"Deal," I said with a hesitant smile. Simon grinned happily and my heart beat funny at the sight. It amazed me that my acquiescence of a simple request could make him so happy.
I picked out groceries like chicken, pasta and vegetables and added them to the overflowing cart. "Well, this should be enough food for a month," I stated. "But knowing how you eat, you'll probably have to go grocery shopping again next week."
Simon laughed. "We'll see. There's one more thing I need to get." He wheeled the cart into the condiment aisle and grabbed an oversized bottle of ketchup.
"Hey," I protested. "You don't even like ketchup."
"But my personal chef loves the stuff," he said, grinning. "I have to make sure I have a constant supply to keep her happy."
I rolled my eyes and laughed, but I couldn't help but feel a tingle of happiness that Simon seemed to remember so much about me.
After the supermarket we headed back to Martin Street. The closer we got, the more nervous I started to feel about going inside his apartment so I tried to circumvent the issue. "You don't need to drop me off," I said. "I can just walk home from your place since it's so close."
Simon frowned. "Aren't you coming over?" he asked.
I checked my watch. "Don't you want to get ready for the show tonight? You guys probably have a lot of stuff to do."
"Nah," Simon said, pulling into his driveway. "Grant went crazy yesterday posting up promotional fliers for the show and we've practiced to death. There's nothing left to do but play. Besides, I need your help putting everything away. I have no idea what most of the contraptions you got are for. I don't know where they go."
I hesitated momentarily and then relented. I didn't want the day to end either. I was having way too much fun in Simon's company. I told myself it was okay, we were just becoming good friends.
Simon opened the trunk and we started carrying the bags inside. His building was two floors like ours, but his was a single occupancy apartment. When I walked in, I understood immediately what Sarah meant about it seeming like a grown up's apartment. Instead of the mismatched furniture that cluttered other students' apartments, Simon's apartment had nice furniture that matched. He had a large dark brown leather sectional in the living room, with an expensive looking walnut coffee table. At least, I thought it was walnut. I really had no idea what type of wood it was made out of, but I immediately thought walnut since it sounded expensive.
A large flat screen TV was mounted on the wall, above a glass cabinet full of an electronic geek's dream. A plush leather chair with an ottoman was in the corner along with a side table that matched the coffee table.
"Nice," I said, looking around. "Are you sure you're not thirty?"
Simon laughed as he lugged the bags inside. "My mother has a thing about furniture. It made her happy to pick out this stuff so I let her." I nodded, understanding that he must be this way with everyone. Simon wasn't particular so he let other people pick out his stuff. This made me a little disheartened but I pushed the feeling aside.
Most of the bags went in the kitchen, and I admired the large space. All the appliances were stainless steel and gleaming like new. I doubted Sherry had ever turned on the stove unless it was to light a cigarette. There was an island in the middle with a couple of stools by it. It was a cook's dream and I couldn't help but look forward to putting it to good use.
From Sherry's parties, I remembered that there was a half bathroom on the first floor, and the second floor had two bedrooms plus a full bathroom and another small room for a washer and dryer. It seemed like a lot of space for one person.
We spent the rest of the afternoon putting everything away and washing Simon's new sheets and towels. I howled with laughter when we hung up the shower curtain and Simon just grinned like a madman.
As we were snacking on a bag of Cheetos, feeling pretty proud of ourselves for having put everything away, I heard my phone beep, signaling a text message.
"I bet that's Sarah," I said, reaching for my purse and taking out my phone. It was indeed Sarah, and I saw that I had missed an earlier text from her as well.
What are you guys doing? Having fun? ;), the first text read, having been sent about an hour ago.
The next text read, Has he kidnapped you? Where are you?
I looked up from my phone and saw Simon watching me. "I should go. I think Sarah's going stir crazy."
Simon looked disappointed. "But our show isn't in ages," he pouted. "What am I going to eat for dinner?"
I laughed and rolled my eyes. He sounded like a little boy. "Why don't you come over for dinner later. I'll ask Grant and Marcus over too." I checked my watch. It was around five o'clock. "Say seven?" The Henchmen weren't going on until ten so that left plenty of time.
Simon's face brightened at my invitation and I melted a little inside. He had so many sides to him, and this boyishness was proving to be irresistible. "Sounds good!"
I slipped on my coat and grabbed my purse, heading to the front door. I saw Simon grabbing his coat and paused. "What are you doing?"
"Walking you home," he said, putting on his coat.
"Simon," I laughed. "It's early and I'm right down the street."
He raised an eyebrow. "My mom, remember?"