“I have an errand to run. I’ll see you on Monday,” I tell him and shut my office door after grabbing my things and making my way to the elevator.
“You having a crush is really cramping my best friend spot,” he jokes.
“No one’s taking that spot from you,” I toss over my shoulder and hear his laughter as I turn the corner to leave.
“Will this be all for you?”the saleswoman asks when I bring my purchases to the counter. I may have gone overboard and bought Angie more than one outfit, along with shoes. But nothing wrong with options and anyone who goes golfing needs to have the proper footwear.
“Yes. Thank you,” I tell her and pay for everything.
Walking out of the store, I slide my sunglasses over my eyes and make my way back to my car, but I stop when I hear my name.
“Mom,” I greet her when I turn around.Shit.
“Hi, honey. Doing some shopping, huh?”
“Yeah. Something like that. What are you doing out here?” I ask and hope it’s enough to pivot her away from who I’m shopping for.
She surveys my bags and looks as if she’s trying to see through the paper. No such luck, thank goodness. “I needed to shop for a few things as well. Did you have lunch?”
No. “I did. We had it catered today.”
“That’s a shame,” she says. “Well, it looks like you were on a mission. I’ll see you on Sunday?”
“Yes,” I tell her and lean forward, kissing her on the cheek. “I love you, Mom.”
“Love you too, honey.”
I turn and walk back the way I was headed and curse myself the entire way back to my car.
For the thousandth time, I wonder if pursuing something with Angie is worth it. But since weaving her into my life in small doses, I can’t think of anything worse than not having her there.
I place her bags in the trunk and round to the driver’s side, sliding in and pulling my phone out to send her a text when I’m settled.
Me: Are you working?
Angie: Hello to you.
Angie: Yes, I’m working.
Me: Sorry. Hi. I have some things for you.
Angie: Okay. Let me know when you’re here and I’ll meet you at my car.
Me: Twenty minutes.
Dropping my phone in the cup holder, I head off in the direction of Angie’s job. I put seeing my mom and what would happen if anyone found out, in the back of my head, and go to my girl.
12
ANGIE
I’m cashing out my customers when I feel my phone vibrate in the back pocket of my black jean skirt. My heartbeat gallops at the knowledge that it’s Brandon waiting for me at my car.
Brandon: I’m here.
Me: Two minutes.
“Thank you. Enjoy your weekend,” I tell them and officially close them out. “Hey, Joe, I have to run out to my car. Are you good for a few minutes?”
