Page 98 of What Started In Deception

“You pick.”

“Then a movie it is.”

“Anything that’s not sad,” they said at the same time.

She looked at him again, grinning as he did, then got comfy as they settled into their perfect evening.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Lydia finished putting the last of the formula canisters and diaper cream boxes on the baby supply shelf, satisfied that the infant care section in Monroe House’s community shopping space was now fully stocked again.

She swiped at her damp forehead with her forearm as she looked at the wall clock across the warehouse, surprised that it was nearly four o’clock. The afternoon had been busy with several families stopping in for food and household items before the facility closed for the holiday. She’d been a jack of all trades for the last three hours, helping wherever she’d been needed. Ty had been great, too, pitching in as well.

She grabbed the now-empty boxes at her side and glanced down a couple of the grocery aisles, looking for Ty as their shift came to an end, spotting him helping Mrs. Connoly to the exit with her mostly empty cart.

She smiled as her heart melted, noting how big and broad he looked in his T-shirt and athletic shorts as he walked arm in arm with the slightly hunchbacked octogenarian.

“Why are you so perfect?” she whispered as one of Monroe House’s beloved regulars talked his ear off—like she’d been doing for at least half an hour, yet Ty gave her his full attention.

Mrs. Connoly rarely ever selected many food items. Mostly, she was old and lonely and stopped by for a little company.

Lydia started their way in denim shorts and a Monroe House T-shirt, tossing the boxes into the corner where they would be repurposed while she struggled with a grin as Mrs. Connoly continued to hold Ty captive by the door.

“Now, you remember apple cider vinegar if you ever find yourself with a bee sting. It’s an old remedy that works wonders. The pain vanishes almost immediately.”

Ty nodded. “I’ll have to keep that in mind.”

Mrs. Connoly patted his arm. “And don’t forget about the baking soda for the litter box. It keeps the odor down.”

Ty nodded again. “If I ever get a cat, I’ll be sure to make that happen.”

“Just a little sprinkle here and there does the trick.”

“I’m making a mental note,” he told her as he tapped his temple.

In rescue mode, Lydia grinned as their eyes met, stopping next to him and Mrs. Connoly.

Mrs. Connoly beamed. “Lydia, dear.”

Lydia hugged the adorable woman. “Hi, Mrs. Connoly. Did you find everything you needed today?”

Mrs. Connoly nodded. “That I did. I got the kitties a couple of treats.”

Lydia looked at the package in the cart, which was the only package in the cart. “It looks like they’re in for a nice surprise.”

Mrs. Connoly nodded again. “That they are.”

“Do you need any help getting to your car this afternoon?”

Mrs. Connoly shook her head. “I’ll put the treats in my purse, and I should be just fine.”

Lydia grabbed them and handed them to her. “Are you sure?”

“That I am,” she said as she tucked the package in the front pocket of her large bag. “I should probably be on my way. The traffic’s bound to be quite terrible with the tourists crowding in for tomorrow.”

Lydia nodded. “I have a feeling you’re right.”

Ty opened the door for her, letting a rush of afternoon heat into the air-conditioned space.