Page 80 of Mine

“Oh, I know,” I said, smiling like I was agreeing with her.

West didn’t even glance at the pillows. “Whatever she wants is what she’s going to get.”

The shock on Tammy’s face told me she either hadn’t heard the rumors yet, or she’d refused to believe them, but she forced a smile. “Well… navy and silver with a brown couch it is.”

“Perfect. How soon can you have them done?”

“If I have enough fabric, this week.”

“Great.” I looked at West. “Maybe with a pink fringe, too?”

Tammy looked like I’d slapped her and I tried not to laugh as he nodded in a way that made Tammy think he thought that was the best idea ever.

“I’ll see what I have,” Tammy mumbled.

We left with West holding my hand again, and as we got in the truck, he gave me that knowing smile. “Something tells me that wasn’t your first conversation with Tammy from the fabric store.”

“Nope. She comes into the bar sometimes. Always acts like she’s better than me just because I’m from Pecan Grove. Honestly, I just wanted the pillows out so I wouldn’t think about her every time I saw them. The clashing color is just a bonus.” I grinned. “You can change it back after the divorce.”

He didn’t laugh, but he shook his head and drove toward the Piggly Wiggly.

“You coming in here with me as well?” I asked, pausing with my hand on the door as we parked.

West gave me a dry look. “And miss seeing what happens if we run into someone else you know? Absolutely not.”

“Sorry,” I said, dripping with sarcasm. “I only have a few weeks left to enjoy this small power. Leave me alone.”

Mentioning the end of our deal wasn’t exactly a mood booster. He didn’t look amused, but he gave a short nod and held out his hand.

Inside, he pushed the cart through the produce section while I moved around him, grabbing things and tossing them in. At one point, I brushed close enough to grab his elbow, leaning in like I was sharing a scandal.

“When was the last time you were in a grocery store?” I whispered.

He snorted, low and amused. “It’s been a while for sure. I guess this is all part of my normal-man weekend.” His mouth tipped in a smirk. “You know… for the plot.”

He said it exactly the way I’d said it about his truck the other day, and it made me laugh out loud.

“I have a question,” he said as we started walking again, his eyes flicking down into the cart. “Am I cooking dinner, or are you?”

I glanced up at him. “Do you know how to cook?”

“It’s been a while, but I’m sure I could make it happen if you wanted me to.”

“How about we do it together?” I suggested.

Before he could answer, a familiar voice called out, “Do my eyes deceive me?”

I turned, grinning, as Grams headed toward us, arms open for a hug, with Gramps following behind her, pushing their cart like it was his full-time job.

“You must have superpowers I didn’t know existed,” she said, wrapping me up. “How did you get my grandson out of a suit and into a grocery store?”

“I have my ways,” I teased, squeezing her back before moving over to hug Gramps. His arm came around me, warm and firm, and I savored it. It was a simple, steady affection that felt like family.

“Will I see you two at dinner tomorrow night?” Grams asked once we’d formed our little aisle circle.

“Of course,” I answered for both of us. West nodded in agreement. “Looking forward to it. Can I bring anything?”

“Absolutely not.” Grams waved the idea away. “But if you want to come a little early, you can certainly help.”