I not hungry?” She steers the cart to the greens area to find the parsley. “What else do we need?”
“Just the pasta and fresh garlic. I have everything else.” I grab three bulbs of garlic.
She diverts to the bakery section, picking up a pack of cookies.
Midway through aisles we don’t need to be looking at, I pick up a ball that’s on a display and throw it at her ass, but she doesn’t retaliate. She barely even reacts.
“What’s the matter?” I lean in close after putting the ball back in the rack.
She shrugs and I follow her line of vision to the flower department.
“What flowers did you guys pick out?” she asks.
“I thought we weren’t talking about the wedding?” I can’t even answer her because Brigette did that by herself.
“Things are going to change. This might be our last time making food from movies. I mean, I guess we could do it with her.” The tone in her voice says that’s not really an option.
I desperately want to tell Juno the truth, so she knows not much has to change. I mean, Brigette will be living with me, but we’re not a real couple. Juno wouldn’t be the third wheel. But if I tell Juno, I’m putting myself and Brigette at risk. Not that I think Juno would tell anyone, but sometimes secrets slip. This one is better off staying between the people who have the most to lose if it comes out.
“Nothing is going to change,” I say.
She huffs. Yeah, I don’t believe me either.
“Come on. Let’s enjoy tonight. Remember?” I knock her shoulder with mine.
She nods. “It’s just hard. You’re right. I was stupid to think we’d just be best friends until we grew old.”
I can’t do this anymore. I have to tell her. I place my hand on hers. “Juno.”
Her eyes meet mine, and they look so sad. I’m definitely making the right decision. “What?”
“Surprise!” Rome jumps out in front of our cart. “What are you two crazy kids doing at the grocery store this late?”
We look in his arms to find Little Debbie brownies, a carton of ice cream, and three of the balls I just threw at Juno.
“More like what are you doing?” Juno asks. “Harley having cravings?”
He nods. “Yeah, and it has to be the Little Debbie’s with the walnuts on top, not the candy things. But the kids like the candy ones, so I have to buy both. And I’m trying not to be offended that she never craves what I can make her. I mean, shouldn’t that be the benefit of being married to a chef?”
Juno laughs because we know how Rome is about his cooking. Calista and Dion still like the instant mac n’ cheese over his authentic homemade version. “Well, you can make brownies for me.”
Rome looks in our cart. “What are you guys making? Spaghetti, garlic, and parsley?”
“Ever seen The Chef? We’re making the pasta from it.”
Rome pulls out his phone and searches for the clip on YouTube then stares at us. “Is this what gets you guys all hot?”
Juno slaps him on the arm. “Rome!”
“I’m offended you didn’t come to me. I can cook this a helluva lot better than the two of you.” He dumps his things into our cart. “Come on. Harley will love it too. We’ll get more. I’m cooking tonight.”
We share a look behind his back.
“Isn’t it late?” Juno asks.
“I’m a chef. I’m used to being up late. Plus, Harley has insomnia with this pregnancy. She’ll appreciate the company.”
Before I can argue, we’re leaving the grocery store and heading to Rome’s house. So much for my last night with Juno.
Seventeen
Juno
The day has come. The day I lose my best friend.
Dodging Colton until his wedding day was easier than I thought. He only stopped by my office once, and I ventured out of my way to never pass Four Paws, even convincing Calista to go to a park farther away so he wouldn’t see me outside. Brigette hasn’t messaged me, so she must have decided the double dating thing isn’t a good idea.
After checking with Brigette to make sure it was okay to bring Jason, he agreed to be my date for the wedding, but I think after tonight, I’ll tell him we’re probably better off as friends. The spark just isn’t there. If I’m lucky, he’ll still hire me to find someone for him.
We walk the path next to Cozy Cottage B&B and I spot Harley talking with the owner, Selene, by the back