Rob released her arms and took a step back.“We are, but I had to talk to Dr.Shane about something, and I was already here, so I figured I’d wait for you.”
“I’m sorry, I meant to text you.I’ve been with patients all day.I haven’t had time to go to the store yet.I should postpone dinner until I’m more prepared.”She had wanted to make a good impression, not look frazzled and cook a half-put-together meal.She hated this new workload, but it was too late to change it now.
Rob checked his watch.She already knew what time it was.It wasn’t even six yet.It was still early, but lasagna would take a while.Well over an hour with prep and cook time.They still had their class to do too.She could run to the store, prep and change, then cook, but she was still pressing time.
“I can go to the store if you want and cook,” he offered, not looking put off about the idea of having to cook or eat so late.
June would normally decline such an offer, but she was tired and hungry.She also wanted her night with Rob.Her shoulders dropped in relief.“That would be great.Thank you.What?”she asked when he looked at her funny.
“I was expecting a protest, not your ready agreement.”
“I’m too tired and grateful to say no tonight.Call it a momentary weakness.”
A grin split across his face, and if June had knees, they would be shaking.“I plan to take full advantage of it.Let’s go.”He held his arm out to wave her forward.
“You can head to my house; I’ll get the groceries and meet you there.”She had made lasagna enough times, she knew the recipe by heart.Mr.Harrow’s corner store had everything she needed.
“Ah ah, I said I’ll cook.”Rob wagged a finger at her.“I’ll get the groceries.You head home and change, then I’ll meet you there.”
“You don’t know what you need,” she protested.
“June, it’s lasagna.It’s pretty basic what goes into it.”
True, but she didn’t feel right making him cook and pay for dinner made at her house.“I know, but I want to contribute.It was supposed to be my dinner.I asked you over.If you’re going to cook, I should at least pay.”
“I see that argumentative streak is back.”
“I’m willing to cave on some things, but not this.”
“Alright, I’m done arguing.”He held his hands up in surrender.“Where are we going?”
“It’s right up the road from my house.Mr.Harrow’s corner store.Where did you park?”
“In the lot near your car.”
“Okay, you can follow me over to the store.We’ll get the ingredients.You can start prepping while I freshen up.”Rob had seen her enough looking sweaty and in gym clothes or in work clothes.Only one other time had she dressed up.If this was her night to make a move damn it, she was going to look good.
June pulled into Mr.Harrow’s corner store parking lot.There was only one streetlamp in the parking lot at the corner where there was a group of men leaning against the brick wall watching her.
June got an instant creepy vibe from them.She parked in the center parking spot right in front of the doors.
June eyed the men who were not making a secret of watching her.She gripped her keys into her fists with the keys sticking out and got out of the car.She didn’t think they were a threat, but after Troy and her training, she felt she should be prepared for anything.
She heard their snickers and laughter.They weren’t the first to make fun of her legs.She’d learned to ignore them.She’d rather walk even with two metal legs than be pushed in a wheelchair.
June headed inside knowing Rob would catch up.He had pulled into the lot as she’d stepped inside the store.The chime above the door echoed throughout the store, and Mr.Harrow’s head peeked out from behind the counter.When he recognized her, his face widened with a grin.“June.”
“Good evening, Mr.Harrow.”She returned his smile as she grabbed a hand cart and headed down the aisle.
“How are you this evening?”
“Just fine, thank you.”She tried to keep it brief so she could get in and out without him bringing up potentially dating his son.That would be incredibly awkward to have that conversation when Rob came in.
“How is work going?”he inquired, coming around the counter and walking with her.Mr.Harrow was a sweet and harmless man, but he could be intrusive as well.
June started collecting what she needed to make dinner and something for breakfast tomorrow.She had tomorrow morning off, so she could get her groceries for the week then, but since she was here, she might as well get a few things she needed.
“Good, really busy right now, but it will ease off once our therapist comes back from vacation.”
