Tension Released

AisleAccidents

Kale was mid whine about not getting toaster waffles when Sam heart it, a voice she knew without even turning around. Deep. Calm. Familiar. Her stomach dropped before her brain caught up. Jordan. She instinctively ducked, practically dragging Kaleb behind the cereal display like a fugitive you've got to be kidding me. She thought, clutching a half crushed box of granola bars like a shield. Why now? Why here? She hadn't even brushed her hair since noon, and her mascara was sweating into her eyes. She peeked out from the end of the aisle way, heart thudding. And there he was walking slowly past the frozen foods, with a girl about Kaleb's age, maybe eleven or twelve. Skinny jeans. A hoodie. Converses. A hoodie? In July? Sam blinked. It had to be 102 degrees outside. This kid is either superhuman or dramatically committed to a vibe. Before she could turn around, and sprint to the next aisle, Jordan came around the corner and collided with her. Their carts clanged, and she nearly dropped the granola bars. Hey he said surprise softening into something that looked alot like warmth. "Small world" Samantha gave a nervous laugh gripping the handle of the cart tighter than necessary. Yeah sorry didn't see you there. He looked at her then down at Kaleb, then motioned to the girl beside him. Sam this is my daughter Americus. Americus gave a polite nod and the faintest hint of a small smirk like she could already tell what was going on. Oh-hi! Sam smiled, brushing her hair behind her ear. This is my son Kaleb. Kaleb waved shyly, then immediately turned his attention back to the cereal box in his hand. We were just you know .... she gestured vaguely to her cart, which contained mostly snacks and stress. Out running errands. Trying to figure out what's for dinner. Jordan nodded, glancing at the random collection of frozen pizza, canned soup, and popsicles in his cart. Same here. She picked everything. I'm just the wallet. Americus gave him a side eye and muttered "You said you liked pizza rolls." Yeah when I was like 10. Sam smiled, then immediately regretted it. He looks good. Too good. Why does he smell like clean laundry and sandalwood and heartbreak recovery. And that shirt, simple gray, but somehow it made his arms look like he'd been doing pushups in the freezer aisle. She shook her head, trying to be clear the thought before it escaped her mouth. I cannot let him know I think he's sexy. I can't let myself know I think he's sexy. Well she said clearing her throat, it was nice running into you... Literally. Jordan chuckled. Yeah you too. They lingered for a second too long. She wasn't sure if he was waiting for her to say more or if she was waiting for him. Neither did. Americus nudged her dads cart forward. Let's go. I don't want everything to melt. Bossy he whispered, with a wink at Sam before turning to follow his daughter. Sam stood frozen, watching them disappear from the aisle. Kaleb tugged on her sleeve. Can we get cookies now? She blinked. Snapping back to reality. Yeah, Yeah of course baby. But as they walked all she could think about was Jordan. And the fact that his daughter wore a black hoodie in the middle of summer. And now suddenly.... she wanted to know why.