Page 53 of Under the Radar

Hannah

Can you get some sour cream on the way home?

I stared at the simple words. So ordinary, yet to me, they meant something different. Home. Hannah. Her texting me to pick something up, like we were a couple.

Because we were.

Me

Sure

I replied.

Anything else?

She sent back a smiley face.

Hannah

Nope. Just you.

Me

Okay. See you at home.

Hannah

I’ll be here.

Those words kept the smile on my lips the rest of the day.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Chase

I stopped at the general store, heading in to grab the sour cream. I was surprised to find Mack behind the counter, a newspaper open on the surface, his crossword puzzle partially done.

“Mack?” I asked. “You were retired when I last checked.”

He chuckled. “I cover when needed. Lyle’s wife went into labor unexpectedly. He called me, and I came to cover for a few days.” He shook his head, looking around. “Feels odd to be back, to be honest. The place got some upgrades. I spent most of the day trying to figure out where everything was.”

I laughed. “It needed the upgrade. And it looks good.”

He smiled. “Yeah, it does.”

“Heard from Brett?”

“He called. They’re in Bora Bora. He is sending some pictures later. He sounds happy.”

“Good.”

I left with a wave, tossing the container into the front seat. I stopped as I looked across the street, an idea hitting me. I looked both ways, but as I suspected, the road was empty. I jogged across the street and headed into the little florist shop. I looked around, confused. I had never bought flowers before, and there were blooms everywhere. Flowers, plants, arrangements. Big ones, little ones, droopy ones. A woman approached me and smiled.

“May I help?”

I nodded, relieved. “I want to give my girlfriend some flowers.”

“The occasion?”