump. I realized it was my headphone. I had felt it buzzing in my air pocket letting me know I had new texts, but the ringtone I could n't brush aside. `` I 'm sorry, I need to take this. It 's my mom, and she only calls when it 's important. I 'm really dismal. ``

'' By all mean value. '' Chris picked up his own telephone set and seemed to tune up 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 optic. This was n't happening. I was dreaming, and I 'd come alive up any moment. Please, God, assure me I 'm dreaming.

'' Holly ? ``

I jumped and looked up through foggy center to see Chris frowning at me with a furrowed supercilium. The din of the coffee shop rushed back in, drowning out my mom 's Son that kept repeating themselves. In those few short moments on the earpiece, I 'd forgotten he was here. Where I was. And then in an instant, I accepted that this was in fact realness. I suddenly found it severe to breathe.

Chris reached out and covered my mitt with his. `` Holly, talk to me. What 's wrong ? ``

Blinking away my tears, I managed to say, `` My dad was in an fortuity. They do n't make out if he 'll make it. Another guy ran a red igniter while turning and fishtailed on the C, hitting my dad 's car. ``

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

'' No. I-I want to get to the hospital. '' I went to stand up and ended up knocking over my bag. It fell to the floor, some of the table of contents spilling out. `` I 'm so sad to cut this short. ``

'' Charles Hardin Holley, stop. ``

I looked up from where I crouched on the tile floor while reaching for a wayward lipstick tube-shaped structure that rolled further under the table. `` I-I have to go. ``

'' Yes, I know. But take a moment to rest. I 'll beak up your things. '' His men gently grasped my upper arms. He helped me stand then sit back down. He squatted in front of me and held my gaze, his men clasping mine while he evenly said, `` Deep intimation in. Let it out slowly. Again. Good female child. Keep doing that. ''