From Cute to Fine in 60 Seconds

Best Buy's lines are, well, ridiculous. Even if it weren't Christmas time.

So my quest for this Brian McKnight compact disc, yes I still haven't purchased it yet, continued today at Target after I refused to wait in a Best Buy line the length of the Nile River.

I searched under McKnight, and what did I find? Gemini. Already got it, so I went to an attendant in the electronics section and asked him for help. Did he help? Answer that yourself.

I did however pick up toilet paper, pledge and some carpet sprinkles. When I got to the check out line, I was greeted by a cute, but underage looking, young black Target worker.

"Are you ready to check out," she asked me?

"Yeah."

"I'll take you on three."

"Thank you," I said liking that I received a bit of personal attention and good customer service.

"So did you find everything alright," she queried?

An easy small talk question for a clerk, but I, at this point, was slightly disgruntled because i couldn't find the album I was looking for without waiting for 30 minutes to buy it.

"Actually, I didn't," I replied. "I couldn't find a CD I wanted."

"Was it the Bow Wow CD?" she asked.

Pause for sec. Was she serious? I mean, I know I totally looked like a scrub at the moment with my sweats on, "but why would I (dare) buy a Bow Wow CD?"

"It could be a gift for someone," she said. "It is the season for giving."

I wouldn't give a 14-year old cousin a Bow Wow album for her birthday. I'd buy her some Luke before I bought Bow Wow (that's a joke).

"You're right I guess, but that wouldn't happen."

"I suppose that's for young females anyway."

"How old are you?" I asked knowing full well that it's impolite, but not really caring because I was curious at this point.

"21, but I know I look younger it runs in the family," she replied.

My first thought: Damn. She completely threw me off and I had to throw some sympathy her way when I really wanted to ask her if she'd bought the Bow Wow CD, but what 21-year old really listen to "Lil" Bow Wow?

"I know the feeling, but let's put it this way, when you're pushing 60 you'll probably look like you're 45. That's not a bad thing."

My second thought (after we'd said our "Happy Holidays" and goodbyes): Damn, she's went from cute to fine just by telling me she was of age. She really was/is fine.