I saw the devil today. She works at Nordstroms. Specifically in the Ladies Undies department. Eyes forward, I chant to myself. The cases gleam. The enormous cocktail rings twinkle under the spot lighting and wink flirtatiously at me. "Hello, gorgeous," they cat growl. Eyes forward. Eyes forward. The doorway is in site. Fifty more steps and I'm free. The Hanky Panky display is immaculate. I can't help myself. A quick touch of the fabric won't hurt. The nylon burns my fingertips. "Nice, right?" she says, all long hair and twinkling eyes. Why does everything twinkle in here? "Um, yes," I quickly pull my fingers away from the butterflied pair. "You should get some." She's right. I should get some. "Well, I heard they were coming out with a cotton line and I don't see them here," I'm rubbing my fingers together, remembering the silky feel of the cloth. "They're over here to the back," and she's off like a cruise missile. I follow. Blindly. "And they're a great price, too," she gestures casually to the wall sign "I like the printed ones better," I say, clasping my hands behind my back just in case I can't control my urge to molest the fabric. "Too bad they don't have those in cotton." We share a laugh. "Thanks, though." "Come back again," she smiles and I'm pretty sure she's seen into my soul. "Okay, yes, I will," I stammer. Still rubbing my fingers together as I push through the doors, "Satan, get thee behind me."
