I was out to a bricks and mortar store for the first time in a year. Who shops any more? Especially in a department store?
Walking by the sales racks of shorts noticing that the place is pretty much deserted, I am 'assaulted' by this brash 30 yr old with nothing to do. He says "I was watching you from over there. I am betting you are looking for something specific and just can't find it."
Truth be told it was great to see his energy in a dead store. He was pretty good looking. Not that that matters because I am straight and married -mind you about 3 years too long.
Anyway we start conversing about my need for some shorts. I am looking for Khakis but can't seem to find any on sale or in my size. He jokes that he will take some measurements and find me a pair.
I say "A size 34 in a green khaki hardly needs a measurement." That just gives him permission. He looks me up and down and smiles. Walking away, he looks over his shoulder and says "Hold on. I think I have something."
I haven't talked to anyone since being in the store for 1/2 hour so it is kind of refreshing to have some help. I thumb thru some circular pant racks and sure enough about 3 mins later back comes my little helper.
Now you have to understand that I am 42, 5'10" and about 180lbs. I am in pretty good shape from sports and told I am good looking from some female friends at the office. My buddy is about 30, slightly shorter than me, clean shaven with product in his hair and a kinda preppy look about him. He is nice looking and cocky. I like the confidence but as I said, I am straight.
He walks up to me with 3 pairs of shorts; one khaki, one dark blue and short, one green and short, introducing himself as Damien. I tell him I don't like the look of the short ones but will try the khakis on. His reaction is "try on the dark blue short ones and I think you will be surprised."
What the hell. Why not there is nobody in the store. I have his undivided attention and maybe stepping out of my conservative 'mid-thigh shorts' look will be refreshing. I grab all three pair and head for the dressing room. Damien says "Let me see you in both styles. We can judge the colors later."
I walk in the 2nd door dressing room and hang up the shorts on a hook. I unzip my pants and try on the khakis. The fit seems to work but they just feel like some old shorts. I think ' Maybe I should try on the short shorts.'
I walk out to show Damien and his reaction was predictable. "Ya, they look OK but don't show you off in any way." He reaches out towards me and I instinctively raise my arm. He puts a finger inside the waistband and gives a slight tug. "Good fit; nothing special. Try on the short blue ones."
I certainly like his confident approach. I am starting to trust him and am at ease with the banter. He converses a bit and asks why I am buying the shorts "An occasion or just for utility?"
I tell him we have a BBQ on the weekend and there will be about 20 people over. He responds "OK you need something with a bit more pizzazz. Try on the short blue ones and let's see."
I go back into the dressing room and look in the mirror. "He's right. I want a statement not construction shorts." I pull off the khakis and slip into the blue ones. Well they are definitely shorter. About 8 inches at the hip and maybe 3 at the inseam. I go back out to see my buddy. Immediately he says "That's better."
I am not so sure. I am tugging at the leg front to arrange myself within. I just don't feel comfortable but Damien has other thoughts.
"The khakis make you look 'suburban'. I like the 'downtown' look on my men. These show you off much nicer."
