Love Her - Andrea Johnston Page 0,27
Of course they have half a brain. Plus half of that is likely thinking of a boy.”
We both laugh and I give her a quick hug before calling Clem to meet me in the car. Opening the door and settling behind the wheel, I realize I’m smiling. Not the kind that is for show but a true toothy smile of pure contentment. For the first time in a long time, everything is just right.
“Why can’t I get one of these?”
Trying hard to maintain my composure and not lose my patience, I say for the third time, “Because it isn’t your size. I explained how the sizes work. The numbers are the band size and the letters are the cup size. There is no band size small enough for you.” I don’t bother telling her that she isn’t an actual cup size yet either.
The day started off great, and our first store on the mother daughter shopping day went well. Clementine picked out two new dresses and a pair of cute cowboy boots while I found a bargain of a deal on a new pair of jeans and a butter-soft sweater. Then we came here to my favorite store to pick up her lip gloss and scour the clearance sections in both our respective departments.
When I saw the sign indicating there was a bra sale, I made my way over. Curious at why all the tags were different, I explained how you measure for bra sizes, what they mean, and why there are so many options. I shouldn’t have been shocked when my ten-year-old asked if she could get a bra of her own. Yet, I was rendered speechless. This wasn’t the topic I thought we’d touch on today.
Huffing, she turns her back on me, arms crossed over her chest. Taking a deep breath, I slide the hangers across the rack until I find my size and toss the light pink bra into the cart before calling Clem to come along. Turning my head to make sure she’s with me, I don’t even see him coming.
“Oof.”
“Oh shit. I’m so sor—”
“Hey, Lis.”
His voice. Gosh the way it hits me to the core. Deep and a little gravelly, I thought it was because of his early morning appointments but now I know it’s just the way it is always. The lines around his eyes appear as a smile takes over his face. My stomach flips in reaction and I don’t even want to know what that means.
“Connor. What are you doing here?”
Motioning to the basket hanging from his arm he replies, “Shopping. Looks like . . .” His statement tapers off as he leans over, peering into my cart. I follow his gaze and take stock of what he sees. Makeup and lotion, a huge box of tampons, a pack of little boys’ underwear, a sweater for Clem, and the pink bra.
“What about this one?”
As I turn to face my daughter, Connor snorts a laugh and I throw my head back and say a small prayer for patience. Obviously trying to prove a point, Clementine has somehow maneuvered herself into a bright red bra on over her clothes. The cups are twisted, and she looks absolutely ridiculous. And so serious as she stands in a pose that would give the biggest super model a run for her money.
Just as I’m about to say something, I feel his warm breath on my neck. “I think that would look great on you.”
Sweet Jesus.
Chapter 11
Connor
Damn she smells good. I don’t dare admit I’ve spent days trying to figure out exactly what it is. Flowers, lemon . . . vanilla? Since the first day I saw her at PT, that scent has wormed its way into my dreams. Sometimes I’m holding flowers on a doorstep and others I’m drinking lemonade. Okay, maybe the woman standing in front of me has been part of those dreams as well. Lis is a welcome surprise on this boring errand of picking up soap and toilet paper. I was bored out of my mind and have hours until I have to be at Country Road.
I half expect her to turn and scowl at me for my forward comment, but she doesn’t. If I’m not mistaken, her reaction is the exact opposite. Her body shivers slightly. Other than that movement, she doesn’t budge. The little girl standing before us with one hand on her hip and the other on her forehead dramatically opens one eye and looks at Lis.
“Clem, what are you