Friday Romance: Planning In Aisle Six (Parts 1 & 2)
“Kelsey and Garrett?” said Jennifer. “How’ve you two been?” Jennifer noticed a glow about Kelsey. What was different? She had her hands behind her back, too. Was she hiding something?
Jennifer turned around to see if her husband, Mark, was still close behind. He’d stopped to check out something at the start of the aisle. His faced gleamed, apparently amused at whatever had caught his eye.
She rolled her eyes and smirked. She walked over to him, eager to get back to their shopping.
“What’d you find?” she asked.
“There’s a hot sauce we haven’t tried yet. A couple, actually,” he replied. “It’s the same brand we found at the Fountain Festival last summer. What a day that was. Do you remember? We met the owner and everything. He was a great guy. I remember him mentioning he was trying to get it into stores. I’m happy for him.” He had his hands on his hips as he spoke. He looked serious about which sauce he should select. The large glasses that took up the top half of his face amplified his studious stare. He wore a grey cardigan his father had gifted him three years prior. He stroked his stubbled chin as he undoubtedly churned the decision of which sauce to pick in his mind.
“I haven’t forgotten.” She joined him in his search. “You liked that sauce a lot. It was your favorite on eggs in the morning. I say go for it.”
“Jennifer and Mark?”
The voices sounded familiar. Jennifer turned around and her eyes grew wide.
“Kelsey and Garrett?” said Jennifer. “How’ve you two been?” Jennifer noticed a glow about Kelsey. What was different? She had her hands behind her back, too. Was she hiding something?
“We’ve been amazing,” replied Kelsey. She waved her hands out in front of her as she spoke. A gleam of something caught Jennifer’s eye, but Kelsey’s hands were moving too fast. “We haven’t seen you since your wedding. I remember it so vividly. The trees were just turning, big green monsters spotted with orange and yellow blemishes.”
“There goes the poet in you,” said Jennifer.
“I just can’t help it. The weather was perfect. It’s so funny we bumped into you, because we actually have some big news to share. We’re posting about it online tomorrow, but since you’re here…”
“What is it?” asked Mark. He sounded genuinely curious.
Kelsey nudged Garrett.
“We’re getting married,” said Garrett.
Kelsey held her hand up and showed off her engagement ring. It had a green emerald in the center.
“I’m so excited for you,” said Jennifer. She took Kelsey’s hand so she could further inspect the ring. The band was white gold, and the emerald cut into the shape of a heart. “Have you chosen a date yet?”
“We liked your wedding in September,” said Kelsey. She twirled her hair on her finger. “I hope you don’t mind, but our date is going to be right around yours.”
“The more the merrier,” said Mark. He held his arms out as if for a hug, and Garrett obliged.
“We can celebrate together,” said Jennifer. “Maybe in a couple of years we can take a big trip or something.” Her mind was already racing at the possibilities. It’d be like taking a second honeymoon, except with their best friends. Should it be on a beach? A safari adventure? What about a stay at the nicest hotel they could find? She’d always wanted to take a trip on a cruise, but would they be able to get rooms next to each other?
“That’d be so much fun,” said Kelsey. “We’ll have to catch up soon.”
“What are you up to this weekend?” asked Jennifer. She felt unsure if her question was too abrupt.
“Hanging out at your place?” Kelsey gave a quizzical look, followed by a bright smile.
Jennifer nodded.
“Perfect,” replied Jennifer. “We can plan our big trip.”
“A night like that is going to need the perfect hot sauce,” said Mark.
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Dan Leicht is a romance, mystery, and science fiction author living in Upstate New York with his wife Barbara and their mischievous tortie cat. He has a Bachelor's in Creative Writing from SUNY Brockport. His work has appeared in Sci-fi Shorts, 365 Tomorrows, The Kraken Lore, and Ripples in Space. You can find him online at danleicht.com and on Instagram/Threads @danleicht.
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