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TUCKER
I reread the message again.
Unknown: Good morning, Luke.
Gracie. Obviously. And I’m ridiculously excited that she reached out. Now I don’t have to go linger in the grocery store, waiting to bump into her again because I don’t need any more groceries, being that I dine out more than eat at my place.
Me: A great morning, even if you are a few letters off.
Gracie: Are you sure?
Usually. But Gracie makes me unsure about things I’ve never questioned before. Like why I’m already wanting to see her right fucking now. I don’t want to wait and make plans for later. Now works for me. Hope it does for her too.
Me: About a few things, one being that I’m gonna develop an identity crisis, and it’ll be all your fault.
I don’t actually care what she calls me as long as she calls. Damn it. I have it bad. And I don’t even know what exactly we have yet.
Gracie: “Suck it up, buttercup.” Words of wisdom passed down from Granny.
Me: I’ll try. Hard. But I need some more wisdom. Let’s grab coffee, and you can give me some more pointers from Granny.
Gracie: Can’t. Just leaving our first destination of the morning and about to head to the next with said wisdom-filled Granny.
Me: And what destination is that?
Gracie: Some stranger’s house. I shop their driveways on the weekend. But don’t worry, the flea market with a swarm of strangers is next.
I let out a laugh as I search online for the local market just on the outskirts of town. And before I can think twice, not that I would, I’m out the door and in my truck, headed that way. To her.
Me: Well, you do have a keen eye when shopping.
I glance down at my phone when the next message comes in.
Gracie: Yes. But sometimes I get names and letters mixed up.
It’s a few minutes later when I pull into the gravel field and park alongside another vehicle.
Me: Where are you shopping? Because this place is packed.
Gracie: You’re here?
Me: Yes. Where are you?
It takes about two minutes for the message to come through.
Gracie: South corner near the red tent.
I head to the back of the market, spotting the oversized red canopy. Then I see a gorgeous—and maybe a bit nervous—Gracie. She scans the crowd, not spotting me for a few seconds. But when her eyes meet mine, her nervousness dissipates and a smile forms on her beautiful face, and I know. She’s mine. I’ll make her mine. And it can’t be soon enough.
