Friday as we were running around, Meme wanted to find a pair of Chaco’s. Evidently there’s a certain model of these sandals that she wanted. Five stores on Friday and we finally found a pair, but she also wanted to get a men’s pair for her husband - so we continued to run around looking for the right size.
During this time, she told me how I needed a pair of these sandals, how they were the best thing ever and how they would pretty much change my life. So before breakfast, and even a decent cup of coffee I found myself on Google and making phone calls to find a pair for her husband – finally, a place on Freemont and 40th has them, so I tell the guy, “Put two colors of size 10 behind the counter, we’re on our way!”
And we then race to get them. While I’m there I think, perhaps I should get a pair of these life-changing sandals… So I grab a box and stand at the counter to pay.
Two clerks, and a woman in jogging gear then become witnesses to the following scene –
Meme tried to take the box out of my hands. There’s no way in HELL I’m letting her by my sandals so we shuffle for a minute. “Stop.” “Let go.” “They’re mine.” Mumbling ensues for a minute.
“I waited all day yesterday for you to show interest in something so I could buy it for a belated birthday present. Let me get them!”
“No.” I hiss back. “I picked them up. They’re like a hundred bucks. Go away.”
“No! Finally something you want. Let me get it for you.” She demands.
Our voices begin to get louder.
“Back away from the shoes. They’re mine!”
“Shut up and let me get them for your Birthday.”
“Get me a card or something, these are mine to buy!” I whine.
The woman in jogging gear rolls her eyes. Just as we start to become a little more physical. I steady my legs apart.
“Meme, don’t make me throw down with you in the middle of the store.” I wonder for a minute how fast I can put her in a headlock. The woman is always trying to buy me stuff! “Athena…” My name hangs off her lips with a moment of serious consideration and I know – because I’ve known her for 15 years – that she too, is wondering how fast she can put me in a headlock.
The male clerk clears his throat, and we both glance in his direction. “Actually,” he says “It’s buy one, get one free today. And since she’s buying a pair for her husband – she gets the other pair for free… “
There was a second when I thought we might both pounce on him, because it’s been years since anyone dared to enter into a fight between myself and Meme. Since we hadn’t actually gotten to the name calling which would be immediately followed by hair pulling, pinching and a knuckle punching – we silently agreed to let him live.
“I win.” She said and calmly took the box of sandals from my hands. I didn’t fight, but glared at the clerk.
“Did you just say that to avert bloodshed in your store?”
He shrugged, “Nope today only, buy one get one free.” He looked at me as the credit card machine spit out a receipt. “Honest!”
“Fine.” I mumble and walk toward the door. You win this time, Meme. Just you wait. Just you wait.
She followed me out of the store and as we climbed into the jeep and handed me the box.
“Happy Birthday.” She said with as much sarcasm as possible, and I realized – our dynamic is going to end up being like this until the day we die. We’ve always been this way and we likely always will, maybe that’s why I love her so much.
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