Page 11 of Bossy Baby

“Would you like something to eat? We could take it to the park and have a picnic,” Mac said.

“A picnic! That’s a great idea.” Hayley jumped up and down. He could feellittleHayley wanting to come out and play. He had to rein inlittleHayley though. Didn’t want to scare Mac away before their first date actually took place.

“So, food?” Mac questioned. He was beaming down at Hayley.

“The deli?” Hayley asked. “They have the best avocado tomato sandwich. I was going to stop there on my way back from the grocery store.”

“The deli it is,” Mac said. He didn’t let go of Hayley’s hand, which made Hayley super happy. He liked holding Mac’s hand.

It was such a nice day that the narrow street was crowded. As they passed other residents, he had to press up against Mac.Heaven.

He was so going to fantasize about this whole day when he was in his bed all alone. Although maybe his bed wouldn’t be empty for much longer.

Mac held the deli door open for him. Such a gentleman.

Hayley waited until he felt Mac’s hand on his lower back before strolling to the counter.

“Hi, Mr. Collins,” Hayley greeted the old man behind the counter. He slipped his hand back into Mac’s. It was just natural for him.

Mr. Collins grinned. “Two of my favorite customers!” He waggled a bushy eyebrow. “And together?”

“I was lucky enough to talk Hayley into joining me for lunch in the park,” Mac said. He was obviously friendly with the older man. Hayley had to wonder why he’d never run into Mac there before.

“A picnic in the park?” Mr. Collins smiled. “A wonderful idea. This nice weather won’t last long. Perfect day for a picnic. I’ll get your order to go right away.” He turned and started barking orders at his son in the kitchen.

“We didn’t order,” Mac whispered to him.

Hayley giggled. “I always get the same thing. He knows my order.”

“I too am a creature of habit,” Mac shared.

“You two, sit, sit. I will have a very nice meal packed up. Everything you will need for your date.”

“What if it wasn’t a date?” Mac asked Hayley quietly.

“Well, youareholding my hand,” Hayley pointed out.

Mac squeezed his hand. “I am.”

Hayley didn’t think he could smile any wider.

“We didn’t pay, either,” Mac told Hayley.

“Is it possible that he’s more excited for our date than we are?” Hayley asked.

The old man was moving faster than Hayley had ever seen. He was filling cups, grabbing napkins, and putting everything into a brown paper sack.

“We should let him have his fun. I’ll slip some money onto the counter before we leave. He has a family to support. Three grandkids in college.”

How often did Mac come to the deli for him to know that? This wasn’t close to where he lived so unless he worked close by…wait, Hayley didn’t even know what Mac did for a living.

He turned to ask and caught Mac gazing at him with affection.

Hayley blushed. How long had Mac been watching him?

“What?” Hayley asked embarrassed.

“Sorry. Nothing. I was just wondering how I got so lucky to be going on a date with you.”

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