Walking out of work into the blistering sun that bright Monday afternoon was another ordinary day. I quickly stepped into my mother’s car and suddenly noticed the variety of perfumes and fragrances on me from working in Hallmark all morning. The scents were not horrid, but were slightly too flowery for my liking.
     

I was rather fatigued and anxious to arrive home to take a hot shower and to climb into my soft, fluffy bed. My mood quickly turned for the worst when I was told we had to stop at Winn-Dixie first. Why did I have to go? Why would she not drop me off at home first?  I decided  to stay positive and not ponder about it. I sunk into the comfy fabric of the seat and stared outside at all of the gray buildings and vibrant green trees and grass. As we zoom through the streets, we finally pulled into the parking lot, where I could see the brilliant red letters that read ‘Winn-Dixie’. I stepped out of the car and immediately heard car engines and buggies being pushed through the lot. As I walked  into the store, I could see all the bright colors of the products and produce on display. The white floors reflecting the fluorescent lights, and the awful  music and commercials playing over the speakers. I grabbed one of the buggies and was towed by my mother towards the produce section. Seeing all of the shiny fruits made me so hungry that I could practically taste the sweetness as my mouth watered. While my mom scanned the section I wandered towards the back of the produce which led to the back aisle.
         

Glancing down the back aisle where all of the variety of meats, and dairy products are I happened to spot a guy with gorgeously styled hair. His hair was magnificent from far away. My curiosity caused me to find out if he was as cute as his hair led on. I ran over to my mom and exclaimed, “Mom, there is a guy with sexy hair, we have to see his face!” She laughed and said, “Alright, let’s go find him.” Speeding down the back aisle, we turn onto the soup aisle at the same time as another customer. As I peeked down the aisle, I see the guy with the hot hair.  He was absolutely beautiful. As soon as I saw him my mom and I backed up.  My eyes went wide. We turned on the aisle before his and I whispered, “Mom he is sooooo hot!” She laughed at me and said, “ Calm down before he thinks you’re weird, but let’s go talk to him!” I was incredibly nervous, yet bubbling with excitement! As we walked onto the aisle, I gripped the smooth plastic of the buggie handle with white knuckles to keep myself together. I was like a shaken can of coke, waiting to explode.
      

Gazing down the aisle, I see him, in his fire engine red shirt and coal black pants, restocking the soups. I could hear my heart thudding in my chest as the adrenaline was pumping through my body from excitement. The smell of the barbeque the store was cooking wafted under my nose. I could practically taste the anticipation of talking to him. Strolling over towards him, he turned around, smiled, and said “ Hello, How are you?” Peering at his face I could see his chocolate brown eyes, and his cocoa-colored hair styled up in a perfect quiff. His face was smooth with a tiny beard adorning his cheeks and chin. His skin was a creamy tan color from the summer sun.
        

I finally have his attention and I cannot even speak! My vivacious mother had to talk to him for me. He asked me where I worked and when I squeaked out a simple, “Hallmark”,  he laughed and said, “Wal-Mart? I know Winn-Dixie is kind of a bad job but Wal-Mart has to be worse.” I believe I looked like a hyena at this moment because I was practically rolling on the floor laughing at the mixup in words. I calmed down enough to say, “No, I work at Hallmark. It’s a card store.” I could literally feel my face begging to fall off from the pain of smiling so hard.  He laughed and I could have sworn I was being wrapped up by an angel because his laugh was heavenly. His smile made me want to melt into a puddle of happiness right there in my spot. The conversation continued about school and interests. Finally, my mom and I had to continue on shopping. Bidding farewell, I could not help but crack jokes with my mom. I pretended to be him and say, “May I help you with anything?” and then she wittingly replied,  “Yeah! Can you help me find your number?”  I’m relieved he did not hear my jokes because a few minutes later, I could hear footsteps coming up behind me. I spun around and there he was smiling. He looked down at me and said, “Do you need help? You look a little lost?”

Sadly after receiving his help, his shift was over, meaning that unfortunately, he had to leave. A few days went by and I could feel my disappointment ringing through my mind. The smell of defeat was not a smell I wanted to be this well acquainted with.

Friday afternoon rolls around, July 3rd to be exact.  I was on my way to Winn-Dixie, once again after a work shift. Hopping out of the car in the parking lot, I could smell the hamburgers and chicken cooking on the grill in front of the store. The birds tweeting by filled the air and the sun shone bright and high in the sky. I cast my eyes over at the store and the first thing to come into my sight was the boy from Monday standing outside by the grill. Is this a coincidence or my lucky day? Maybe both! Strolling towards the store, my knees started to shake and my breathing went haywire. I had never felt this nervous to talk to someone in my life. As I reached the front of the store, he peered over at me and his face lit up like a christmas tree when he spotted me. Seeing his reaction made me feel all warm and giddy. He quickly called me over and with a thousand watt smile said, “Hey, do you want a burger?” I shook my head and he said, “Oh come on, it’s on me!” So I reluctantly agreed and as he prepared the juicy burger he asked, “What’s your name? I’m Devin by the way.” I smiled and gripping tight on my phone, I nervously replied, “ My name’s Hailey.” After I replied, he said, “Wel,l Hailey I hope this isn’t weird but can I have your number?” Replying with a quick yes, I was mentally high-fiving myself and fist pumping. Exchanging phone number,  I realized  this is the smell of sweet victory and barbeque, of course.  Seeing the hamburger made my mouth drool and I could not wait to taste the melty cheese and the juicy hamburger meat together. I could hear the sizzle of the grill and his sweet voice asking me questions. He was a soon to be a senior and I was definitely admiring  this handsome guy. Before I left I leaned in for a hug and I swear that was the most cozy and comforting hug I had ever received.
      

Leaving that day I would have never guessed that this boy would be my darling boyfriend and best friend to this day. This experience showed me that anything is possible and you can meet people absolutely anywhere. Meeting Devin was the highlight of my summer and I would not trade this experience for all the riches in the world.