"Why if it isn't Miss Leah Nelson." I turned around and saw sweet Mrs. Stacy. Shit.
"Its me, Nice to see you Mrs.Woodley." I left her son, (my high school sweetheart) unannounced, and then sent him a letter three months after my unexpected move. And I haven't talked to him since... I don't think that I have the right to call her Stacy anymore. "Hey, it will always be Stacy to you dear. Well you look gorgeous Leah. So grown up. How long have you been in town?"
"I'm fresh off the plane. My gran sent me in here to grab a few things for the barbecue tonight." I explained showing her my grandma's list.
"That's what I'm here for too, I'm making a pie for the barbecue tonight."
"Yea we'll have plenty of desserts."
"Are you making your famous shortcake? Gabriel's crazy about your shortcake" Wish I hadn't heard that name in a while.
"Yep I sure am. Too bad Gabriel's in New Orleans." I said.
"Actually he just moved back a few months ago. He's one of Alexandria's newest police officers! I'm so proud!" Double shit.
"Oh thats lovely."
"Yeah he should be coming to the barbecue tonight. I'm sure he will be thrilled to see you. Nobody knew you were coming back. I'm assuming you were Betsy's special surprise. I will keep my mouth shut until tonight. So, your back for good?" I was momentarily silenced taking in what she had said. My ex boyfriend, the guy who was once the love of my life, my high school sweetheart was gonna be at my grandmother's house tonight! Good Lord.
"Um I was thinking just for the summer or at least until my grandfather gets better. Not permanently." I reassured."Oh thats too bad. Well I'll let you get back to your shopping. See you tonight. Really good seeing you Leah."
"Yea." I waved, as I practically ran in the opposite direction. Scurrying into the next aisle for my grandma's spices so I could get the hell out of here; Before I run into my entire high school class!
~
"She's home Ted!"
"Leah pia!"
"Hey gramps!" I said giving him a huge hug.
"Good to see Leah." His face was sunken in and sick. I'm not sure if it was from the side effects of cancer or being old. I didn't remember his younger, cancer less face.
"Well since everybody's had a nice hello hug with Leah let's get to work girls." It felt kinda good to be here. In my grandma's living room.
"Alrighty Ellie, you get out the meat and all the seasoning we need. And Leah go put your stuff in the spare room upstairs. Look alive girls this is the first barbecue of the summer. Ted, honey can you put on my Beatles album, and be sure to blast it like the young people do. Would yah?" I chuckled with Ellie. Upstairs I went.
