Heading out

With the dishes clean, I check the fridge and cabinets, taking note of anything we are running low on and out of, marking them down in the notepad of my cellphone. Stepping into the living room, I see the girls making out on the couch, a rom/com playing on low volume. Clearing my throat to make my presents known, I ask, "Girls? I'm going on a shopping run. Anything you need or want?" The girls turn to me smiling and as Hanna shakes her head no, Amber pipes up.

"We're running low on a few items, I'll look around the place and text you as I come up with things."

I nod before turning to go, but hear Hanna ask, "Do you need help? I can go with you." Looking back, I expect to see jealousy on Amber's face, but softly sigh in relief when there's none there.

"That's very kind of you, Hanna, but I'm alright. You two can go back to your movie, I'll be back in a little while."

Hanna nods as Amber smiles. "Okay, Daddy. Have a nice outing, be safe, love you."

"Love you too, Baby." I call back, making my way out the door.

The drive into town is quick, and the store is almost empty. I stock up on food, bathroom tissue, etc. and, as I pass by them, a box of condoms. As I turn around, the last person I was hoping to see is staring at the condoms, a slight smirk on her face. When she sees me looking at her she squeals and rushes towards me. "OMG JACK! JUST WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?! IT FEELS LIKE FOREVER SINCE I'VE SEEN YOU!!" I flinch back as Sharon Linsbeck, shouts while standing far too close to me.

"Ah, Sharon, yes. Hello. I'd love to talk, but I really must be going." I try to step past her, but she moves to block my way.

"AW, WHY THE RUSH? I JUST WANT TO TALK A MOMENT! CAN'T YOU SPARE A SECOND?!"

"I'm sorry, Sharon, but I really can't. I'm in a bit of a hurry." She moves to block me as I try for another attempt to pass her.

"AW, THAT'S TOO BAD. OH, I KNOW, I'LL JUST STOP BY YOUR PLACE LATER! THEN WE CAN TALK WITHOUT INTERUPTION!" Her eyes dart to the condoms again, and I can't help but to groan in silence.

"I suppose I can find a minute to talk, but let me pay for these and put them in my car. Then we can head to the Café for a drink." She nods in response and walks off, leaving me to curse in my head...

...

As I pay, I can swear the cashier looks from the condoms to my crotch, but I ignore it, hoping I'm just seeing things. I wish her a good day and head out to my car, where I see Sharon standing by the passenger-side door. I don't even look at her as I place the bags in my trunk, then turn and start heading for the Café. We don't even make it halfway before she starts.

"SO, CONDOMS, HUH? DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL LADY FRIEND OVER, JACK? ARE YOU SEEING SOMEONE?"

"No, I don't have a special lady waiting at home for me," I lightly stress the singular, better to tell a half-truth then try to outright lie. "I just bought them in case."

"OH, WELL, IF YOU NEED HELP TESTING THE PRODUCT, I'M ALWAYS AVAILABLE." She glides her hand down my arm as she says this, pressing closer to me.

"I'll keep that in mind, but I'll have to... pass for now." I slowly remove her from my arm as we reach the Café. Heading inside, I order a small black tea, while Sharon, loudly as ever, orders an Oolong blend with a pastry. I head to an outside table as Sharon starts to chat up the barista, who looks like she wants to quit on the spot. By the time Sharon makes it out back I have received my tea and drank half of it down.

"OH, JACK, YOU COULD HAVE WAITED FOR ME AT LEAST." She complains when she sees my cup.

"Sharon, I have groceries in the car. I want to get back before they thaw and melt in my trunk."

She nods and pouts. "FINE, BUT NEXT TIME I CATCH YOU WE'LL HAVE TO CHAT EVEN LONGER." She sits and starts devouring her little cake. "SO JACK," as she says my name a piece of cake flies from her mouth and onto my arm, "ARE YOU SURE I CAN'T CONVINCE YOU TO COME BACK TO MY PLACE?" *Glug of her tea* "I CAN PROMISE YOU A NIGHT YOU'D NEVER FORGET."

'Oh, so now you're making threats?' "Sorry, Sharon, but I'll have to pass on your offer. I simply have far too much going on right now."

She looks downcast as she responds, "OH, BOO. WELL, I SUPPOSE I'LL HAVE TO MAKE DO WITH A RAINCHECK."

I finish off my tea and stand. "Well, until then, I really have to go before my groceries spoil. Take care, Sharon." I'm walking away as I hear her call out "TAKE CARE, JACK." Once I'm back in my car, I look down at the piece of cake on my arm, wipe it off with a tissue, shudder, and start back home.