Chapter 6.
"Baking needs, sugar, flour, and bulk candy," Cooper said. "Welcome to the hall of diabetes," Bridget joked. Jules snorted. Buck's eyes got wide. "Don't even joke. Eugene hates on all sorts of sugar." Jules nodded. "Connie told me he's actually had a few failed attempts at healthy ice cream at Whit's End." "Ew." Bridget blinked. "Okay. So. I know who Eugene is, but I don't know who Eugene is, if that makes sense."
Buck turned around so he could face her while he talked. "Eugene and Katrina are married. He's my foster dad. They took me in when I got out on parole." "Oh." They were all quiet for a minute. "So, what's that like? Living with them, I mean." Buck raised a shoulder in a shrug. "I mean, it's definitely different. we're from completely different places, different backgrounds. It's kinda been a culture shock." He laughed a little. "A good culture shock. I like livin' with 'em." "That's good."
Cooper glanced at the list Buck held. "How…?" Jules muttered. "Maple syrup, sugar, pancake/waffle mix, and spices," Cooper read off. "Does it say 'spices' or…" Bridget looked at the boys with a semi-hopeful look. Buck nodded. "Just says spices." "Dang it." "Why weren't they specific with anything?" Jules complained. "I don't get it." Cooper shrugged. "I don't either. I guess we're just supposed to figure it out."
Bridget went for the maple syrup first. "What kind? Original, less sugar, organic?" Buck blinked. "What?" He jogged over to her. "Um. Okay. Grab… that one. I've used that before. It wasn't bad." Bridget picked up the large bottle he'd pointed at. "Plank and Mill's Original Maple Syrup. Made in Maine, USA." She glanced at him. "Have you been to Maine?" "Yeah. That's not where I had that syrup though."
"Buckwheat or normal pancakes? Or buttermilk?" Cooper held three different mixes up to Jules. "Uh, I guess get one of each. Eugene probably wants healthy pancakes, and I don't know about anyone else, but I like the buttermilk ones." Cooper nodded. "That's what my mom usually makes." He glanced over to where Bridget and Buck were. "Looks like they got the maple syrup."
The group met back at the cart. "We got normal and buttermilk pancake mixes. And," Cooper flashed Buck an overly-dramatic smile, "Buckwheat." He clapped his friend's shoulder. "Just for you." Buck rolled his eyes. "Just what I need – more of that cringe-fest." "Ugh," Jules groaned. "Don't even mention her." Bridget looked between the two. "He, didn't mention anyone."
Jules crinkled her face in disgust. "I know. But I know who he meant." "Valerie," Buck supplied. "She can never just call me 'Buck.' It's always some weird variation of Buck. And it's annoying." Bridget grimaced. "Oh." Cooper laughed. "You should see his face though. All the guys on the team know when she's been bugging him." "I'm so glad you have my annoyance as a source for your amusement," Buck said, southern drawl making his words come out extra long and snarky. The other three laughed.
"White or brown sugar?" Jules asked. "White," Bridget said. "I don't think most people use brown sugar unless they're baking." "Eh, I dunno. I've seen people use it in lattes and stuff," Jules said, even as she grabbed the bag of white sugar. "So, spices?" Cooper asked. "Yeah."
The four teenagers stood for a while in front of the spice racks. "Salt," Bridget said finally. "Yeah, salt's good." "Pepper?" Jules suggested. "Sure," Cooper said. "That's all we really need, isn't it?" she asked. Buck shook his head. "I am way too southern to eat plain food for 5 whole days." Bridget sniggered. Cooper smiled. "Well, you should get the spices then," he said. Buck rolled his eyes.
"Onion and garlic powder, chives, cayenne pepper, oregano, basil, and parsley." Jules shot him a side eye. "Why?" "Uh, so the food doesn't suck." "I'm fairly certain that I've never seen those spices in either my mom's, dad's, or Connie's houses." "Case in point! Aren't you always complainin' about Connie's cookin'?" Jules stammered for a few seconds. "Just get the spices," she grumbled. "With pleasure."
Bridget stared at the racks. "What brand? They have like 5." "Eugene usually gets organic. Even though I've told him it's more cost-effective to buy organic vegetables and herbs and make your own spices," Buck said. "That seems very passive-aggressive," Cooper observed. "Yeah, well." "Get some cinnamon too," Jules said. "For?" "Applesauce." "That was in the canned fruit aisle," Bridget told her. Jules sighed. "Of course."
Cooper patted her shoulder. "We'll pick some up on our way back through the store."
"Okay," Buck said, dropping some spices into the cart. "Where to next?" Bridget put the rest of the spices in the cart. "The checkout," she grumbled. "I wish," Buck chuckled. "But seriously. Where to next?" "Cereal and chips and stuff," Jules said, picking at her nail. "Oh boy," Buck muttered.
A/N: Sorry for the long time between updates. I've been meaning to post this for a while, so here we are!