I'll be at the zoo

 

It felt like he'd just seen her. But here Olivia was with a hand-held basket while Tristan was pushing a grocery cart. Both were casual in old jeans and a heavy sweater. The north wind finally got here and their was an icy chill outside.

"It's almost Thanksgiving," he felt a little dizzy to say, especially since the word was floating above her head to advertise the Thanksgiving specials.

"So?" Her dark eyes were tense as usual. He should have expected it.

"So you want to go to the zoo with me?" He caught her off guard and saw her little smile. Naturally, she covered her hand over her mouth.

"Zoo?"

He pushed on with a sigh, and she walked with him with an empty basket.

"Yeah, my parents live there. They invited me to Thanksgiving. Carmen will be there," he looked at her as if that would be a plus. They seemed to hit it off at the Friendsgiving.

Olivia nodded as if she'd think about it. 

"You can even wear your pajamas if you want, I mean, flannels. Its a casual affair. Kind of an ugly sweater party without the glitz."

"Sounds tempting." She told him.

"My Dad's Chinese, but he'll make enchiladas, or maybe Carmen will." Tristan found the Hawaiian rolls on sale. His mother's favorite.

"What will you bring?" Olivia asked.

"This and some salsa and chips." He nodded.

"Should I bring anything?" Her basket was still empty.

"So you are coming?" Tristan smiled.

"I got nothing else to do," Olivia shrugged. Her family wasn't here, and her college friends were away.

"You don't need to bring anything," he practically winked with a smile. "Now, just don't let my mom scare you. Hopefully, she'll just be on Carmen's case."

"Why?" Olivia looked at him blankly as if she wanted to know.

"About Justin, she can't stand him. She thinks Carmen deserves better. She's crazy that way." Tristan nodded.

Olivia was even lipped. He said when to expect him. It would be mid-afternoon.

"You've got my number?" She looked at him as if it were a surprise.

"Uh, maybe I don't." He got out his phone. "You could call me, and then I'd have it." He knew for sure she had his because of work. Only she never called him.

"OK," but she didn't call him right that second, she went to get what she came for, plain Greek yogurt, cereal and some nuts.