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Perhaps Eamon, the hero of my book, could be an orphan. Grew up fast in a series of foster homes, trying to protect the younger kids. Hardened to life from all of those tough times. That could work. A heart of gold hidden from the world. Buried deep behind sarcastic comments and his all-consuming commitment to the game. Hmm. It could work. An unwelcome thread of guilt moves through me. But it’s not like I’m actually writing about Evan’s life or anything. Selling his secrets. He’s just my muse.
I add a box of cornbread mix and snag the last bag of flour tortillas. Because what even is life without Mexican food? Moving along, I head to the canned soup and toss in a can of stew just in case I get desperate. Preppers buy canned food and bottled water. They also buy truckloads of guns and ammo, but I’m not going there.
“I think that in an apocalypse situation I’d last approximately five to six minutes,” I blather, knowing he’s following my every move and judging each item I add.
Evan nods, scooping up a bunch of cans and some packets of quinoa. I can’t even comprehend how that is cooked. I’m not even sure I’ve ever had it.
“That sounds about right.” He snickers.
“Some friend you are. You’re supposed to offer to protect me with your rockin’ body. Shelter me by throwing footballs at our attackers and tackling them or something.” I laugh quietly. The store, the whole situation, seems too somber for anything louder.
“My rockin’ body, huh?”
“Oh, stop,” I drawl. “You already know I admire your physique. Don’t make a thing out of it.”
He chuckles. “As long as you’re not just after my mind. I hate it when chicks do that.”
“Ha.” I throw a few more things into my cart before heading into the next aisle. And here we are, nirvana. This is where I come into my own. This is where I truly belong.
Behind me, Evan groans. “Why don’t we skip this aisle?”
“Hell to the no, boy.” I park my cart to the side and wave a hand at him. “Step back. I’m in control now.”
He mutters an assortment of swear words, but does as he’s told.
When snack shopping, it’s important to cover all of your basic food groups. Three or four bags of Doritos each, because I know they’re a favorite for him. Then a selection of candy. M&M’s (with and without nuts), Reese’s Pieces, Hershey bars, and Skittles. Next come the cookies, a necessary part of any balanced crap diet.
He groans some more. Is it wrong that I like that sound? Because I really do like that sound coming from him. “Man, I can already feel my arteries clogging, my heart slowing down.”
“Hush, Evan. I’m concentrating. This is important work.”
“I can just see you in the oncoming apocalypse, going from store to store, desperately searching for your next sugar hit. Not even caring about the chaos on the streets or the cannibals hunting us down.”
“Wait. There are cannibals in this apocalypse now?” I wrinkle my nose and scan all the beautiful packages of brightly colored cookies.
“Sure, why not? Ever seen The Walking Dead?” He winks at me, unrepentant.
“Tell me, in the ruins of this forgotten city, are you valiantly protecting me with all of those muscles while I search for a Snickers? Because you know I’m dead otherwise.”
At this, he strikes an old-school Arnold Schwarzenegger strong man sort of pose and flexes. Even beneath his long sleeve Henley this is an impressive sight. I’m half tempted to fan my face. He just oozes this sexy confidence and masculinity. Help me, baby Jesus. Certain parts of my anatomy just caught on fire.
“Tell the truth. Is that your Tinder profile pose?” I ask.
“You like it?” He waggles his brows and continues to add different flexes for my benefit.
“Oh yeah, big boy. You work it.”
And he really does, which has my mouth watering and taking in his stunning form. He really is a work of art.
He laughs, watching me for a long moment. And then we just stare at each other. Everything feels warm and lovely. Until he turns away. “C’mon. We better get a move on, other people will be waiting to do their shopping.”
Shoot. He’s right.
It’s amazing how he can take me from scared to giggling in fewer than two grocery aisles. How lucky am I to have him willing to walk at my side (six feet back) and hang with me (on his own balcony) during these hard times? So many people are alone and afraid. Sick and waiting for treatment in a crowded hospital. Not even in my wildest nightmares did I ever imagine we’d be living through something like this. A pandemic. The knowledge of how messed up everything is right now does my head and my heart in. Just the thought wipes the smile from my face. But it’s not like anyone can see what’s happening behind the mask. Stay strong for another few aisles and we’ll be back in the safety of our homes.
