With the rest of my ingredients gathered, I continued through the store, moving on autopilot, trying to keep myself grounded in the present. Yet Elon lingered in the back of my mind, a ghost I couldn’t shake off.
But I pushed forward. Focusing on the simple tasks at hand. As I made my way through the store, the familiar rhythms of shopping helped calm my thoughts, and I found myself lost in the mundane, yet comforting, task of choosing between two similar brands.
Before long, my cart was full, and I made my way to the checkout. As the cashier scanned my items, we exchanged friendly banter. When it was time to pay, I confidently handed over my card.
My fingers tapped away on the counter, waiting for the cashier to hand me back my card, but to my surprise, the machine beeped ominously, and the cashier's expression turned apologetic.
"I'm sorry, ma'am. Your card has been declined."
Declined- I repeated in disbelief.
A knot of embarrassment twisted in my stomach. I checked my balance on my phone—there was more than enough to cover it.
"Can you try again?" I asked, hoping it was just a technical glitch..
But the same result came up. The cashier gave me an apologetic look, and I felt my face flush with heat. I rifled through my purse for cash, but I already knew the truth—there wasn’t enough.
This can’t be happening.
Just as I was about to abandon my cart in shame, a voice from behind startled me.
"Need some help?"
I turned to see Antonio standing there, his usual scowl replaced by something softer—a smile. My heart sank; could this situation get any worse? Of all people, why him - the one person who always seemed ready to jump at me, and bring out the worst in me.
But, as I looked into his eyes, I noticed something unexpected - My pulse quickened, not from embarrassment, but from something else entirely.A warmth in his gaze, a softness in his voice that left me momentarily stunned.
"Do you need help?" he asked again, his tone gentle, as he looked between me and the cashier who was getting impatient.
My pride screamed to say no, but reality held me hostage.I hated feeling vulnerable, especially in front of him.
"I… I can handle it," I muttered, though I had no idea how.
Antonio chuckled softly. "It’s no trouble. I’ve got it. How much?"
$53.50. The words barely escaped my lips.
He nodded, turning to the cashier, an easy smile on his face. “Hey, Penelope, could you add her bill to mine.”
I felt the warmth of his breath as he leaned in to hand me my bags, his voice a low murmur. "Take your bags."
The simple gesture sent an unexpected jolt through me.My heart fluttered, and I struggled to keep my composure. I hated how his proximity affected me, how my body remembered the attraction I had buried long ago.
Our eyes met briefly, and for a fleeting moment, I thought I saw something—a spark, a glimpse of something more—but just as quickly, it was gone, leaving me wondering if I'd imagined it.
“Thanks,” I mumbled, quickly gathering my things, trying to create some distance between us. Antonio’s hand brushed against mine as he helped me with the bags, sending another jolt of electricity through my body. I quickly pulled my hand away, trying to downplay the contact. “I’ve got it,” I said, my tone a little too sharp.
I couldn’t afford to let myself feel anything.
Not for him. Not now.
Chapter Eight
Antonio
I handed over my card, and the machine accepted it without a hitch. As I picked up my bags, I glanced over at Kendra. She seemed like she was still processing what had just happened. Her eyes met mine, and for a brief moment, I thought I saw a flicker of something—gratitude, maybe? But it was quickly replaced by her usual wariness, like a reflex.
As we stepped outside the store, Kendra turned to me, a forced smile plastered on her face. "Thanks, Antonio. I owe you one." Her tone was polite, but there was an edge to it.
