Page 93 of Nuts

“I like you,” she said.

I grinned. “I like you, too.”

“What else do you want?” Eddie asked.

Since receiving my raise at work, I’d saved all my wages, less food and fuel. Nonetheless, I needed to save as much as possible so I could get my own place to live. I couldn’t stay with Percy forever, and I knew it.

“I think this is enough,” I said. “We can come back some other time.”

“Do you like Starbucks?” Eddie asked.

“Coffee? I love coffee.”

“Me too.”

Sandy rubbed her belly. “One cup a day for me.”

Having girlfriends was something I always dreamed of. My lack of confidence about my leg – and my stepfather’s violent temper – prevented it from ever being a reality. Shopping with Eddie and Sandy was one of the best times I’d ever experienced.

“Maybe in a few weeks we can come back?” I said, my voice filled with hope.

“Just say the word,” Sandy said. “I’ll go shopping anytime. I’ve got issues.”

“Issues?”

“I’m a clothes whore. I’ve got more outfits than…” She looked me over. “I bet you could wear a bunch of my stuff.”

“Oh, I doubt that,” I said. “You’re skinny.”

“We’re basically the same size.”

We weren’t, but it was nice hearing it. “I don’t think so, but thank you.”

“I’ll pick some stuff out for you. Most of it’s not going to fit me for a long time.”

“Thank you.”

We walked to the register, and I handed the clothes to the salesman.

“Did you find everything okay?”

“Yes, thank you.”

He rang up the clothes, folding each of them carefully afterward. After the last article was placed in the bag, he looked at the register.

“The total is $207.41. Cash, or on your card?”

I reached for my wallet and grinned. “Cash.”

I handed him the money. I’d come a long way in the last few months. Although the journey wasn’t anything I’d planned, I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. As far as I was concerned, my life couldn’t get any better.

I paid for the clothes and accepted the bag, eager to find out what Percy would think about my choices.

As we walked toward Starbucks, I turned toward Sandy. “Have you ever been on a poker run or anything?”

“Several, why?”

“Oh, I was just wondering.”