Zebra Print Flats
A Nick One Shot
I stared at my shoes, walking into Barnes & Noble, other known as my second home. These were my favorite pair of shoes in the entire world. If anything ever happened to them, I might die...Well, that’s a bit overdramatic, isn’t it? I wouldn’t actually die...but I would be awfully upset.
Making my way to the romantic novels section, I glanced up at the sound of the bell on the front door chiming. It was some kid, most likely around my age...but then again, I was never very good at guessing ages. He took off his baseball cap and sunglasses. My breath caught in my throat. This was not just any kid. This was Nicholas Jerry Jonas. Not just any Nicholas Jerry Jonas. The Nicholas Jerry Jonas. Perhaps that is to be expected considering he lives in Dallas...and I just happen to be at a bookstore in Dallas.
But this bookstore? Why did he have to come to this bookstore? Not that I despise him, because I don’t. It’s just...I sort of come here almost every day, and I’ve never seen him here before, so this is a bit strange for me.
I ignored the impulse to stare at him and continued on my way through the endless supply of novels. Finally reaching the romantic novels section, I closed my eyes and trailed my finger along the shelves. Yes, this was a daily routine. I don’t like to judge a book by its cover, so I run my finger up and down along the shelves, until I stop at random. The book my finger lands on, is the book I read. That’s just the way I do things. I’m pretty odd, aren’t I?
I stopped and opened my eyes. Dancing in the Moonlight, eh? Alright, I’ll give it a go. I slid the book off the shelf and plopped down on the ground. I turned to the first page, pulling my knees up to my chest. The soft music playing over the speakers was so relaxing. The current song playing was one of my favorites: Claire De Lune by Debussy. The simplicity of it keeps you interested in your book, but also interested in the music by the complexity of the notes. I felt so comfortable here. If Barnes & Noble was attached to a department store, I could definitely live here.
“Shouldn’t you be in the teen section?” a voice questioned. I peered up to see whom the mysterious voice belonged to. To my surprise, it was the one and only Nicholas Jerry Jonas. I thought for a moment, preparing something clever and witty to say.
“Perhaps...Although, perhaps that is where you belong, Mr. Jonas. Could your insecurities be attempting to put a damper on my lovely Saturday afternoon?” I replied, pleased with my quick thinking.
“Insecurities? Let’s not be too rash. I believe we have yet to be acquainted. I’m Nick, but I’m sure you already knew that by the way you were staring when I walked in.” I smirked.
“Don’t be such an egotistical prick. For your information, I wasn’t staring. I was casually glancing over to see who was walking through the door. I come here often, and I’ll admit, I was a bit surprised to see you. I presume this is your first time here?”
“Indeed it is. You presume correctly, Miss...?”
“Julia,” I finished for him. “But please, call me Jay.” He walked over and sat down next to me.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Jay. If you don’t mind me asking, what book do you have your nose stuck in on this lovely afternoon?”
“It is perfectly fine that you asked. I’m currently leafing through a romantic novel entitled Dancing in the Moonlight.” He nodded as his eyes lingered down to my shoes.
“Why, that’s some...unique footwear you have on. In fact, your outfit is...” He searched for the right word.
“Stellar?” I offered, helping him out. His lips curled into a smile.
“Yeah...Stellar.” He had a point. My outfit was awfully stellar. Dark blue skinny jeans and a white, button up blouse overlapped by a gray vest complimented my zebra print flats perfectly. The neon blue nail polish was a bit out of the ordinary, but it brought out the color of my eyes. “Surely you should be out with your boyfriend on a Saturday as exquisite as this.”
“Tisk, tisk, Mr. Jonas. That is where you are incorrect. I have not been fortunate enough to find a significant other quite yet.”
“Well...” He slid the book out of my hands, closed it, and set it on the floor. “...Any guy would certainly be lucky to have the honor of calling you his extraordinary girlfriend.” ...Is Nick Jonas hitting on me? Or am I just dreaming again?
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were flirting with me.”
“Good thing you don’t know any better.” He carefully moved a stray strand of hair from my face and tucked it behind my ear.
“You’re terribly irresistible, Mr. Jonas.” He flashed a heart melting grin.
“If I didn’t have so much self control, I would be overwhelmed by the urge to kiss you right now.” The butterflies in my stomach were going mad now, as if they had an overdose of coffee.
There was short silence between us. He kept my eyes locked onto his, our faces inches apart. “Self control is overrated,” I stated simply. He smiled again and leaned in, slowly setting his lips carefully onto mine.
It wasn’t a passionate “I’m going to eat your face” kiss. It was a simple, shy, sweet first kiss. The kind that clears your mind of all worries, and sends your heart to Cloud Nine.
He leaned back with the most satisfied look on his face and asked, “Will I see you again?”
“Meet me here tomorrow, same time.” He stood up and hesitated a moment.
“Could you please promise me one thing?” I picked up my book and nodded. “Promise me you’ll wear those shoes again?”
I couldn’t help but let out a giggle. “Nicholas Jerry Jonas, I promise I will wear these shoes again, just for you.” He smiled at me one last time before turning to leave.
I sighed and returned to my book. After several minutes of reading, my eyes lingered to my favorite pair of shoes and I whispered, “Thank you, zebra print flats."
