Page 49 of Crazy Love

He nods. “Anything to stay out of trouble with him. HeisAddy’s dad and you don’t want to be on his bad side.”

I squeeze his shoulder. “You are wise beyond your years, my man.”

We head out, and before Sam knows what’s happening, I’ve bought him several pairs of sneakers, hoodies, jeans, and any T-shirts he checks out for more than a second.

“I only needed one or two things. What is happening?” he says, as we leave the store.

“You deserve good stuff.”

“Notthatmuch good stuff.”

“I beg to differ.”

He shakes his head, but he’s got a bounce to his step. I catch him sneaking glances inside the bags like he actually loves it.

Next stop: food.

Sam is hesitant when we park in Aurora’s parking lot. “I should apologize to the owner. I don’t want him to think I’m gonna steal food every time I come in.”

“If you’re up for it today, sure. We can come back and do it another time too, though.”

“I’d like a fresh start,” he says. “Let’s do it today.”

Damn. This kid.

“I get it, bud, and I think it’s a great idea. Let’s do this.”

We go inside and wait about ten minutes before Derek, the manager, is available to chat. Sam gives him a very earnest apology, and Derek is so touched, he looks at me with tears in his eyes. I know. This kid will move anyone to tears.

“You’re always welcome here,” Derek says as we’re walking away. “And for being so honest with me today, I’d like you to pick out whatever candy bar you want, my treat. I’ll let the cashier know it’s on me.”

“You don’t have to do that,” Sam says.

“I know. I want to,” Derek says.

“Thanks, man,” I tell Derek as we walk away.

“You handled that flawlessly.” I squeeze Sam’s shoulder. “You okay to shop?”

He inhales and exhales and then shakes out his hands, nodding. “Yes.”

“Okay, grab whatever you want. You crave it, we’re getting it.”

“Whatever I want?” he asks.

“Go crazy.”

He grins and grabs a cart. The first thing he puts in the basket is a big container of mixed greens.

“I’ve always wanted to get one of these instead of just a ball of lettuce,” he says excitedly.

I gulp. I may as well start carrying a life-size package of tissues because this guy is going to make me cry a literal river.

Addy texts as we’re shopping.

Addy

How’s Sam?

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