Classic rock songs play on the radio as we ride to the store. We don’t make conversation, content to just be in each other’s company. But it doesn’t stop me from sneaking glances at him every now and then. He looks at ease navigating the truck through town and tapping his thumb on the steering wheel when a song he likes comes on.
The grocery store parking lot is practically empty when we arrive, and Grayson grabs a cart with a dramatic sigh as we head inside.
“What’s wrong, cowboy? Don’t like grocery shopping?”
He looks at me, scrubbing one hand over the back of his neck as he pushes the cart with the other. “Don’t judge me for my snacks, okay? I work hard, so if I wanna munch on toaster pastries, I can.”
I laugh, the sound drawing looks from other patrons before I smack my lips shut. Holding up my hands, I say, “No judgment here. You’re looking at a woman who survived on ramen noodles for breakfast, lunch, and dinner not that long ago.”
“That’s just convenient,” he replies, deadpan. “And delicious, so no judgment from me.”
In the vegetable aisle, Grayson picks out some corn and green beans, placing them into the cart before falling into step beside me. “Speaking of dinner. You wanna come over for family dinner on Sunday? Maybe stay the night?” He stops next to some yams, picking up a couple to inspect.
A nervous excitement sends tingles through my body. “I’d love to, thank you.”
He shrugs like it’s no big deal, placing the yams in a bag before putting them in the cart.
We weave through the aisles, laughing and discussing the health benefits of our favorite junk food. It’s easy and effortless, like we do this every week. The further we move into the store, the more I feel a pang of longing settling into my chest for the normalcy of this life. I never thought I’d miss going to the grocery store, of all places.
We’re entering the cereal aisle when my phone vibrates in my purse. I pull it out, curious who would be calling me. My stomach tightens the second I see her name. Penelope. I look up at Gray as he’s searching the shelves for something, half considering ignoring her call before I think better of it.
“I’ll just be a second. I need to take this.” I keep my tone light, even though every muscle in my body is tense and on alert.
Connecting the call, I duck into an aisle far enough away from Gray to not be overheard.
“Avery,” Penelope snaps, not bothering to say hello.
“Sorry, I was just finding somewhere quiet to talk. I’m in the grocery store.”
She huffs, disgust lacing her every word when she says, “I’m booking you a flight home. The label is breathing down my neck about these songs, and all you’re doing is gallivanting around Montana.”
“I’d hardly call getting food gallivanting, Pen. Besides, the songs aren’t ready. I’m not ready.”
“That’s not good enough. I gave you time, and that time is up.”
I grind my back molars, frustration at her demand threatening to eat me alive. “No.”
“Excuse me?”
I swallow down the nerves and roll my shoulders back as I pace in the aisle. “I said, no. This trip is what I needed; the music is coming back, and if I return now, it could all go away. I won’t take that risk. I’ll come back when I’m ready, not when you demand it.”
Silence greets me, and I pull the phone away from my ear to make sure we’re still connected.
“You’re making a mistake by staying. And you don’t have endless time, Avery. You have contracts to fulfill.”
Twisting the strap of my purse in my hand, I press my phone closer to my ear. “It might be a mistake, but it’s mine to make. I know when I need to be back. Please respect my decision and don’t call me again unless it’s urgent.”
I hang up before she can say anything and stare down at the dark screen in my hand, willing my hammering pulse to calm down. Did I just do that? Holy shit balls. I did.
Gray appears at the end of the aisle, a frown marring his features when I meet his eyes. I head in his direction, tucking my phone back into my purse.
“Everything okay?” he asks, sounding genuinely concerned.
I give him a soft smile and lie, “Yeah.”
His gaze is steady and studious on me for a moment before he replies, “Okay. Well, I’m done. Do you need anything?”
“Nope.”
