“Yup.”
“White or red?”
“Whatever’s goin’,” he says with a wink.
“Is there anything in particular you want to eat? Should I get something for Ben too?”
“I’m not fussed. I think Ben was gonna heat up leftover spaghetti.”
As I enter the hall, I pull out my phone and text Kathleen and explain I’m visiting Sam and won’t be home tonight. Using lots of ‘pleases’ and ‘thank yous’, I ask her to use the key under the mat to check in on Butch and feed him. I get a quick text back.
Kathleen:Not a problem. Enjoy your trip. See you at the festival.
There’s nothing in the way of me staying now.Insert happy dance.
I find Ben in the kitchen, his eyes on the newspaper spread out before him on the bench.
“Hey,” I say, drawing Ben’s eyes upward.
“Hey,” he mumbles and offers a soft smile.
“Could you pretty please do me a huge favour?”
His eyes widen, and he straightens his back. “Of course. Anything.”
“Direct me to the corner store? I’m gonna grab us a couple of things.”
“What are you after?” Ben opens the fridge, revealing a few empty shelves.
“Cheese and nibbles.”
Ben’s face softens, and a small chuckle escapes his mouth. “We’re all out.” He swoops up a set of keys from the side of the bench. “I think I’d better drive. You might not make it otherwise.”
We leave Sam with strict orders to stay put until we return.