Page 82 of My Ruthless Neighbor

“And your total is $149, ma’am.”

“What?” My mouth falls open. I stare at the ball I picked for Goldie. “Umm… well, how much would it be without these?” I ask as I reach beside the ball and remove the Oreo cookies and two bags of chips.

“That’ll be 134 dollars and 50 cents. How are you paying?”

I fiddle with my neck scarf. “I’m sorry, could you exclude the peanut butter and the cereal?” I have a couple of days' worth of cereal left. But I can’t go without the oatmeal and milk.

After I pay her with cash, I exit the store.

I am almost at my apartment building when I feel my phone vibrating in my jeans pocket.

I dig it out. Hannah’s number flashing across the screen surprises me. I pick up the phone.

“Hello, princess.” I tease.

Her laugh on the other end makes me smile. “Hello, Summer. How are you?”

“I am good. How are you?”

“Great. Where are you right now? I hope I am not bothering you.”

“You can bother me anytime.” I chuckle. “Anyway, to answer your question, I was just heading home. Why do you ask?”

“Can we meet?”

“Umm… sure.” I wanted to go back to lying on my bed and doing nothing but that will have to wait. She sounds serious. I’m hoping she’s not breaking up with my idiot friend. My poor heart wouldn’t handle it. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes. When will you be home?”

“I am standing outside my building,” I ask, frowning, the sinking feeling in my stomach not leaving.

“Superb. Turn left.” She says and I do.

Hannah stands a few feet away from me, looking absolutely stunning. She is wearing a black turtle neck and skinny jeans with a black blazer. Black sunglasses and black heels complete her boss lady outfit.

Her chin-length hair which is parted at the side brushes against her cheeks as she strides toward me.

She has a brown paper bag in her hand. Before I could ask anything about it or her relationship with Raleigh, she wraps her arms around me.

“Missed you, Summer.” She murmurs. My eyes fall shut.

Wrapping my arms around her, I smile. “Missed you too, Hannah.”

She pulls back and lifts the bag she was holding. “I brought lunch. Hope you’re hungry.”

I swallow thickly. I am famished. But I am also happy to just have her around. “I am.”

“Great. Let’s go.”

She links her arm with mine, just like she did in Hawaii. Then we head inside.

After lunch, I begin cleaning.

“He’s so cute.” Hannah gushes as she plays with Goldie and his new ball.

“Just like his mommy,” I smirk as I throw the empty cartons in the trash bin.

“I couldn’t agree more.” She smiles at me. Pushing to her feet, she joins me when I start clearing the dining table.

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