Page 91 of Callahan

“That is brilliant.”

With a wink, he replied, “And I learned it before TikTok even existed. I’m going to swing by the grocery store while I’m out. Can you text me a list of what you want?”

“Yeah, sorry my cupboards are so bare. I don’t want to take Conor to the store yet, so I’ve just been grabbing the necessities as I run out.”

“Don’t apologize, baby, but text me whatever you want, I’ll take care of it.”

“I can’t ask you to buy groceries.”

“Are you charging me rent to stay here?”

“What? No! Of course not.”

“Then I can buy some groceries.” He raised his eyebrows at me. “Text me the list.”

“Okay, I will. I have to get downstairs to help Paulina close up.”

“I mean it, Lainey. Whatever you want. Don’t forget.”

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I didn’t forget, I just felt weird asking for anything knowing he was buying.

Me: Here’s my list: Eggs, milk, orange juice, and bread.

He replied a few seconds later.

Adam: Baby girl, if you want to get punished, just say so. But, Imma need you to try again with your list.

Me: Fine. Ice cream, cheese, lunch meat, frozen sweet potato tots, and maybe some blueberries and yogurt.

Adam: That’s a little better, but there’s still plenty of room for improvement. And you need to be more specific. What flavor ice cream and yogurt? Are there certain brands you like best? What type of cheese and lunchmeat?

Me: I like cookies and cream ice cream, and vanilla yogurt. Brands aren’t important—whatever is on sale. Mozzarella cheese, and turkey lunchmeat.

Adam: If all things are equal, what are your favorite brands?

I thought about it for a second and sent him my favorites, with the caveat, “But seriously, buy whatever is on sale.”

Adam: Was that so hard to tell me what you like?

Me: Actually, it was.

Adam: We’ll work on that, princess. I’ll see you soon.

I couldn’t help but smile, but even as I did, I reminded myself as much as I enjoyed having Adam around, this was only temporary.

Don’t get used to it.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Lainey

On Wednesday, Teresa and Granny were supposed to come to the bakery at eleven to pick up Conor.

At ten-thirty, I was rushing around the apartment trying to get his diaper bag packed with everything I thought he’d need, when Adam put his hand on my arm to slow me down, then pulled me into an embrace.

“Relax,” he murmured as he ran his hand up and down my back. “He’s going across town, not to another country. If you forget something, they can either go buy it or come back here for it.”

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