Chapter One Hundred And Five - Grocery Shopping

Looking at my watch for the umpteen time, where's Adian I grimace. I have things to do.

A supermarket market run, plus I wanted to visit nanny Pierce and Amos. I have missed all the small talks we had with each other. I always gave Amos something extra for his grandchildren, which I know he'll be expecting. I HAVE TO GO!

I stomped my feet in frustration! Why did he send me home, when I could have remained at the office with him.

Tired of waiting, I called Adian instead, but after two rings the call was sent to voice. Normally I would think that Adian's in a meeting and cannot answer the phone but with everything that went down today, I am concern.

I called Basil instead, hoping he would be able to help me out, but his phone also went to voicemail and I don't know Mel's number.

I ended up calling Gerard and asked him to come over if he was available and he was, so I quickly changed into a black short jeans and a white button down shirt with a blue Nike.

Eliminating my handbag, I took the cash and credit card and shoved them into two of my pockets. I searched my handbag for my favourite shades and Nike baseball cap.

Checking out my myself in the mirror, I realize the pants is too short, but I don't have time to change.

Putting on my shades, I pulled on my cap and left to wait for Gerard in the lobby downstairs, unrecognizable and ready to blend in!

In less than fifteen minutes, Gerard and I were on our way to run my errands.

"Have you spoken to Adian or Basil today?" I asked not only to make conversation but to find out if anything was going on.

Looking at me through the rearview mirror with an apologetic smile, "actually I am off today" Gerard informs me and I clamped my hand over my mouth.

"I'm so sorry, I didn't know" I felt guilty, even if I didn't know.

Shaking his head, his eyes focused on the road, "I don't mind. The extra money is good, especially for the kids" he says, then look at me through the mirror again, "I'm sorry, that's too personal." he says, before ending the conversation.

Our first stop was at a fas-service machine, to withdraw some cash and then to the supermarket. Gerard accompanied me to the fas-service but stayed back when we got to the supermarket.

I leaned down and spoke to him when I got out of the vehicle. "Can you come in and help me please,?" I asked hopefully.

Opening the door, "sure Mrs. Knights," he agrees, climbing out of the vehicle and shutting the door behind him.

"Can you grab an extra trolley" I asked when I got my own trolley. Raising his eyebrows, he nods and takes out another trolley before following me. I started selecting items for Amos's grandchildren and extras for Gerard's, but he doesn't need to know that yet.

I selected items from the list, that I came with and added extra snacks as I considered ways of asking Gerard about his kids and their ages, without sounding nosy.

"Did you enjoy helping with the kids at the home?" I asked remembering his support at the children's home, even when he didn't need to.

A contented smile broke out on his face and he nods, "I grew up in a home like that and I am happy to give back. I may not have the money, but I can give my time." he admits, looking down at his hands that's gripping the trolley handle, tightly.

We were standing in-front of the bakery, "select some items for your kids" I said, already pointing to the items I need for myself.

Gerard glanced at the showcases then quickly turned to me, "it's quite okay." he says softly, refusing my offer.

Annoyed, I look up at his tall frame, "firstly, it's for the kids and secondly I am your friend's wife and if I want to give something to my husband friend's kids, I'm darn well going to do so and you are not going to stop me." I huffed and turned the salesclerk, "take his order please" I said as she looks expectantly at Gerard.

Gerard stalled, trying to refuse again, "take something for your wife also" I added and raised my eyebrows, waiting.

I looked at the four items he ordered, "can you double that and added a chocolate cake and bread with a few pastries that could last two days without perishing," please, also making a mental note to add Gerard to my list.

At the checkout counter, Gerard stood behind my trolley, his eyes roaming around before he suddenly goes rigid.

Gerard's entire feature changed. The soft easy talking comfortable guy is gone and in his place is this cold angry guy, staring behind me.

"No, don't turn around" Gerard stops me from turning around and I actually listen.

"What is it?" I asked instead, fighting the urge to turn.

Straightening his cap, he pushes back his shades, "there are some photographers outside and their eyes and cameras are set on you" he said, I was surprised.

He motions for me to move forward, "pretend that you don't know and hide your face as best as you can and do now for any reason, take your shades off." Gerard instructed me, in full bodyguard mode.

I nod and started passing my purchases to the cashier to pass through the scanner.

"Uh, I don't want it to be a bother, but is it possible to have the groceries packed separately? I have items for three different individuals here?" I requested, already regretting that I asked because the cashier glared at me for disturbing her.

Glancing at the trolley in front of her, "these?" she asks shaking her head.

I touched Gerard's trolley "and this" I told her.

She lifted her hand and alerted someone, "the customer will tell how she wants her groceries separated," the cashier says to the young man and continued. I nod at Gerard to carry on and started separating the groceries.

I swiped my card and took out two twenty dollar bills, "thank you" I handed the cashier the forty dollars and she just looked at it in surprise.

Smiling, "Today's a special day for my husband and I" said and her eyes flew to Gerard.

"Oh no, not me" Gerard said without a smile on his face, definitely terrified.

"Thank you ma'am!" the cashier graciously accepted.