“The pleasure is all ours.” Sweetheart said.

“No it isn’t.” Plum spat. “The pleasure will be in finally watching you leave!” she said, snatching the bag of ice away from him. “Thanks for not knocking the wind out of my best friend’s lungs. You can go, no.”

“P- Plum?” Sweetheart stammered.

“It’s alright.” Tennessee said, pleasantly. “I’m afraid we didn’t’ get off to a very good start, so I quickly wore out my welcome. I should go.”

“Finally!” Plum growled, stomping back to the stall with the bag of ice.

Though he tried, Tennessee could not help but smile as he watched the fiery lavender cat storm off. “Plum…” he whispered, happy to finally have a name to go with the face he would surely see in his dreams that night. “May I ask,” he said to Sweetheart,” is your Sweet Shoppe in town?

“Ah…it is.” she answered, warily. “But, if you have done something to Plum, then I—“

“Only everything that a man can do to ruin a first impression.” he admitted, his eyes still on Plum as she retreated to the stall. “But, I intended no harm. I would love the chance to get to know her and for her to know me. Still, it is your establishment,” he said, turning to look down at the little shop owner, “so, if you say the word, I promise not to visit. I want to, but I will not if you forbid me to enter.”

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