Page 34 of One Percent of You

“I just ordered them,” Hank informed me.

“How much did they cost?” I asked. I had no intention of getting him to order the cars, but I should have known he’d take it upon himself.

“Don’t worry about it.”

I’d just have to stick some money in the sugar bowl before I left.

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It was a few weeks later, after work on a Tuesday, when I saw Hadley, Lucy, and baby Eli again. I was parked at Walmart when they excitedly rushed by my truck heading for the entrance. It was almost dark out, but I recognized their voices as clear as day. The thought was mindboggling.

This was getting a little ridiculous. I hadn’t spoken to them since Lucy and my joint birthday when I had a slice of cake in their apartment. I had two cakes that day. One from Ma and one from Wendy and the guys so, it wasn’t like I needed another piece that day.

Why was I like that with them? I’d use any excuse to talk to them at that point.

I rubbed my forehead as I watched them. “Anything I want?” Lucy jumped up and down next to Hadley as they walked. Eli was swaddled in something placed against her chest. Whatever it was, covered both her shoulders and wrapped around her back. The guy seemed snug and comfortable.

They were too far away to make out the rest of the conversation, but they were definitely excited. Even Hadley appeared happy, a little carefree even, and her scrubs weren’t white. They were pink bottoms and a top with some sort of design.

This was the first time I’d run into them anywhere since the grocery store incident. I didn’t know we’d end up at the same place at the same time. If I went in, would she presume that I was a stalker? Why was that even a thought when I knew I wasn’t one? This mother and her kids were messing with my brain in an unusual way.

We were more or less friends, right? Not feeling weird about it, I would go in there like I came to do. It was a strange coincidence. I didn’t have to talk to them. I wouldn’t—just get in and get out like I always did.

Then again… Last week I debated knocking on Hadley’s door when the car paint kits came but stopped myself every time. I figured I’d see them. Eventually.

Only I wouldn’t talk to them that night. The plan was to get in and get out.

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