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My eyes light up, and I hop off the desk, tugging on his arm with all my might. “Then let’s go.”
“But I’m still eating.”
“Finish it in the car.”
He snatches his half-eaten sandwich off the paper wrapper and I lead him out of his office.
* * *
“Do I want the spicy mustard or the stone-ground mustard?” He holds a bottle in each hand, weighing his options.
“It’s mustard. It can’t be that difficult of a decision.”
“This condiment choice could make or break my dinner. It’s a decision that can’t be made lightly.” He reads the label of one bottle and then the other.
I pluck both bottles from his hands and toss them into his cart. “Whenever I’m faced with a tough decision like this, I get both.” He shrugs and pushes the cart forward. I whirl around and pluck a bottle off the shelf and hold it out to him. “What about ketchup?”
“What about it?” His eyebrows pinch together.
“Do you want some?”
“No.” His tone is stern, as if ketchup has wronged him in the past. Like a scorned ex-lover.
“You don’t like ketchup?”
“Nope.”
“How can you not like ketchup?” I grip my waist and pop my hip.
“Because it exists.”
His face is void of any emotion. Stone cold serious. I can’t help but bust out laughing right in the middle of aisle four.
“You think it’s funny, but I’m serious.”
“I just…I’ve never…I don’t even know what to say to that.” I double over, holding my stomach from laughing so hard.
“Facts.”
Ledger continues to push the cart down the aisle, and I trail behind him, trying to compose myself. We round the corner, and our cart collides with another shopper. I peer up and apologize to the woman with dark brown hair with a few strands of gray on the sides.
“Ledger. It’s so good to see you.” The older woman rounds the cart and wraps her arms around him. All I can do is stare at what’s happening in front of me as he wraps one arm around her shoulder in return. She knows his name, so he’s not wrapping his arms around a random stranger because I know that’s something he’d never do. Something about her is familiar like she reminds me of someone, but I can’t put my finger on it. When they separate, her gaze meets mine and returns to Ledger. “And who is this beautiful lady?”
Before Ledger can say anything, I hold out my hand for her. “Hi. I’m Olivia.”
“I don’t do handshakes. I hug.” Within seconds, she’s pulling me into a tight hug, similar to the one she gave to Ledger. “I’m Mona. Ledger’s stepmom.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mona.” I give her a warm smile.
“Likewise, dear. It’s nice to see Ledger out,” she shields her mouth from Ledger with her hand, “with a woman. It’s been a while.”
Ledger rolls his eyes. “You know you’re not being very secretive. I can still hear you.”
“Well good. Then you know how excited I am. You know, we’re doing dinner next Sunday. Everyone is coming over. You two should join us.”
Ledger rubs the back of his neck with his hand. “I’m not sure that’s such a great idea.”
“Nonsense. It’s been ages since you’ve come over. Olivia can come too.” Her gaze darts to me as if I’m the one who holds all the decision making power. Ledger and I have only known each other for about a month and I’m being asked to meet the parents. But the puppy dog look on Mona’s face tells me I better agree to this, or it might break her heart. And I’m not one to be breaking hearts.
