“He’s sweet.” Courtney was smiling as she spoke to me through her teeth, like a bad ventriloquist trying not to move her lips. “Why don’t you flirt with him? Bat your eyes, purse your lips, run your fingers through your hair, caress your neck, do something.”
“You’re the single one,” I breathed out of the side of my mouth.
“You ain’t married either, girl. Besides, it looks like he only has eyes for you.”
“Can I do something for you?” he asked, staring directly at me with a warm, welcoming smile. He clearly had a Native American look, but no discernable accent whatsoever.
“Yes,” Courtney suddenly said very loudly, giving me a start. “She has a question for you.”
I wanted to stomp on her toes with the wedge heel of my shoes but I, too, was captivated by this tall, handsome man. I struggled to put two thoughts together as he came out from around the counter and approached. He stopped in front of me and smiled more broadly, revealing porcelain white teeth and dimpled cheeks.
“Please forgive me for staring. You are a very beautiful young woman with a beautiful aura to go with it. My Hopi name is Kwatoko, but you can call me Kenny, everybody does. What can I call you, Miikawaadizi?”
“What is Me-cow-wad…?”
“Miikawaadizi. It means ‘beautiful’ in Chippewa.”
I could honestly say that I did not think for a single moment that he was feeding me a line because he wanted to sell me something or complimenting me so that he could get in my pants. Even though I had just met him, I knew when a guy was working me, and I could tell that he was sincere.
Or maybe he was trying to seduce me, and I just didn’t care.
“My name is Shanna,” I managed to say, tripping over my words. “But you can call me that other thing if you want.” I smiled and he reached out and took my left hand in his. I did not flinch at the unexpected contact, even though his fingers were so warm I thought they would leave a welt on my skin. Peeking down, I saw that he was not wearing a wedding band. When he raised my hand and kissed it gently, the touch of his moist, full lips made my legs feel like they were underwater. My knees buckled, and I had to grasp the edge of the shelf beside me to steady myself.
“Um Waynuma. Hello, Miikawaadizi Shanna,” he said, releasing my hand. “And who is your friend?”
“Oh, this is my sister, Courtney.”
“I see the resemblance, in beauty and spirit nature. What is your question, beautiful sisters?”
“Oh, my God,” Courtney said, barely above a whisper, clearly as impressed by Kenny as I was.
“Well, um…” I stammered, struggling to come up with something to ask. I glanced at Courtney, but she wasn’t any help, staring wide-eyed at Kenny. “We were just wondering what these are.” I gestured to the array of dolls around the room.
“They are called Kachinas.” Kenny picked one up and cradled it in his large hand. “The carvings are created from cottonwood root. They are an integral part of life for my people, the Hopi, as well as the Zuni. They are religious men dressed as supernatural entities.”
“Did you make them yourself?” I asked.
“Some of them. My father made most of these, but he taught me everything he knew before he passed.”
“I’m sorry about your father,” I said. “I lost my mom a few years ago. The reason, well, one of the reasons that I’m out today shopping with my sister is to honor my mother. Although, shopping is not nearly as impressive as the way you honor your father’s memory with these dolls. Kachinas, rather. They are truly amazing. The detail is exquisite.”
“You are too kind. Are you familiar with the Hopi culture?”
I shook my head, feeling somewhat ashamed of my ignorance.
“It’s okay.” He smiled disarmingly. “The Hopi people are a Pueblo group of Native Americans, primarily located in Northeastern Arizona. I can tell you all you want to know, if you’re interested. But, please, have a look around. Both of you. Let me know if anything catches your eye.”
“Thanks.” I looked at Courtney, who was still gawking at Kenny. What was truly amazing was how he got my sister to keep her mouth shut for so long. It was actually hinged open slightly, with some saliva building up in one corner.
“Breathe, Courtney,” I instructed her as I walked slowly around the small shop.