in the new old-fashioned way

 

Ivy knew Dan didn't even want her out shopping. At least they were at the grocery store. Even so, it was hard to find anything for Keanu that he didn't already have. But she at least found him some soft socks she was certain he would need and some snacks. It might not be much, but she would try. She wanted to be there for him at Christmas. At least it kept her mind off Jay.

When she looked up, she saw Val in the snack aisle. "Oh, it's you," Ivy smiled. "How's school these days?"

Valentina didn't smile. She looked almost lost. When Ivy turned it was Dan with something he'd found that maybe Keanu would like, a stuffed animal.

"You're with her?" Valentina looked at both of them as if the world might be coming to an end. Then she looked at Ivy's stomach and thought the obvious.

"I was hoping we'd bump into you," Ivy kept grinning as if she would have her say or a good day. It didn't matter what Valentina thought. "I was wondering how..how you'd take it. You know, finding out that Dan is your brother. I've known him..like forever. " She looked back at Dan. "There's nothing to be afraid of. He's smart. He works in a hospital. I know..I know it'll work out..if..if..you just.."

Valentina pressed her lips tight.

"Right.." She nodded, but this was not the girl Ivy remembered in high school who was sweet and never met a stranger she didn't like.

"What happened to you?" Ivy asked. "You're so..I dunno..not that kid I remember who..who..loved everybody."

"I' grew up." Valentina gave her a dead stare, and the sad thing was Dan gave her a dead stare right back.

This wasn't the grocery store Matty was used to. He couldn't find a thing, and now he'd lost Valentina, who was being more aloof than ever. She didn't exactly say anything he was hoping for. In fact, nothing after his sudden confession. But he wanted her to know, especially if they got in an accident.

Now they were roaming the grocery store and he guessed it was best to let her be. For a while, he thought he might have to call home for a ride, but maybe he needed a cold walk home after the almost car accident. 

He was thankful neither were hurt. 

Just when he thought he heard Val talking, someone came up from behind him and put their arms around him. He was certain it was Brick thinking he'd breakaway with a martial arts move (even though he didn't know any but he could improvise). Was that guy wanting Kung Fu fighting in the grocery store?

"Oh, it's you," a sweet voice said and Matty couldn't think who it could be. He turned to find Iona hugging him. He looked at her wide-eyed. Yes, she was the last person he expected to see. He wasn't sure to laugh or look bewildered.

"I haven't seen you in ages," still in her embrace, he gritted a smile. Finally, she let go.

"I knew you quit the grocery store, but I didn't know if you moved or.."

"I got a job in an office," she told him most of her work was from home, but she did some filing and sorting at work too, but not very often. "I like it. It's quiet. Only I miss people...like you." 

Iona told him she was with Micah now. She showed him her engagement ring. "How are you these days?"

He told her he was still at the grocery store. He studied her ring closely wondering if he should get something like that for Valentina. He guessed it would be too much. Seriously, he had no idea what to get a girl.

Iona asked for his phone number then. "I want to keep in touch with you. Let me know everything going on back at the grocery store."

Matty smiled. He knew the staff was like family to her. He guessed it was the least he could do, and maybe she could help him find the perfect present for Valentina too.