The sound of Amara’s little sneakers squeaking against the grocery store floor echoed through the aisles. Isla glanced down at her daughter, who was happily munching on a bag of pretzels. “You know we’re not even halfway done yet, right?” she said with a soft smile, amused by how easily snacks could keep her daughter quiet.
Amara looked up, her eyes wide, cheeks stuffed with pretzels like a little chipmunk. “More snacks after?” she asked, her words muffled by the food in her mouth.
Isla chuckled. “Maybe, if you help me get everything we need.”
Amara’s face lit up with a grin, and she nodded, eager to help but also clearly more interested in what her next snack would be.
As they continued shopping, Isla found herself lost in thought, still basking in the lingering glow from her night out with the girls. It had been so long since she’d let herself have fun like that, and even though she was tired, she felt lighter than she had in years.
She reached for a carton of eggs when she heard a familiar voice behind her.
“Isla?”
Turning, Isla’s face lit up when she saw Izzy walking down the aisle. Izzy, with her usual bright energy, looked as if she’d just stepped out of a magazine—vibrant locs bouncing around her shoulders, a wide smile on her face.
“Hey, girl!” Isla greeted, genuinely happy to see her. “Didn’t expect to run into you here.”
Izzy grinned. “Girl, you know how it is—always gotta grab something last minute.” She then crouched down to Amara’s level. “Hey, there, lil’ cutie! Still eating all the snacks?”
Amara, her mouth still full, nodded vigorously. “Yep!” she said, holding up the pretzel bag like it was a prize.
Izzy laughed, giving Amara a playful wink before standing up. “So, how’ve you been, Isla? After the game night, I was thinkin’ we should get together more often. Maybe this weekend?”
Isla tilted her head, curious. “What’s happening this weekend?”
“I’m having a game night,” Izzy said, smiling. “You should come! Bring your girls, and of course, Amara too. It’ll be fun—just a little get-together with some friends and family.”
Isla hesitated for a moment, the idea of another night out making her stomach twist with nerves. But something in Izzy’s warm, inviting demeanor made her want to say yes. She had spent enough time avoiding social gatherings. It was time to step out of her comfort zone.
“You know what? I’ll come,” Isla said, surprising herself. “It sounds fun.”
Izzy beamed. “Great! I’ll text you all the details.” She then crouched down again, turning her attention back to Amara. “Hey, Miss Amara, I hear you’ve been coming up with some new ice cream ideas. You got any for me today?”
Amara’s eyes lit up at the mention of ice cream. “I want to make purple ice cream! With sparkles!” she said excitedly.
Izzy laughed, pulling out her phone. “Purple ice cream with sparkles? I love it. I’m writing that down. Some of the best ideas come from you little ones.” She winked again before straightening up.
After a bit more small talk, Izzy waved goodbye and headed toward the checkout line. Isla watched her go, feeling a little more excited about the weekend than she had in a long time.
---
Later that evening, back at home, Isla unpacked the groceries while Amara bounced around the kitchen, clearly still full of energy.
YOU ARE READING
In Bloom
RomanceIn the streets, you play to survive. In love, you risk it all. But when the lines between both start to blur, who can you really trust? Avery "Cap" Dupree runs the city-respected, feared, and always two steps ahead of anyone trying to come for his t...
