“I’m buying.” She smiled. “My idea.”
The last thing he needed was an argument. He managed what he hoped was a smile in return. “Then thank you.”
“But which do you like? Would the felt ones fit into your old-timey scenario better?”
He swallowed. What had she said? That the felt ones wouldn’t look as good as the plush? “Let’s go with the plush.”
“I think so, too.” She peered at him. “Are you okay? You look a little green around the gills.”
“Guess I’m hungrier than I thought.”
“Well, then, let’s get these and get out of here. I’m pretty hungry, myself.”
Naturally they had to wait in line. He returned to his mountain meadow visualization and took slow, steady breaths.
“I guess you get quiet when you’re hungry.”
“Guess so.”
“I’ll remember that.”
An eternity later they were back out on the sidewalk. It was still Christmas there, too, but fresh air helped. How would he do in the Raccoon during lunch? Good time to find out since he’d be there again in a few hours.
He took Mila’s hand, careful not to grab it like the lifeline it was. The store filled with everything Christmas — gifts, lights, wrapping paper, bags, bows, and the incessant music — had nearly done him in.
His mother would go shopping a few days before Christmas looking for sales. She’d threaten him and Jordie with no supper if they refused to go and help carry. If it turned out nothing was on sale, she’d stage a public rant in the middle of the store.
Once he’d tried to stop her and she’d backhanded him in front of people he knew. Never tried that again.
Had Mila just said something to him? He checked and she was looking at him, a question in her eyes. “Sorry. I got distracted. You’ll have to repeat that.”
“You must be really hungry.”
“Yeah, didn’t have much for breakfast. Did you ask me something?”
“Just what you planned to order.”
“I’m not sure. How about you?”
She grinned. “Toasted cheese and tomato soup.”
“Trying to erase the memory of last night’s dinner?”
“Just the opposite! After last night, it’s my favorite thing. I want to have it to remind me of how much fun we had.”
The knot in his stomach loosened. “But I burned the soup.”
“And I fixed it. I thought it tasted just fine. Different, but still tasty. C’mon, admit it.”
“I would gladly admit it, but I don’t remember what it tasted like. I was too busy watching you watch the Beaver Bunch.”
“To quote someone I know, them’s kissin’ words.”
“I know, and I take full responsibility if you can’t help yourself.”
“You’d let me kiss you right now?”
“Yes, ma’am. Just remember we have a history of things quickly getting out of control.”
