Read The Old Stories Page 12

  ***

  He waited for all the people to leave the store and quickly walked in. He felt all eyes on him. The sales lady avoided small talk.

  "How can I help you?"

  "Well… I’d like to buy some… Umm… Garters and stockings," he said in a shaky voice, as though he was lacking air.

  "What kind?"

  "Black ones," he exhaled.

  "We have a few different models. Let me show you…"

  "That won’t be necessary! Just give me those on the mannequin."

  "What size?"

  He gawked.

  "What size?" asked the sales lady again.

  His ears went red.

  "Just a second."

  He walked out of the store.

  "What size are you?" he drooled into his cell phone.

  "What do you mean?"

  "What do you mean what do I mean? The garter belt! Fuck!"

  "Why are you yelling at me?"

  "Why are you fucking with me!?"

  "I’m not fucking with you! What’s wrong with you? Are you nuts?"

  He inhaled.

  "Okay, okay… Please just tell me what size garter belt you wear."

  "Are you buying me a garter?"

  He could hear her smiling over the phone.

  "No. I’m buying bananas. Don’t tease me now. I’m next in line."

  She giggled. He felt sick to his stomach.