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“We’re family, Clint. Maybe not blood related. But we’re family. And we’re going to need one another. Yes, I’m completely serious. I want you to come with me. If you want to, that is.”
And as I sat there, completely dumbfounded, tears burned behind my eyes.
32
Raelynn
“Welcome to Grady’s Groceries. If I can help you, please let me know.”
“Welcome to Grady’s Groceries!”
“Raisins are on aisle four.”
“No ma’am, we don’t sell peppermint ice cream this early in the year. That hits the shelves two weeks before Thanksgiving.”
“We do have some Halloween decorations! All the way back in the corner, near the bathrooms.”
Even though Sunday afternoons were the busiest, I was glad they called me in. I needed out of the house. Mom had been moping since I came home yesterday. And every time I looked over at her, she started crying again. It was exhausting, and I was running out of sympathy. I couldn't handle her stuff anymore. And it shouldn't be my responsibility. I needed to focus on school and keeping my grades up.
“Ma’am?”
I turned at the sound of the voice. “Yes?”
“Where do you keep paper products?”
“I’m so sorry, we only have reusable products here. But if you’re still looking for plates and silverware, that’s on aisle nine.”
“Is it more expensive?”
I nodded. “It is, yes. But, you’ll only have to buy it once. Unless you back your car over it.”
She giggled. “Well, I don’t plan on doing that. Though I can’t say much for the grandkids.”
“Well, you could make them eat off paper towels. We have earth-friendly ones on the same aisle. Toward the back of the store. That side of it.”
“Thank you for your help, dear.”
“Any time. I’m here to help as much as I can.”
I kept myself busy as the hours ticked by. The sun started to set and my dinner break was coming up. It wasn’t a long break. Thirty minutes, as opposed to the ten-minute breaks I was usually afforded after school. Still, I thought about working through it. Keeping myself busy and keeping my mind preoccupied with other things. But the automatic door opening pulled me from my thoughts.
“Welcome to Grady’s Groceries! My name’s Rae. And if you need anything—”
“Just ask?”
“Clint?”
I looked up and saw him walking toward me, a smile on his face and pep in his step. I furrowed my brow as he came over to my register, then leaned over to kiss me. Captured my lips right in front of everyone without a care in the world.
It made me blush.
“Wow, what’s gotten into you?”
He smiled. “Any chance you’ve got a break coming up soon?”
“If you give me fifteen minutes, I’m about to hit my dinner break.”
“Perfect. Fancying some coffee?”
