“Sorry, I was making a grocery list,” I blurt foolishly.
“Um, if you w-want, we can d-do grocery sh-shopping first.”
I’m taken aback by his sincere offer. “No! I’m not going grocery shopping with you. Let’s go to the carnival.”
“W-why not? I can also pick someth-thing up.”
“Really?” I know my usual grocery store has a branch just after the next signal. Maybe Zane’s presence will force me to buy less junk.
“T-tell me wh-where to go.”
“After the next signal, there’s a grocery store. But are you sure?”
He nods and gives me another of his smiles before parking his car on the street.
“This feels weird. I’ve never had a date at a grocery store.” I once again put my foot in my mouth. My face heats as I make an attempt to make this situation less embarrassing. “I mean… I know this isn’t a date or anything. But we planned…”
“D-don’t worry. We’ll do wh-what we planned immediately after this.” With that, Zane gets out of the car, not really agreeing but also not dismissing my comment about us being on a date.
Hmm! So, Mr. Hotshot Zane can be mysterious.
We each grab a basket at the entrance and make our way into the huge supermarket, which is pretty quiet and empty.
Who would come here on the day of the carnival except you?
Zip it, Vi. Now we’re here. Let’s make the most of it.
My inner voice continues to bicker as Zane clears his throat, possibly preparing himself to speak. “Sh-shall we meet here?” He tilts his head toward the cereal aisle.
How different he looks under the white LED lights…
His chiseled jaw peeks out from under his trimmed five o’clock shadow. I’m sure from today on I’m going to be a sucker for bearded guys. His black hair gleams, and for a second, I’m almost tempted to ask him what shampoo brand he uses.
You definitely won’t find it here, you weirdo.
Zane clears his throat once again, and this time, it’s certainly not for speaking but to break my internal monologue.
“Yeah, let’s meet here.”
Before he can think I’m crazy, I scamper to the first aisle and immediately hit my face on the tall stack of toilet paper.
“I’m fine.” I raise my hand, ignoring the pain in my forehead before shooting a quick apology to the supermarket assistant stocking the shelves.
When I finally find a deserted aisle, I run my tongue over all my teeth and rub my forehead and nose. Thank God I didn’t break anything.
What are you doing, Vi? You’re acting like you haven’t been out with a guy before.
I take a few deep breaths before marching toward the vegetable section.
When I’m back at the cereal aisle, I notice Zane’s basket is full of colorful chip bags, cookies, chocolates, and cold drinks.
“Looks like you’re preparing for a party.” I feel very proud, and also a tiny bit sad, when I peek at my stuff, which is either green or in bland packaging.
“I d-do. I have th-three boys at home t-tomorrow. I c-cannot be more pr-repared.” An affectionate smile draws on his face before Zane shows me a picture of him with three boys in a swimming pool. My gaze zooms in on his broad chest without a single hair.
God, he’s hot.
It’s a kid-sized pool, and my lucky eyes get a glimpse of the navy-blue waistband of his swim shorts.