Page 9 of Unbreak Me
It’s on the list you made me, dumbass. I won’t forget.
Jake
Just making sure. Oh, and see if they have those ice cream yogurt bars I love so much.
Jake
The ones coated in chocolate.
Jesus, I don’t know how he stays fit with all the sugar he loves to consume. It’s my turn to go grocery shopping, and if I don’thave Jake’s sweet tooth items in my cart, there will be hell to pay later.
Ryder
Any other poison you want to put in your body, or is that all?
Jake
Nope, that should do it.
I shake my head and put my phone back in my pocket. I reach for the last muffins on the shelf and pull away when I come in contact with someone else.
“Sorry,” I laugh. “I guess we both had the same idea.” I turn to look at the girl beside me and see brown eyes staring back at me. She’s very beautiful with her long brunette hair and petite frame—she must be only five feet four inches if that. For the first time in a long time, I find myself smiling back with a genuine smile.
“I guess we did,” she laughs, and her full pink lips widen in a grin.
“You go ahead. I’m sure they have some more in the back, and if they don’t, my brother Jake can suck it up.”
“I wouldn’t want your brother mad at me. I still have some at home and can come back later when they get more in.” She hands me the box of muffins.
“Thanks. You’re probably saving me from having to listen to him whine tomorrow morning for breakfast.”
“It’s no problem,” she laughs. “Glad I could save you from it.” Her brown eyes hold mine, and for once, I don’t want to walk away like I usually do when a girl starts talking to me.
“I feel like I should know the name of the girl who’s saving me tomorrow.”
“I’m Mackenzie, and you are?”
“Ryder,” I grin. “Do you come here often?” I cringe the minute I say the words. I’m obviously rusty at this.
“To the grocery store? Just when I’m out of food,” she laughs again, and I find myself wanting to hear more.
“Yeah, I guess that’s a good time to go,” I chuckle and run my hand through my hair.
“Well, it’s nice meeting you, Ryder. I guess I’ll see you around next time we both are out of muffins.”
“It was nice meeting you too, Mackenzie.” She smiles and starts to walk away. “Wait.” I hear myself say without being able to stop the words. She turns and searches my eyes before a small smile appears on her lips. “I was wondering if I could get your number and maybe take you out to dinner this weekend? If you are free.”
“I thought you would never ask,” she grins, and I can’t help the smile that stretches across my face.
“Perfect. Here,” I say, handing her my phone. “Put your number in, and I’ll text you later so we can set a date.” She types in her number and hands it back to me.
“Bye, Ryder. Hopefully, I’ll be hearing from you.” She smiles before turning and walking away.
“Bye, Mackenzie,” I say softly. I glance down at her number and ignore the pang of guilt I feel. I can do this. My brothers are right. It’s been three years. She’s moved on by now, and it’s about time I do too. I need to face the fact that she’s never coming back and see if I can find someone who will make me happy. I’m tired of being sad, and Mackenzie might just be the one who will be able to fill that void I’ve felt for the past three years.
“God, these are so good.”Jake takes another bite out of the muffin.
“I hope so. I took the last box from a girl who probably deserves them more than you do.” Speaking of said girl, my phone dings on the counter top and Mackenzie’s name pops up before I can hide it from Jake.
