Page 20 of Her Former Bear Mate

No.

Would it make her feel better?

Only temporarily.

Was she going to do it anyway?

Yes.

After the biscuits, she got herself chocolate, sour gummies, and lots of salt and vinegar crisps while thanking her genes for blessing her with a fast metabolism.So she couldn't shift into a bear but at least she could eat lots of carbs.

She skipped the aisle with fresh vegetables and meat, heading straight for the ready meals.

And of course, who was waiting in front of the ready meal section with her cart in the middle of the aisle?

"Aditi," Lena acknowledged, her heart jumping up in her throat at the sight of her ex.Why was this bloody city so small?

Aditi looked up with panic in her eyes."Oh.Lena.Hi."

"I see you still like midnight shopping," Lena said, smiling when she thought of their little grocery dates in the middle of the night when the supermarkets were empty and quiet.It was so much less stressful and so much more fun.That was the magic about Aditi, she could turn the most mundane things into a new experience.

Aditi brushed some of her hair out of her pretty face.Even tired, she was so damn charming."I had a late shift and an empty fridge."Her gaze went to Lena's cart."Ahh.That time, huh?"

Lena would've denied it but what was the point?After four years of a relationship, it was only understandable that Aditi knew what her period comfort food looked like.And the box of tampons was a clear giveaway regardless.

Lena just shrugged and gestured at the ready meals."Can I?"

"Yeah, all yours," Aditi replied as she stepped back.She held out the bangers and mash ready meal in her hand."Here, I was going to have it but you take it.It's the last one."

Lena protested automatically."That's alright.You got here first."

"Yeah but I know how grumpy and picky you get when you've got your period.This is really a service to the country."

Lena hesitated, deliberating whether it was right to take the ready meal.On the one hand, it felt like acknowledging that they still knew each other really well.On the other, it really was the last of this kind and it was one of her favourites.

"Are you sure?"Lena checked.She wouldn't have even considered it if she wasn't aching so much.

Aditi just put the ready meal in Lena's trolley."It's just bangers and mash.I'll get something else."

It wasn't just bangers and mash.It was an action born out of care and consideration and it was making Lena weak to her knees.She felt ridiculous for it too.She was swooning and melting over some stupid ready meal.

Not for the first time since they split up, Lena wished things had turned out differently.

"I might just get myself some sausages and potatoes and make my own version," Aditi thought out loud, humming and nodding in that way she always did when she was pleased with her own suggestion.

"That's a good idea," Lena agreed.

"Oh, I can't forget to get some more butter then."Aditi grabbed her trolley when she noticed it was in the way and pulled it to the side."And I need more kitchen paper.I used almost half a roil cleaning up an unfortunate oil spill last night.It was a disaster.Not important."

Before Lena knew it, they were walking side by side through the aisles, chatting and shopping like they used to.She grabbed the kitchen paper that Aditi liked that was out of reach on the highest shelf and hid a smile when Aditi threw a box of painkillers her way.It was so damn easy to slip back their familiar rhythm, it was a relief and frustrating at the same time.

While Lena eyed up some of the fancy cheese and crackers, Aditi leaned against the cooler."I've been trying not to worry about it but I have to ask.During the baby shower, during the last round.Did you notice that I...?"

Lena's breath hitched when she remembered the tortured expressions Aditi had made when she'd been whispering in her ear.She kept a straight face and picked up some blue cheese, even if she didn't like blue cheese."Notice what?"

"I can't tell.If you didn't notice, you didn't notice," Aditi deflected with a cute pout.

"Did I notice that you got flustered?"Lena finished the sentence, trying not to smirk."Yeah, of course.I know what your turned-on face looks like."

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