Total pages in book: 186
Estimated words: 178688 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 893(@200wpm)___ 715(@250wpm)___ 596(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 178688 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 893(@200wpm)___ 715(@250wpm)___ 596(@300wpm)
Tyler: I’m hitting the grocery store soon. You need anything?
Everleigh: As a matter of fact, I do. Hold on, I’ll send you my list.
This can’t be good.
Moments later, I get a screenshot with a list of items.
Bread, buns, eyeliner, orange juice, eggs, tampons.
Everleigh: Make sure the eyeliner is black and the tampons are regular. Thanks!
She can’t be serious.
Groaning, I grab my wallet and keys, then head to the store. Everleigh walked to work this morning and left me her car in case I needed it. I can’t wait till I can buy a vehicle so I won’t have to rely on her so much. Though I appreciate it, I hate having to ask.
I decided to go with steak tips with mushrooms and gravy. I haven’t had it in years, and I think she’ll love it. Then for dessert, we’ll have cheesecake, and if I remember correctly, she liked hers topped with fresh strawberries.
After I grab everything along with Everleigh’s grocery items, I head to the other side of the store. I have no idea what I’m searching for or what the hell eyeliner looks like. I snatch the first one I find and toss it into the cart. Then I make my way over to the next aisle and find no less than a dozen varieties of tampons. How did me offering to buy food turn into looking through the makeup and feminine product aisles? I find a box that has the word regular on it and hope it’s right. Otherwise, Everleigh is shit outta luck and can do her own damn shopping next time.
Once I check out and pay, I drive to a shop on Main Street to find a new shirt. Most of my wardrobe consists of workout tees or sweatshirts. But tonight, I’d like to wear a button-up and something more formal. An older gentleman helps me find what I’m looking for, then talks me into a new pair of jeans and a belt. He’s a great salesman, and I have to cut him off before I blow my budget.
“She’s a lucky lady,” he says as he rings me up.
“Excuse me?” I pull my wallet from my back pocket.
“I assume you have a date.”
“No. Well, yes, kinda.”
He grins. “Kinda? I think she’ll get the memo as soon as she sees you. In fact, walk around to the barber shop and find Vin. I’m sure he can fit you in for a cut.”
Brushing my hand through my hair, I realize it has been a while. “You think I need one?”
He casually shrugs. “Your beard could use a trim, too.”
Well then. People in this town are sometimes too honest for their own good.
“Thanks for the tip.”
“No problem.” He smiles and gives me my total.
I put my bags in the car, then walk to the place he mentioned. Couldn’t hurt to get cleaned up I guess, though Gemma’s definitely gonna notice. I’m not sure if that’ll be a good thing or not yet.
“Hello,” an older man with a beer belly greets me.
“Hi, I’m Tyler. Do you have time for a haircut and a beard trim?” I ask, explaining the guy at the store recommended him. His mouth turns up, and he ushers me over to his chair.
“Let me take a look at you, son.”
We discuss what type of cut, and I give him free rein. Forty-five minutes later, the hair on my head and face is trimmed, and I feel like a new man.
“Wow. You did a good job.” I smirk.
“Thank you. Come back in four weeks.”
I chuckle at his demand. “Okay.”
After I’m finally home, I unpack the groceries and my clothes, then take a shower. Everleigh comes home and nearly squeals when she sees me.
“Holy shit. Where’re you headed?”
“You’re home earlier than usual,” I deflect.
“Cara’s closing tonight. And don’t change the subject. You have a date.”
“It’s not a date,” I counter. “I put your lady things in the bathroom.”
“My lady things?” She giggles. “I can’t believe you bought them.”
I snap my eyes to her. “You told me to!”
“I added them as a joke, but it’s nice to know that when a woman’s in crisis, you’ll rise to the occasion.”
“You’re such a brat.”
“You love me.”
I shake my head and make a mental note to get her back later.
“Now, tell me where you’re going.”
“Gemma’s,” I mutter as I grab all the ingredients and place them in a bag.
“Oh em gee!” she squeals.
I look at her and glare. “Stop that.”
“I knew it. You two are destined together.”
“I don’t believe in destiny.”
“What? Why not?”
I shrug. “I just don’t. Things happen due to actions, not because of some special universe game.”
“You’re just jaded. I bet you’ll think differently in a few months.”
“Doubtful.” I move around the kitchen counter and into the other room to find my shoes.
“You’re all dressed up for a date and now you’re packing food. Are you cooking?” she asks with way too much enthusiasm.