Part 350
With the video done and in editing, the group gathered to head home. Before they left, an argument ensued over dinner. The guys insisted on going out but Sarah felt like they all needed a home-cooked meal. As usual, Sarah won out and they headed home with a stop at the grocery store.
Getting out at the store, Sarah looked at Kevin, AJ, and Brian who were getting out too. "Where are you three going?"
"Inside with you and Howie," said Kevin. "What’s it look like?"
"Oh no! I’m NOT going in with all of you," protested Sarah strongly.
"Why not, ‘Tigger’?" asked AJ innocently.
"You know why not, Alex," shot Sarah. "Besides, it’s gonna be bad enough with Howie. I don’t even want to imagine what it’s gonna be like with all four of you."
"I promise to behave, Mommy," begged AJ. "Puleeze!"
AJ batted those deep brown eyes at her, pouting like a puppy, and Sarah shook her head. "Fine, but you embarrass me and I swear, Alex, I WILL get even."
Donning baseball caps pulled down over their eyes, the four men followed Sarah into the store. AJ, Kevin, and Brian went their separate ways needing to pick up personal items as Howie went with Sarah.
They headed first to the vegetables and Sarah started looking through them. Standing in front of the display, Sarah’s mind went back to the days when she was growing up and visiting her grandparents in Virginia during the summer. A single tear slid down her cheek effortlessly.
Howie put his hand on her back and whispered, "Angel, what’s the matter?"
Looking at him, Sarah smiled as Howie wiped her tear. "I’m fine, ‘D’. I was just remembering all the summers Mama and Mom spent canning stuff…squash, string beans, tomatoes…and freezing corn and butter beans so we could have them during the winter. And the jelly they made. I miss it, ‘D’."
Howie smiled, "You’re homesick, aren’t you?"
"Sorta! I miss fixing dinner and being in one place for more than a couple days."
"I know, Angel. I miss it too but the important thing is we’re together and we’ll be home for Christmas and for the twins to be born."
"I know. I’m sorry."
Howie smiled as he cupped her face in his hands caressing her cheeks with his thumbs. "Don’t be, Angel. We all get homesick but you just keep going. Come on. Let’s get some of these fresh vegetables for dinner. What do you want?"
Kissing him sweetly, Sarah turned to look at the vegetables again. Together, they picked out what she wanted and then made their way through the store for the rest of the things Sarah wanted. She even got something to make dessert.
Rejoining the other three at the cash register, Sarah asked, "Did you behave, Alex?"
"I was a very good boy, Mommy. Do I get a treat?" laughed AJ dancing around.
Brian groaned, "Is this what he was like the last time you three went shopping?"
"No, he was worse," laughed Sarah as AJ put his arms around her. "And he managed to suck my sweet, innocent husband into his foolishness."
All four of the guys broke out laughing as Kevin said, "Howie…sweet and innocent? Two years with him and you still haven’t learned."
"Yeah, ‘Tigger’. The only reason his nickname is ‘Sweet D’ is cuz of the way he romances the ladies."
Howie winked at Sarah as she laughed, "Uh huh…sure! And Howie corrupted you three! I hear you! Try selling THAT line of shit to the tabloids cuz they’re the only ones who’ll buy it!"
"So, what’s for dinner?" asked Kevin looking through Sarah’s basket.
"Nothing fancy, ‘Boo’…chicken and fresh vegetables," said Sarah as AJ gave her a kiss on the cheek before letting her go.
"Sounds good, baby," smiled Kevin.
Sarah was relieved to see Kevin’s smile. He had been in such a dark mood most of the day. Hopefully he’d find time to tell her about what had happened with Vanessa before they got back to Calgary. She knew she had to let him tell her since she’d promised Howie to stay out of it. It was just a matter of time.