“All right then, let’s get to shopping.”
It takes us another hour and fifteen minutes to grab food, spices, a case of water, and the things that Holden added to the list. This close to the holidays, this place is a madhouse. I did grab more than a few days’ worth of food. I figured it was better to err on the side of caution.
Autumn and I had to do some shifting around, but we managed to get everything in the back seat without crushing the bread, bagels, and chips. I call that a success.
Now, to take Autumn home and drive to Holden’s and unload. I’m exhausted after a full day of shopping. I hope he doesn’t have any plans for us to go out tonight. I just want to stay in and relax. My place or his, I don’t care either way. As long as we’re together.
CHAPTER 20
Holden
I’m not usually someone who likes to throw his weight around where money is concerned. I get paid a fuckton to play the sport I love, and if living expenses were not an issue, I’d play for free. With that being said, today I used my name, my position on the team, and the balance in my bank account to get shit done. No way would I have been able to accomplish everything I have without it.
First, I called a cleaning company. The house was spotless other than our mess last night, but I’d feel better about the fridge and the bathrooms being cleaned before we use them, and if all goes well, we’ll be staying here.
Together.
Soon.
Second, I ordered some pictures to be developed online, so all I had to do was run in and pick them up. I grabbed a couple of frames while I was in there. Thankfully, the pharmacy is a one-stop shop.
Next, the furniture store. I picked out a new bedroom suite, and today must have been my lucky day because it was in stock in the warehouse and available for delivery next week. This is where my name, my career, and my bank account all helped me out. The manager is a fan of the Blaze, and after signing a million autographs for everyone in his family, and a hefty fee, he agreed to have the furniture delivered this afternoon instead of next week.
As I was leaving the store, a display caught my eyes, which led me to go back to the manager and make another purchase. The idea hit me out of nowhere, and I just went with it. That led me to the mall to finish up my shopping. Running into Parker and Autumn was a bonus. I almost convinced her to come with me, and she could pick out her gifts, but I wanted them to be a surprise, so I forced myself to walk away.
I’m glad I did. I ended up with something else that wasn’t on my list, but I think it brings the earlier surprise full circle. I also grabbed her a coat. Funny story, I had no idea which coat she was looking at, but I looked at every store I went into. At the third clothing store, the saleslady who looked to be my grandma’s age was very helpful. She even told me that the particular coat I was looking at was very popular, that a young lady spent a lot of time mulling over the possibility of purchase, but in the end decided not to. I showed her a picture of Parker, and she smiled and nodded.
Luck is definitely on my side today.
I bought the coat, and she graciously helped me pick out a hat, scarf, and gloves to match. I don’t know if Parker wears that stuff, but the lady did me a solid, and she works on commission. It’s the least I could do, and again, my bank account can take it.
After buying a few more things for Parker, I stopped at the gift wrap station. I gave them a generous tip when they got me sorted quickly and hightailed it home. I made it with barely fifteen minutes to spare before the furniture delivery truck was buzzing the gate.
It’s been a flurry of activity all day, but no snafus have kept me from executing my plan. Everything is in place and where it should be. I’m excited for Parker to get here. I think I went a little overboard, but she’s my first girlfriend in my adult life, and I know she has reservations about my past and my intentions. At least she did. I’m hoping that some of what I’ve accomplished today helps alleviate those fears.
My phone rings, and I rush to the kitchen, where I left it sitting on the island. “Hello?”
“Hey, I’m here. Can you buzz me in?” Parker asks.
“Sure. I’m sorry, I meant to give you the code. I’m going to open the garage door. You can pull in, and we can unload.”
“Perfect. I feel like I should warn you. There’s a lot of stuff in my car.”
“Good. I need a lot of stuff.”
“I hope you still feel that way when I get there. I kept all of the receipts so I can return any of them.”
“I’m sure it’s all perfect. Thank you for doing that. I want to be able to stay here, and with Christmas two days away, I know I couldn’t have made this happen without you.”
“You’re welcome. I’m pulling into the garage now.”
“I see you.” I laugh and end the call, sliding my phone into my back pocket. She parks, and I rush to her door to help her out. My arms slide around her waist, and my lips settle on hers. “I missed you.”
“I missed you too. Come on. We have work to do.” She pulls open the back door and starts handing me bags. It takes us both several trips to get everything carried into the house.
“Wow, you did work today.” I look at everything she bought as we unbag it.
“I tried not to go overboard, but if you want to stay here before all of your things are moved from your old place, there are things you’re going to need.”
“You did great, sweet pea. This is exactly what I needed.” We work together to put away the groceries.
“I thought I could bring my Crock-Pot over tomorrow and maybe make some chili. There will be leftovers so you can eat it for a couple of days.”
“That sounds perfect, but why didn’t you just buy a Crock-Pot?”
“I wasn’t sure if you already had one.”
“That’s one thing I do have, but I think I’ve heard my mom say you can never have too many.” I smile at her.
“They are convenient,” she agrees.
“I see you picked up our mess from last night,” she says as she stands at the island and tears off the tags from the new towels she bought. “And I’m going to take these home with me tonight and wash them.”
“Damn,” I mutter. “I should have bought a washer and dryer today. I didn’t even think about it.”
“Well, we should probably run to my place and wash your bedding before you sleep on it tonight too.”
Glancing at my watch, it’s just after seven. I don’t want to run out again. I want to give my girl her presents. “How about we deal with the sheets not being washed for one night, and tomorrow we can go out and buy a new washer and dryer.”
“Are you sure you want to sleep on itchy sheets?”
“Trust me. If you’re lying next to me, I’m not going to give a fuck about the sheets.”
“Oh, I’m sleeping here tonight?” she asks, surprised.
“I was hoping you would.”
“I have no clothes, and we don’t have towels.”
“We’ll get up early and go to your place to shower, and then we’ll go shopping.”
“You realize tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and the crowds are going to be insane.”