Finding Home in Redemption

Chapter Ten

For the entire hour drive, Sam and I listened to every song we could think of. Her taste was a lot like Pop's work out mix. She loved bands I couldn't name and had no desire to listen to.

"I couldn't even understand any of the words to that last one," I said about a song she had just played.

"If you hadn't been banging your head so hard you probably would have heard them. I think you might have gotten brain damage," she giggled.

"But I thought that was what you were supposed to do? That's what Pop sometimes does."

"Your dad is weird. Hot, but weird."

"Ew!" I mock gagged on my finger. "Aaron is amazed by his muscles," I added, laughing.

"Speaking of Aaron," she nudged me with her elbow over the console.

"What about him?"

"You guys seemed pretty chummy today."

"Yeah, the bow fight really brought us closer." I rolled my eyes. "He moved in last night. He'll be there for a few months, and then, maybe I can help him find a place once he saves some money. I haven't talked to him about it because he was so reluctant to agree to stay with me, but I think it will all be okay."

"Does he know you care about him?"

"Of course he knows. I mean he knows I care about his friendship. I'm not sure if he knows that I'm starting to care about him though."

We made it to the mall, and I started getting giddy. I usually saved all year-long so that I could get gifts for Pop, and the guys that worked at Cooper's. My list seemed much longer this year, though, and I had only added a few names.

Store after store, I added more and more bags. I chose a scarf, some candles and eye shadow for Sylvia. I bought a few shirts for Jerry and the guys at the shop as well as a small, home toolset for all the men in the office. Pop and Sam ended up with the same gift, which proved to be a challenge since I had to sneak away so Sam wouldn't see me buy it. They were so alike; it was crazy and I knew they'd both love it.

It was harder to pick something out for Aaron. I wanted to buy him unreasonable amounts of clothes, but I had a feeling it would have upset him. I settled for two outfits, a few board games, and a pocket knife.

I ended up buying Dog a bed so he wouldn't have to sleep on the floor anymore, and I couldn't wait to get home and see if he liked it.

After what seemed like thirty trips to the car, and special maneuvering to fit all our bags in the backseat and the trunk, we walked across the parking lot to a small restaurant for lunch.

"I'm surprised you didn't spend more on your dad," sam said once we sat down.

"I would have if there was anything he actually needed or wanted. I swear he is the hardest person to buy for. If he needs or wants something, he just goes out and buys it."

"My dad waits for the holidays and starts dropping hints to my mom. It's kind of hilarious because he gets impatient sometimes and acts like he's going to buy something just to see if she bought it already." We were both laughing when the waiter came to ask for our drink order.

"The same for me, please," I said after Sam ordered water.

"No problem, I'll be right back with that," he said, smiling down at me. I smiled back and looked at Sam, who was wagging her eyebrows at me.

"What?" I asked.

"He didn't even notice anyone else at the table with how much he was drooling over you."