Page 183 of Even Exchange

39

CHARLOTTE

“You feeling better?” I ask Denny as we walk through the aisles of the grocery store. Poor thing’s had a queasy tummy since Patricia dropped them off yesterday. Okay, maybe it was after she ate nine chocolate chip muffins while ignoring my protests, but there’s no way I’ll admit that to Noah.

“I’m okay,” she says paired with a little grumble.

“Bread is the last thing, and then we can go,” I tell her and Nash.

“Oh, look, Lottie!” she says, grabbing a pink little baby teether off the end cap.

“No, this one’s cooler,” Nash says, grabbing one that looks like a key ring.

I smile down at them, appreciating their enthusiasm. “Baby won’t need those for a while. Maybe next time.”

“Fine,” they huff, putting the items back.

My phone rings, and I pull it out to see Noah’s name flash across the display.

“Hey,” I say after accepting the call.

“Hey,soffione,” he coos in his sweet tone. “You still at the store?”

“Yeah, be home soon.”

“Can you pick up some little pasta stars? I wanna make Denny soup for dinner.”

“You got it,” I tell him.

“And actually, I need a few other things. Can I send you a list?”

“Sure.”

After picking up the new items, we head to the register.

“That’ll be $78.32,” the cashier says after the groceries have been bagged and placed in the cart. I stick my card into the machine, and it makes a god-awful buzzing sound.

“Please remove your card, ma’am,” the cashier says as a receipt spits out on her end. “It’s been declined.”

I stop breathing, glancing anxiously at the line of people waiting behind me.

“Can you try again?” I ask.

Another attempt, and the same result.

“Sorry,” I tell the cashier, and the bystanders, as I pull up my banking app.

Balance: $22.06.

Shit. Tears well in my eyes as I stare at the cart full of groceries I can’t afford.

Looks like the money from my grants and student loans has already run out. Shit.

“I… I have to put some items back,” I say hesitantly, my resolve crumbling.

“Lottie, can we go?” Nash asks, tugging my shirt.

“One second, buddy.”

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