in the cold

Eric had decided he'd stay as far from Penelope as possible. Hopefully, the college guy from produce would have his way with her and she'd be far too in love to look his way again.

Of course, as he was thinking this he was worried about if he knew what real love really was. Did he know how to show Ellie that he loved her. Not with just a kiss or well, a touch. But something much more. Did she know he loved her smile. The way she talked and made him laugh. This called for jewelry. He just knew it. But he couldn't afford anything that much.

He was out gathering wayward shopping carts in the windy parking lot. Trudging through the ice wishing he'd wrapped his scarf around his face to fight the cold, but he'd left it in his car. He was thankful he wore the skully that Ellie had crocheted for him, the fingerless gloves too.

Perhaps she'd be OK with something from 1928 costume jewelry. He knew she liked that brand. But would that be enough? All this was on his mind as he fought with the carts and headed them to the cart carral. Just as he turned, he backed right into Steve, Penelope's ex boyfriend.

Shit. He was sure he was a goner. He'd punch him out with his cold fist and he'd be left to freeze there in the parking lot.

"Oh, its you?" Eric just stared at him. "What do you want?" He winced.

"I know you." His voice was loud and a bit intensed.

"Yes, you're Steve," Eric tried to be as calm as possible. "You're Steve."

Steve nodded.

"What are you doing here?"

"Walking?"

"All the way from your house? Did you take a bus?" Eric was a bit concerned. He looked a bit underdressed. His coat was light. No gloves. No hat.

"I like to walk."

"Yeah, when its a warm day, but its not. This is winter weather. Its even too cold to snow," Eric told him.

"Really?"

"Why don't you come in from the cold? We should get you something hot to drink."

"OK." His voice was loud and sounded so angry, but Eric guessed he wasn't. Not really.

So he followed Eric in and he got Steve some hot chocolate at the diner in the grocery store. It was almost time for Eric to get off anyway. He'd planned to do some Christmas shopping, but he guessed he could take Steve home. Hopefully, Steve knew where he lived.

Naturally, Steve wanted to come Christmas shopping with him.

"All right." Eric guessed he could do this. It was better than the alternative of Steve being mad at him. He honestly didn't want that to happen. Eric gave him his extra set of gloves and off they went shopping in the shopping center.

They passed the book store. The usual places. And then they found themselves in front of Victoria Secrets.

"You ever been in there?" Eric wondered.

Steve just kept staring at the posters of the underwear models, inside.

"Would you want to go in there?"

Steve just smiled.

"OK, if we go in there, be as quiet as possible. I wouldn't want security calling on us. You'll have to whisper," Eric nodded then thinking maybe he was the worst person possible, taking him in there. But then they were just looking and just maybe he'd find something.

Of course, Steve followed him in as if he was going into a museum. He was on his best behavior. Eric was so surprised. His brow wasn't all furrowed. He was as pleasant as could be. Of course, most of the store were loaded with perfume and lotions. There was less of the lingere than Eric had expected. They bypassed it and went where most of the more teen oriented stuff was located. Pajamas and other comforts and joys in lounging around. Eric decided on something in that section along with lotions, perfumes and body washes for Ellie. Hopefully, she would enjoy it. That's what a gift should be.

"You were really quiet," Eric said as they were leaving. Steve just nodded. Maybe he could find time for Steve, after all. Maybe they could really talk. He might even decide to go into a teaching career.