Chapter 24

He found a shopping cart whose wheels didn’t try to go in two different directions at the same time and began in the bakery department, picking up a loaf of rye bread that was still warm. A stop at the deli counter was next, and he ordered some cold cuts. From there he visited produce, dairy, meats, and frozen food.

“Excuse me, but…Don’t you live on Huxley Drive?”

Startled, Ben turned to face a man in his early twenties. Dark hair and brown eyes—for a second he thought he was looking at Jason.

“Uh…no. I mean, I used to.”

“I thought I recognized you. I haven’t seen you in a while.”

“No. I moved to Caravan Point.”

“Where all the old farts live?”

He laughed. “Not exactly.”

“No, I guess not, if you’re there.” He flirted his lashes at Ben and gestured toward his own cart. “Y’know, Lean Cuisine makes a wicked roasted turkey breast. I have some extras if you’d like to join me for…dinner.”

“Thanks, but I’ll need to get home and get these refrigerated.”