An older woman passed by casting Casey a disapproving glare. Unbothered, Casey
smirked without acknowledging her. “Now we need the perfect mix,” she said,
pointing ahead.
Pancake mix was easier. Only three brands were in stock. Casey chose Hungry Jack,
the mid-priced option.
William wrestled with the cart, trying to get it turned around to head to the
checkout lanes. It might’ve been easier to push forward, but halfway through
turning, he committed. He came within centimeters of hitting a shelf. Casey tried
not to laugh but failed.
At the checkout line, Casey climbed out. The three customers in front of them each
had carts filled with groceries. She grabbed a People magazine and flipped through
it with mock interest. The wait dragged. William figured she could have finished
the whole thing by now.
With a sigh, she put the magazine back and browsed the candy. She picked up a
KitKat, inspected it, then returned it. She browsed a few more, her expression
shifting to disappointment at the limited selection.
When their items were rung up, Casey pulled a twenty from her pocket. “I’ll cover
dinner. You can pay for the movie.”
“Works for me,” William said.
He returned the cart while Casey paid, then met her at the exit. Casey walked to
the entrance, pretending the bag weighed a ton in an effort to get William to offer
to take it. He did.
“I just remembered. We forgot to talk about the logistics for tonight,” she said,
handing him the bag.
“Logistics?” William repeated, unsure he fully understood the word.