Heliotrope

One could easily miss the spot but I passed by it a few times now. My companion urged me to go in. «It smelled so good.» I don’t know this man. This runner-​guitar-​player-​white-​collar-​misc. midwesterner-​SF transplanter who wears shorts and sweatshirts at all seasons wanted to go into a smell-​good store? Where did he come from and what did you do with my friend?
The store, as it turned out, was a treasure trove. I was the one who dotted some eye lift cream sample first around my eyes and then proceeded to purchase the last jar. But then he asked the man behind the counter: «Do you still have another?»
«What?» My high pitched squeal unnerved him.“What are you doing? You don’t need it. You are a straight guy.” He was not deterred. «Why shouldn’t I? It’s all natural, I have wrinkles and look at that guy. He looks great.» «That» guy, the man behind the counter, turned out to be the owner of this shop and of course, the owner of that really cute dog, who was at the time, had come right next to me and proceeded to lick my feet.
As the all of sudden jogger-​turned-​fussy-​facial-​product-​expert busied with his «what’s the difference between the shaving cream and lotion» business, I watched the store owner’s friend, who is by far, the best looking man I have ever encountered in my life, busy teaching the dog doing tricks like roll over and shake hands. Here is the hard truth, no matter how populated this city gets, there is always going to be a shortage of straight men, because the best looking men are all gays with impeccable taste for both skin and facial products.
My friend announced that he should get the shaving lotion besides the eye cream. Good. Finally some decisions.
You get the picture: Fabulous store front. Flawless display. Natural chemical and scent free soap and skin care products, all made locally. Beautiful men. Cute doggies. Fanciful dog leashes (in case you should be so inclined to pick up a new colorful leash for Abby).
Wrinkles be gone.