Destiny's Fates

Chapter 17

2 hours later and we have crossed 15 men off our list. We have been through all the addresses, and only 3 men were not there. Jeremy Knight had apparently spent the night out of town on a business trip and would not be back until Tuesday morning. At least, that was what his girlfriend said. Eric Halen just hadn’t answered the door, and Tyler Stephens apparently was dating 2 other girls, so his “going-steady girl” had kicked him out last night. She advised we check the hotel or maybe the nearest bar.

“Okay Doll. What do you want to do?” James asked, after returning from the last house.

“Honestly, I don’t know about you guys, but I am starving. How about we head back to my place and come up with a plan for these last three guys.”

“Sounds great to me Des.”

“Me too Love.”

“Okay, heading back to your place it is.” James pulled out of the driveway and sped down the road. Guess he was just as tired as I am.

5 minutes later we are pulling into my driveway. I open the car door and step out onto the lawn. I really need to mow. That was something I originally had on my To-Do list, that, and grocery shopping. I walk to the front door and unlock it, and Cherry bolts out. “Cherry” I yell, but she ignores me as she runs around the guys, barking and jumping up. Derrek laughs and lunges to grab her, but she darts away just fast enough. Derrek loses his balance and faceplants while James and Chris laugh. “Cherry, if you come here, you can have a treat.” Her ears perk up, and she dashes to me and sits at my feet. “Good girl” I say, petting her head. I pick her up and take her inside as the guys trail in behind me. Derrek is the last one inside, considering he had to get up off the lawn. He shuts the door as I carry Cherry into the kitchen. I set her down. “Sit and Stay,” I command. Cherry obeys, watching me walk to the pantry and open the door. I bring out a treat for her and shut the door. “Lay down.” Cherry obeys, then rolls over onto her back. I walk over and give her belly a good rub before gently giving her the treat. Once she has it in her mouth, Cherry quickly flips back over, stands up and scampers under the table. I head back to the living room. “What do y’all want to eat for lunch?” I ask.

James has his laptop out, and Chris is handing him the remaining 3 potential Fate papers. Derrek is staring out my front window.

“How about Chinese takeout?” James suggests, “You could always put away some crab rangoons Des.”

“Chinese sounds good to me too.” Chris says, standing up from the couch.

Derrek nods, “We could place the order and then James and Destiny could pick it up on their way back from grocery shopping?”

“What?” I ask, confused.

Derrek laughs, then strolls into the kitchen and pulls my To-Do list off the fridge. “No offense love, but your fridge is near empty, and I noticed this list during breakfast. You had a lot of stuff planned for this weekend, and then we showed up. You work Monday through Friday, so this is your last chance to get groceries before you go back to work. You and James should go, Chris and I can come up with a plan. Also, do you have a lawnmower stored somewhere? I can mow the lawn while you guys are gone.”

“You really don’t have to do that,” I say.

“Not a problem at all Love. Where do you keep it?”

“In the shed in the backyard. There should also be a jug with some extra gas in the shed.”

Derrek nods, then heads out the back door. Chris and James look at me.

“Okay, I guess I will start making a shopping list.” I walk into my office to grab a legal pad and a pen. Walking back to the kitchen, I glance in the living room and see that Derrek has come back inside, and all three guys looking through the takeout menu for the Chinese restaurant here in town. Shaking my head, I open the fridge. Milk, eggs, butter, sandwich meat, and bacon. Also, carrots and apples. I close the fridge and open the freezer. Hashbrowns, fries, and another box of breakfast sandwiches. Probably should also grab a bag of chicken breasts. I close the fridge and glance at the counter. Bread, for sandwiches. I walk to the pantry and open it, then flip on the light. Rice, potatoes, flour, and sugar. I close the pantry and sit down at the table. Printer paper, and probably another ink cartridge. I think I am good on everything else. I head back to the living room. “Okay, I am ready to go.”

“Perfect timing Love. We just called in the order. They said it should be ready in about 30 minutes.”

“Okay. James, are you ready to go?”

“Yes.” He stands up. “Do you want to drive Doll?”

“Sure.” I glance around the room to make sure I am not forgetting anything, then grab my keys off the coffee table. I walk to the door and James follows. “See you guys in about 30 minutes.” I call out to Derrek and Chris as James closes the door behind him.