The distinct sound of the shop’s front door opening alerted Boris that there was a potential customer to greet.  Satisfied with the modifications he made to the scooter, he quickly wiped both hands on a shop rag and proceeded to the front.<br/><br/>Ah crap, he thought, not expecting to see Emily so soon.  If he had, he would’ve taken the time to look in a mirror.  Probably.  That simple act would in turn reveal a greasy smudge mark above his left eyebrow, and another one on his right cheek.  As such, he resembled a grease monkey, with a pair of splotches on his face to show for it.  “Emily,” he greeted her.  “A little surprised to, uh, see you so soon.  You must not have been too far away from here when I left you that voicemail.”  He smiled nervously, noticing she was just as radiant now as she was earlier in the day.  He found himself liking that pink hair more and more.<br/><br/>“Meet me out front,” he instructed her, while he turned to retrieve her prize.  Still forsaking a mirror, Boris wheeled the hopped-up scooter the short distance to the front of his shop.  If her expression was anything to go by, she obviously had no idea what was going on.  Her new ride now propped up on its stand, he stated, “Allow me to introduce you to your new mode of transport, Ms. Richardson.”  He so wished he had a camera as her mouth-hung-open expression was to die for.<br/><br/>Boris then handed her the key, and that was another golden photo opportunity lost.  He took the time to explain to her how the scooter had come into his possession, as it was soon to be in hers.  Following that fantastical story, he pointed out the few tweaks he performed on the little two-wheeler.  He focused on the two most important additions: a new exhaust pipe with a richer note and the engine hop-up.  “So be mindful of this when you first twist that throttle,” he said.  “Take your time and get used to the power boost, and then go nuts,” he laughed.<br/><br/>He truly wondered if he should be concerned, since Emily was still speechless.  That thieving cat had obviously gotten her tongue.