“Wes, what did the doctors say?”
I ignored her—just like I was ignoring the stabbing pain in my knee.
What I wanted was a pain pill.
Or three.
But there was no way I’d take anything tonight.
Not on a wedding night I’d been waiting thirty-four years for.
Once I dumped everything onto the counter, I yanked out my wallet.
The worker stared at me. “Wes Hunter?” he asked with his mouth gaping open.
“Yeah, how are you doing?” I replied kindly—but in my head I really wished he hadn’t recognized me.
“Oh, wow.” His eyes were starry, like he couldn’t believe his luck. “I’ve been a fan of yours forever.”
I nodded and crossed my fingers that he’d drop this conversation soon so I could get back to Marianne.
My wife.
“Thanks, man. That’s nice of you,” I said and shoved a few of the items closer to him. Maybe he’d get the hint.
“Oh, let me ring you up.”
Thank God.
He worked quickly, but still chatted the whole time.
“We’re out of bags, I hope that’s okay?” he asked, his eyes focused on the lube.
Of course, they were out of bags when I was buying not one, but three bottles of personal lubricant.
“That’s fine, no problem.” I picked up the lube and stuffed it into the pocket of my blazer.
“You Canadians are all so nice. Most people would have complained and yelled at me.”
I stuffed the chocolate into another pocket. “Not your fault. Sorry, people can be dicks.”
There was no sense chewing this guy out over something so stupid.
Still, it didn’t surprise me in the least that others had.
Working the night shift at a job like this must suck a good majority of the time.
Twenty minutes later—and a couple dozen selfies with him—I managed to escape.
“Christ on a cracker,” I said and pulled my phone out of my pocket.
“I forgot what a popular guy you are. I should have asked for your autograph, too,” Marianne teased as she rolled over.
“There are a few things on you I’m going to sign, Mrs. Hunter.” I grinned at my new wife on the screen.
“Hmm, let me find a pen,” she said, and I watched as she pulled the sheet down her chest.
“I’ll definitely start there,” I said after I pressed the elevator button.