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I shrugged. I hadn’t decided if I was going to put myself out there like that just yet. I wanted her to tell me she wanted more. I told her I was on her time, and I meant that. I’d move however she moved.
“Well, what does she look like?” Bella asked.
I knew she couldn’t resist looking for more details. I went to my camera roll to the one picture I’d snuck of Pasha when we were in town. Standing from the table, I went over to show her.
“Oh my! She’s gorgeous!”
“She is.”
“I don’t see this staying a friendship too long. I know you.”
“Why does everybody keep saying that? First, Chris, then Malcolm, and now you. Am I that predictable?”
She giggled as she opened the fridge. “You are, dear brother. It’s okay, though. It just means people can expect you to be exactly who you are. No surprises, no gimmicks.”
She rummaged through the fridge. A frown appeared on her face.
“Shoot. I need heavy cream. Would you mind running to the grocery store around the corner for me?”
“How do you invite me to eat, then send me on errands?” I jested.
“Because if you want this food, you’ll go.”
I chuckled. “I’m going, I’m going.”
I headed out of the kitchen and to the front door.
“Bring back something sweet for dessert too! Ooooh, and some wine!”
“I got you!”
Just as I opened the door, I ran smack into Martin.
“Whoa, there!” he said, dapping me. “Where you running to? I know you aren’t leaving before the food is done.”
“Never that. Your wife is sending me to the grocery store. I’ll be back shortly.”
He nodded and continued into the house. As I was leaving, I caught a glimpse of both my sister and my niece going to greet him. I smiled softly. I could only imagine what it felt like to come home to that every day. As kids, we greeted my father the same way. Every day, he came home to hugs, smiles, and kisses from us and our mother. He always said no matter what kind of day he was having, coming home to a warm welcome made all of it worth it.
I made it to the store in five minutes flat. Climbing out of the truck, I headed inside and got a basket with my mental list. I quickly grabbed everything Bella asked for and approached the register. As I was rounding the corner, I collided with someone, damn near knocking them down.
“I’m so sorry, I... Pasha?”
She looked up at me, rubbing the arm that had rammed into my chest.
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t looking where I was going. I didn’t think I would run into a human wall,” she added with a smile.
I chuckled. “I apologize. Are you okay?”
“I don’t think you knocked anything out of place.”
“Good. I’d never forgive myself if I hurt you.”
“How are you?”
“I’m good. When you said you worked at a grocery store, I didn’t know it was this one.”
“Yeah... I’m just about to get off.”
