Page 74

Drew

Betweenmysister’ssilent treatment and the fact that Sophie has been busy all weekend, I’m feeling down. Is it pathetic that I miss her after only two days? Probably.

I heave a heavy sigh as I load the last of the dishes into the dishwasher and turn it on.

Penny runs into the kitchen and looks up at me, her hands on her hips. “Okay, you’ve been sad all day.” I frown, not realizing I’d been so bad at hiding my downcast mood. “I say we go to Whole Foods. Whole Foods always makes you happy.”

A chuckle escapes from my throat. I kneel so Penny and I are at eye level. “Sorry I’ve been moody. Get your shoes on and we’ll head out.”

She smiles and places both of her small hands on my cheeks, then kisses the tip of my nose. Before she can see the wetness forming in my eyes, she scampers off in search of shoes.

This little girl has brought so much joy into my life. Some days I feel like she’s taken care of me just as much as I’ve taken care of her.

Thirty minutes later, we’re browsing the deliciously healthy aisles at Whole Foods. I am a sucker for a fancy grocery store, probably because I like when things are done well. And Whole Foods’ marketing and store setup is genius. Even the smell in here makes you feel healthier.

Or perhaps I just enjoy overpriced salsa.

Penny and I load the cart with our usual healthy, organic items. We have lots of fruits and veggies, hummus, protein powder, bacon, and then there’s candy and caramel macchiato creamer thrown on top. I’m on call next weekend, and I didn’t want Sophie to have to bring her own creamer upstairs if I get called in.

Although I find it adorable to see her with her creamer in hand when I get called in on Saturday or Sunday mornings.

We round the corner into the next aisle and I hear Penny gasp before she gleefully runs down the aisle toward none other than Ted and Diane Windell.

“Penny! How are you?” Diane asks as she uses her hand to smooth the top of Penny’s messy hair.

“Great! Daddy loves this place.” She holds her arms out at her sides, gesturing to the entirety of Whole Foods.

I smile as I wheel my shopping cart down to meet them.

Ted laughs. “So does Mrs. Windell. But then again, she loves anything that’s expensive,” he says with a roll of his eyes.

Diane playfully swats at his arm. “Oh, you stop that! You know how frugal I am!”

Diane turns her attention to Penny and Ted looks at me with one eyebrow raised, almost as if to say, “she’s definitely not frugal.”

“So what are you two up to on this lovely Sunday evening?” Diane asks, looking between me and Penny.

“Just getting some shopping done for the week,” I reply.

“I didn’t peg you for a man who likes caramel macchiato creamer … or Sophie’s favorite candy,” she says as she pins me with a direct stare.

“Ha. I’m not, really.” I laugh nervously. “I’m on call next weekend. I figured I’d pick up a few things for Soph in case she needs to watch Penny for me.”

She gives me a tight smile. “Right.” Her facial expressions tells me she’s unconvinced.

A few seconds pass and she’s still staring me down. I change the subject, “So … what are you two up to?”

“We’re on a date. Isn’t it obvious?” Ted says flatly.

“So grouchy.” Diane shakes her head. “We’re grabbing some charcuterie supplies then going on a picnic.”

“Yes, because apparently eating outdoors is romantic.” Ted smiles endearingly at his wife.

“Exactly.” She smiles back before linking her arm through his.

It’s nice to see them getting along and being affectionate. Until a few years ago, I was pretty sure they hated each other by the way they acted toward one another.

I smile fondly at them. “Well, we won’t keep you. Enjoy your date.”