My nerves crackle as I park my car in front of the store's main entrance. I rehearse in my head what I might say. Should I tell her her name is pretty? It's true, it is a pretty name, but would that sound cheesy? I can ask her how long she's worked here. Boring, but functional. I'm going to need some gum to keep my mouth from drying up.

I have to stop myself from imagining all the good times Miriam and I are going to have, all the walks on the beach and late-night, cuddly conversations on my living room couch. I've said a total of eight words to her, all I know about her is her name, and I'm imagining our future together. I try to pull myself together as I get out of the car and walk through the front doors.