Grocery Store Dog

Greg liked going to the grocery store late, around 11:00 pm. It had three distinct advantages.
First: Fewer crowds. It was still early for the nocturnal species to come out, but late enough that all the families with young cubs would be at home. He could shop in peace and quiet.
Second: Better deals. Those “Fresh baked” loafs of bread had to go, and Greg was friends with the badger who ran the bakery. If he had any leftover from the day before, he’d give him the “second-day discount” an hour early.
Third: No dress code. It worked both ways. Greg didn’t have to dress up, nor did any of the other shoppers. After 11:00 pm, Greg felt like the rules of society started to become more relaxed. Greg could leave the house as is, without a second thought to if he should change his shirt or take a shower. As a Pit Bull, people would often give him a bit of extra space no matter what. In reality, he was a pretty sweet and tame canine. It was nice sometimes to let go and not have to worry about his appearance. But getting to see the other shoppers do the same? Now that’s worth the effort to go out in the first place.
“No shirt no service” might be true in some stores, but not at the open-24-hour “HappyTails” by his house. Greg regularly saw plenty of college age equines and canines wandering in wearing nothing but their gym shorts and the sweet smell of fresh sweat soaked into their fur.
Greg himself couldn’t pull that stunt off himself. He tried once, but sweatpants and gym shorts have the embarrassing effect of showcasing just how aroused he was at any given moment. Especially if the tail from a cute tail guy in line in front of him “accidentally” brushed against him.
The quotes on the word “accidentally” are important. Greg never quite knew when anybody was flirting with him. He was terrible at picking up on clues, and his friends would often make fun of him for it. Sometimes, a few hours later, he would realize he missed yet another opportunity. But only once in a blue moon would he have the foresight to realize somebody was flirting with him in real time.
Greg was pretty self-conscious, which had the effect of both making him feel bad for his personal appearance, and also lack the motivation to do something about it. He would turn down an aisle, and other shoppers would quickly move past him or even turn around and go the opposite way. He didn’t blame them, though. He knew it wasn’t because he smelled. He had good hygiene, and while he might be wearing an old T-shirt and worn jeans, they were pulled fresh from the laundry this afternoon.
He imagined running into himself from their perspective. If he were some middle age rabbit shopping for a pregnant wife, and he saw a Pit Bull dressed in a sweaty tattered heavy metal band t-shirt, overgrown messy hair, and ripped pants he might decide to give that person a bit of space too.
Greg knew if put in a little effort, he could look respectable enough that maybe one of those nice college boys might notice him. Or at least, not give him a weird look when they noticed him staring at them.
One night in July was a little different. The store was emptier than usual, even for 11:29 pm on a Tuesday night. There was only one check stand open, and two people in front of him in line. An older otter was unloading a full cart of groceries. It looked like it was enough food to last a family of four for a month!
Behind her in line was a very nice looking German Shepard. He had on a loose T-shirt and cargo shorts. He was more fit than Greg, and a little bit shorter. About the same age as him, early to mid-twenties maybe? His fur was still wet from a recent shower. He couldn’t smell any sweat, but his fur had a nice perfume odor to it. Like maybe from one of those moisturizing feminine shampoos? Different than what he normally would smell on a guy their age. As he turned around, Greg saw he was wearing a concert tour shirt for the “Dingo Breaths.” Greg was at their show the last time they came to the area. Perhaps this guy was at the same show?
“That’s enough food to last a family of four for a month!”
Greg suddenly realized the Shepard was leaning over, looking directly at him and whispering to him!
He chuckled a bit, nervously. “Yeah, that is exactly what I thought!” he replied in agreement.
The otter didn’t seem to notice their conversation. She was busy going through a little notebook collecting various coupons and handing them to the cashier.
“I could never be that organized with my shopping” Greg continued, stepping a bit closer to the Shepard.
“Me neither. I’m more of a ‘buy what I need tonight’ kind of guy.” He replied in a whisper. “You too, right? Didn’t I see you here yesterday?”
Greg had been here last night as well, but he didn’t remember seeing him. “Yeah, I was.” He frowned, hoping he didn’t do something that embarrassed himself yesterday without realizing it.
“Name’s Taylor” he replied, sticking out his paw.
“Greg. Good to meet you!” Greg wondered how long has it been since he introduced himself to a stranger in a non-work context.
“I wanted to introduce myself yesterday but…” Taylor leaned in close, his muzzle just inches from the Pit Bull’s ears “You were a bit distracted by the fox in front of us if I remember correctly.”
Greg’s face went pale. He didn’t know what to say in reply. He remembered checking out that fox, was it that obvious? Was he oblivious that the dog behind him was checking him out at the same time?
Wait, this dog was checking him out yesterday. Now he is standing here talking to him. That otter’s wrapping up her transaction and he hasn’t even put any of the items in his basket on the belt yet.
“You’re…” This cute dog was flirting with him! What could he say? “…pretty cute.”
Shit, what the fuck was that? He can’t just blurt out what he was thinking.
“You’re pretty cute yourself, Greg” with that, Taylor turned around and put his basket on the belt.
He was buying a six-pack of beer, a gallon of milk, and a box of sugary sweet cereal.
Greg had no idea what to do next. This guy was clearly flirting with him, and he just called him cute.
Greg just sat there and watched as Taylor paid for his groceries. Then raccoon at the register turned to him and said “Next!”
“Oh right, sorry” he muttered as he put his basket on the belt. As he walked up, Taylor was still standing there. Was he waiting for him?
“You, uh” Greg started, not sure where to go with this.
“Yeah?” Taylor said, suddenly his smile getting wider before going flat again. Maybe he was also a bit unsure?
“Cash or Credit?” the cashier asked. Greg turned his head and handed the clerk two $20 bills. “One second!” he said to Taylor while he waited for his change.
After paying, Greg turned back, and Taylor was gone.

Will Greg ever find Taylor? When he does, how will he react? Find out the answers by reading the full story! 
Go to http://books2read.com/grocerystoredog download a copy from your favorite eBook retailer!