50% Off Regrets: From Holiday Sale To Instant Romance

Janelle only stepped out to grab some aluminum foil.

You know, basic mom shit; not at all “life-changing moment with a fine stranger” energy.

But December always got that setup energy.

So when sis passed the boutique on 5th Street, she stopped short and stared at the window. A sign read:

“Holiday Sale: 50% Off Regrets.”

“Girl…same,” she muttered.

She leaned in subtly to check the price on a cashmere sweater, just so she didn't play herself, in case she couldn’t afford to regret such an impulse buy, even at half off—when she saw him.

Tall. Honey brown. Beard trimmed like he had a weekly appointment with destiny.

He was rearranging scarves like he was auditioning for the Pretty Boy Olympics.

He caught her staring and smirked. Sis was mortified.

“Not you out here looking thirsty AF,” she whispered to herself, disgusted at her own spirit.

But just as she turned to flee, a chocolatey voice stopped her.

“You looked too long. Now we both in trouble.”

He locked eyes with her so hard she accidentally reached for her keys like she was about to drive off into a new life.

“We close in five minutes,” he said. “Where we going?”

Janelle hesitated.

Her last man had drained her soul and her credit, but this one looked like he kept his promises, kept his receipts, and could probably get her a bomb discount on that cashmere.

She exhaled and stepped inside.

“Anything I can help you find?” he asked in a tone equally sexy and sarcastic.

“Yeah,” she said. “Something warm.”

He reached out, brushed her hand.

“This one’s perfect,” he whispered.

She smiled. The lights flickered in unison with her heart. Baby, it was magic.

But *record scratch* the moment was ruined when a woman’s voice yelled from the back:

“Marcus! Stop flirting with customers and finish the inventory!”

Janelle blinked.

Marcus shrugged. “At least I don’t sell dope.” he muttered as he walked away like he was tired of debating the allegations.

She laughed so hard she forgot why she ever feared December.

She stayed till he got off , he walked her to her car; they’ve been on ever since.