“I’m going to start telling Jennifer that,” he laughed.
We reached the pharmacy and bought a variety of cough medicine and cough drops. The NyQuil was a controlled substance, though, so we had to wait for an employee to come check to make sure we weren’t under-age.
“Thanks again for everything with my parents,” Cash said while we waited. “It’s like you flipped a switch and turned them into completely different people.”
“I’m sure it’s not that much of a change.”
“I’m not exaggerating. My mom has been texting me! Look at this.”
He leaned close to show me his texts.
Mom: You were right: the pasta did need a little extra pepper. I didn’t know you had become such a good cook!
Mom: Jennifer is going to try to go to one of your concerts during the tour. We might fly out to the west coast to see a show.
Mom: Have you watched Real Housewives of Salt Lake City? I call it Real Mormon Housewives. They’re all traditional religious women, but sometimes they do something called “soft swinging.” Isn’t that insane?
Mom: Oh, don’t forget to call Nana on Tuesday. It’s her birthday. It would be even better if you sent a card.
“She’s never texted me like this. Not even before they temporarily disowned me.”
“She’s probably making up for lost time,” I replied. “And I’m sure you have it covered since you’re an eldest child at heart, but now would be a great time to get your Nana a card.”
“Shit. Good point.” He turned around and gazed deeper into the store. “Where are the cards?”
“I saw them in the back. Stay here, I’ll pick one for you!”
“I don’t know if that’s a good…” he said, but I was already running off.
I scanned the card section, immediately finding the area with the “funny” cards. The third one I read was perfect, and I hurried back to the self-checkout area just as an employee was checking Cash’s ID.
“Here you go,” I said.
“Should I read it first?” he asked.
I batted my eyelashes up at him innocently. “Do you trust me?”
A glimmer of mischief sparkled in his eyes. “I do. Yeah.”
I ran the card across the scanner. It beeped. “You’ve made a wise decision.”
He grunted, but was smiling at me.
Once we were outside, he reached into the bag and pulled out the card I had chosen. He immediately groaned.
“Read it out loud!” I said.
Cash turned it around to show me, like I hadn’t already seen it. “There’s a possum on the front with its mouth open, like it’sscreaming.” He opened the card. “And on the inside it says: life without you is trash. Oh my god. It’s so dumb.”
“Right? But also funny?”
He flashed a grin. “I actually think Nana will love it. She has a weird sense of humor.”
I pumped my fist. “Yessss. I win.”
“I didn’t realize it was a competition.”
“Everything’s a competition,” I said, threading my arm through his.
