“I was lost in thought.”
“Thinking of me?”
Yes, as a matter of fact.“No, what to get for dinner tonight.”
Michael looked from her to over her shoulder.“And you’re debating which cereal to get?”
Andrea twirled back around to see that in fact, she was in the cereal aisle.
“I’m not one to judge; I’ve had cereal for dinner lots of times.”
Andrea turned back to glare at him.“I wasn’t debating which cereal to have for dinner.What I was thinking of…that’s to say...”
“You know, you can admit you were thinking of me.I’ve been thinking about you.”
Andrea refused to react to that statement.He probably said that just to get a rise out of her.“I could care less what you were thinking of, and I wasn’t thinking about you.I have a great deal on my mind and just needed to pause to collect my thoughts.Now why are you following me?”There, that should throw him off of his game.
“If it’s escaped your notice, we’re in a grocery store.Many people come here to buy food items.”He held up his arm basket to show her proof.“Besides, who’s to say you’re not following me?”
The very suggestion.“You approached me.If I were following you—which I wasn’t—why would I wait for you to come talk to me instead of just talking to you.”
“Good point.Fine, we’ll settle the debate and call it a happy coincidence.”
She wouldn’t go so far as to say happy.“Why haven’t I seen you around the past few days?”
“Why, Andrea, were you concerned about me?”Michael looked touched that she was concerned about him, which she wasn’t.
“No, Maya asked me about you the other day, and I told her I hadn’t seen you in a few days.”
“Ah, well, I’ve been working and planning.”
“For your get-together with the neighbors.”She didn’t know people had housewarming parties anymore.Had he suggested it just to get her over and ask more about her?No, she was being silly.His life didn’t revolve around seeing her.Though he did seem to single her out quite a bit.
“That too.Have you changed your mind about coming?”
“No, I told you, I have plans.”She had no intention of seeing him more than she had to.
“Very well.Well, since you’re busy this weekend, will you have dinner with me tonight?I promise I won’t ask about your childhood or anything personal.”
“Yes.”
Michael looked stunned, which made her chuckle.She was sure not many people threw him off like she just had.“You should see your face.”She laughed harder.
“I’m stunned; I’m not going to lie.”
Given the number of times she had turned him down, she could see that.“I’m only agreeing because you’ll continue to pester me until I do.”It was better to get it out of the way; he could see she was nothing to get excited about and leave her alone.It was only a means to an end, not because she wanted to see him.
“Do I pester you?”he asked, looking baffled.
“You do,” she replied without hesitation.
“Impressive since I haven’t seen you in two days.”
“Three,” she corrected then realized her mistake.He had been testing her, and he’d won if the look of triumph on his face was any indication to go by.
“I’m surprised you’ve noticed.”
“Casual observation.”
