𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒𝐓, mike schmidt

04. grocery store

The only emotion I began to feel towards Mike after him brushing me off like nothing was anger and disappointment. He gave me absolutely no time of day. It was hard to believe that just six months ago he had told me he loved me. Even when he was breaking up with me. Shame on me for thinking he'd want to speak to me ever again.

I guess it made things easier considering I was still with Carter. It made me want to be with Carter and appreciate him more.

"I'm going to head to the store to pick up some stuff for dinner." I said, giving Carter a kiss on the cheek as I grabbed the keys and spun out the front door.

I had planned on making chicken parm for dinner and needed to grab a few last minute ingredients. Carter and I took turns making dinner, so tonight was my night which is why Italian was the move.

Once I arrived to the store, I made my way inside and began scanning the aisles for french bread so that I could make homemade garlic bread. I never knew the store had so many assortments of bread. 

My bread hunting was paused when a familiar, little voice called out to me.

"Miles?"

I turned and saw Abby standing there with a coloring book in her right hand.

My stomach dropped. I didn't know if that meant she was with Mike or maybe a babysitter? But, I braced for the worst as I gave her the sweetest smile I could find.

"Oh my gosh, hi Abby!" I said, waving at her.

A smile grew on her young face as her eyes lit up once I called her name.

"It's really you." She said, as her eyes widened and the same smile stayed on her face. She dropped her coloring book as she ran up to me and gave me a big hug. I was taken aback by it, afraid that Mike would be around the corner. Still, no sight of him or a babysitter. I wrapped my arms around her small frame and let out a small laugh.

"Abby." 

There it was. His voice erupted in my ears as I looked up and saw his brown orbs staring at me and then at Abby. My mind began to pace back and forth, wondering if he would be rude or kind considering Abby was here.

"Mike, it's Miles!" Abby said, as she finally let go of me and continued to wear her smile.

I could see the hesitation in Mike's face as he tried his best to avoid my gaze, but he couldn't succeed. He had to look at me considering how happy his little sister was.

Mike gave me a slight nod as his way of acknowledging me. What a joke.

"I've missed you so much." Abby spilled. "I keep asking Mike to invite you over but he said you moved. Are you here visiting?"

My eyes immediately shot to Mike with shock on my face. Why would he make up such a lie that I moved? I couldn't believe he spun that story and let Abby believe it.

His face said all that it needed to say. He looked ashamed after she spoke.

"I didn't move." I said firmly, but with a small smile on my face.

"You didn't?" Abby asked, tilting her head and looking up at Mike.

"I must've got it wrong." Mike shrugged, as he looked ready to exit the conversation. "Abby, we have to go. I have work in a little." he said, trying to get the girl to follow him out of the aisle. 

"Can we invite Miles over for dinner?" Abby asked, looking up at Mike as she refused to move.

Mike sighed as he finally looked at me again with tired eyes. 

"Abby, she's busy." he said with a tired tone.

Abby shook her head at his words and grabbed my hand with hope dazzling in her brown eyes. The same shade of Mike's.

"Will you come for dinner soon? I miss you and I want to show you some of the stuff I've drawn." she begged. It broke my heart to see her staring up at me with her big, brown eyes.

"Of course." I replied, knowing it probably wouldn't happen since her big brother had no desire to be anywhere near me.

"Mike, you have to invite her. Promise me." she said, as he still had the stressed look on his face. He nodded at her words.

"Say you promise."

"Okay, okay I promise. Now we have to go." he responded while Abby lit up with joy at his response. The girl gave me a big hug and waved as she ran off with him. He never looked back at me. 

On my way back from the store, I couldn't help but think about the expressions on his face. He must really dislike me. It was as if he was in pain being close to me. How did we get here? We went from making love in front of his fireplace on Christmas Eve to avoiding gazes in a grocery store. 

After I had got home and cooked us dinner, I sat on the couch beside Carter as we continued to watch one of the many shows we were watching. I was quiet, but he didn't notice. I was sure Carter would notice the shift in my behavior, but he didn't. All he did was keep his eyes on the tv and occasionally let out a laugh.

Lying in bed, I stared at the ceiling as I replayed what had happened at the store just a few hours ago. I shouldn't be this bothered by Mike anymore. I had a new man I slept next to and made love to almost every night. Yet, he was keeping me up still after six months. Was Carter just not good enough? 

I saw my phone light up on my bed stand as I glanced over and saw a name I never thought I'd see again.

Mike: Abby really wants you to come for dinner. 
Mike: Can you come for one dinner?

I stared at the message for a little bit as I laid in bed. I didn't want to answer too soon, so I opted to just reply in the morning. I tried to sleep, but I kept replaying the message in my mind.

When the sun began to sneak in our bedroom, I rolled over and decided to text him back. It was 7:05AM, so I knew he was home and sleeping by then.

Miles: sure, just let me know when

And within an hour, Mike had responded.

Mike: Tonight