Chapter Three
Sunny
“Sunny, I know it’s your day off, but would you care to take me to the grocery store?”
“Mama, you can’t be walking around when your legs are swollen like that,” I shake my head. “Let’s get you settled in your chair and then you can make me a list.”
“Nonsense,” Mama puffs. “It won’t kill me to walk the store to get my own groceries.”
“Maybe not, but it might very well make it difficult for you to move around tomorrow,” I remind her. “Now, stop being so stubborn, and let me do this for you.”
“Very well,” she sighs. “Oh, your aunt Molly called this morning. She and Ashley need your help decorating Ashley’s dorm room before she starts college.”
“She’s going to live on campus?” I ask, confused because Aunt Molly and Ashley only live thirty minutes from Springs University.
“Independence, honey,” Mama smiles, leaning back in her chair. “Plus, Ashley’s scholarship includes a free dorm.”
“Well, that makes sense,” I mumble, scribbling down ‘milk, eggs, and bagels’ on the back of an envelope. Mama loves her bagels. “Still can’t believe that girl’s old enough for college. Weren’t we just chasing her around the church picnic last summer?”
“That was last summer, honey,” Mama says with a soft laugh. “You’re just getting old.”
“Rude,” I mutter, biting back a smile.
She grins like she’s proud of herself. “You’ll go help them, won’t you? Aunt Molly said they’re meeting at the dorm around noon.”
“I’ll stop by before getting your groceries,” I say, handing the list to Mama. “But if they expect me to hang curtains and assemble furniture, they better feed me.”
“They promised pizza,” Mama chuckles as she finishes her list.
“Oh, good,” I smile. “The universal payment for unpaid labor.”
Mama tries to look innocent, but she’s so pleased with herself. She always gets me roped into these things with that gentle voice and those pitiful eyes. And because I love her more than air, I always say yes even when my back’s sore and I haven’t had a day to myself in weeks.
And honestly, it makes my heart happy to help. I love spending time with Ashley and Aunt Molly.
“I think this is everything,” Mama says, handing me the list and her bank card. “I’ll call you if I think of something else. Don’t rush, Sunny. There’s nothing on that list I need immediately. Have fun with your aunt and cousin for a few hours.”
I grab my keys and purse off the hook. “I will, Mama,” I say, leaning down to kiss her cheek. “I love you lots.”
“Love you lots, too, bug. Get yourself something sweet,” Mama calls after me. “You deserve a treat!”
I pause in the doorway, glancing back. I love how she still treats me like her little girl.
“Like what? Ice cream?”
“Or a man!” she hollers, laughing so hard she nearly chokes.
“ Mama! ”
I quickly close the door before she can start in on how I “never go out” and “should really consider dating that handsome boy from the butcher counter.” Lord, give me strength.
***
Pulling into a parking spot at Marv’s, I sigh as I turn off the engine. Time got away from me and I ended up spending the entire day with Ashley and Aunt Molly. It was a ton of fun, but now the day is gone and I still haven’t gotten Mama’s groceries.
Grabbing my phone, I hit Mama’s name.
“Hey bug, everything okay?”
“I’m so sorry, Mama,” I sigh. “I lost track of time and I’m just getting to Marv’s Market. They close in thirty minutes.”
“That could have waited until tomorrow, Sunny,” Mama says. “I figured you went home already.”
“Not yet,” I say, grabbing my purse and heading toward the store. “On the plus side, Ashley’s dorm looks fantastic. She’s so excited to move in.”
“I bet she is,” Mama chuckles. “Just take those groceries home and bring them to me tomorrow. There’s no sense in you driving an extra fifteen minutes from your apartment to bring them to me.”
“Actually, that sounds like a great idea,” I smile. “Make sure your alarm is set before heading to bed.”
“I’m the parent, bug,” Mama laughs. “I know these things.”
“Well, you are getting old, woman,” I tease. “Just want to make sure your memory is still working.”
“You little devil,” she laughs. “I’m going to bed. See you tomorrow, Sunny. Love you lots.”
“Love you lots, too, Mama. Later.”
The familiar hum of fluorescent lights buzzes overhead as I make my way through the store. I offer a polite smile to Mr. Jenkins, the evening manager.
“Evening, Mr. Jenkins,” I say.
“Sunny,” he grins, adjusting his glasses. “Thought you had the day off?”
“I do, but Mama asked for groceries and you know how she gets when she’s out of her favorite crackers.”
“Dangerous,” he chuckles. “You be careful out there.”
I nod and move on, weaving through the aisles like I’ve done it hundreds of times.
Which, I have. I spot Katie, who works most nights, near the bread section, chatting with a customer.
She waves, and I wave back with a soft smile.
She mouths, “Love your dress!” and I mouth “Thank you!” before heading for the dairy case.
It’s calm. Familiar. Very quiet. But I don’t rush. I love this place. I love helping Marv run it. I truly enjoy my job. Plus, I get to meet new people all the time.
There aren’t any new people here right now though. Just me, my list, and a serious craving for strawberry cheesecake ice cream. Which, hallelujah, is in stock.
I head to the front, greet the cashier, Jeremy…sweet kid…still has braces…and chat while he rings me up.
“Looks like someone’s having breakfast for dinner,” he teases, eyeing the eggs and pancake mix.
“Only if I don’t eat the ice cream first,” I smile.
He laughs, and I pay, thanking him before heading for the door.
The sun’s almost completely down now, casting a pinkish hue across the parking lot. I unlock my car, load the groceries into the trunk, and slide into the driver’s seat with a content sigh.
No chaos. No complications. Just a quick trip to the store and back.
Sometimes, that’s all a girl needs.
And, sometimes, having a life this calm is a whole lot boring.
Maybe Mama’s right. I need to go out and find someone to spend some time with. It’s not that I need sex. I could go the rest of my life without it. Haven’t even had sex in over a year. But, I do crave that emotional connection.
Or, maybe I’ll just read a good book.
***Bones***
She shouldn’t be here this late.
She shouldn’t be anywhere this late… alone.
Not even two blocks away, a fight broke out between some tweakers. What if that happened here? What if it happened next to her car?
I shift in the shadows, leaning against my bike parked across the street under a busted streetlamp. I didn’t plan to be here this late. Hell, I should’ve been home by now.
Sunny moves through the sliding glass doors like she’s walking on sunlight, grocery bags swinging at her sides. She smiles at someone walking in. Of course, she does. Always smiling. Always kind. The world hasn’t earned a single thing from her but she still gives those smiles away anyway.
My jaw tightens as she heads to her car, completely unaware I’m here, watching like some creep in the dark. She pops the trunk and loads her bags one at a time, humming something under her breath I can’t make out but wish I could. Something soft. Happy.
She gets in and drives off, not even glancing in my direction. Not realizing that a dangerous predator has his eyes on her. But I would never hurt her.
Her tail lights vanish as she drives away.
Good. She’s safe.
But it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. Like the fact that she doesn’t know I’m here means I’ve failed at something. Like I should be more than just a shadow with a scarred face and a gun.
I swing my leg over the bike, fire it up, and tear out of the lot. I’m done for the night.
I need to get this woman out of my damn head.
She’s a distraction. One I can’t afford.