While you were sleeping Hollywood Heights
Grocery shopping C-3
Loren sighs. "What do you mean "Now what? I just said I'm falling hard for Eddie!"
Mel sits next to Loren. "It's going to work out Lo, you'll see."
"I hope you're right! Every time I see Eddie my head goes through many scenarios, how do I explain this mess to him and his family? Eddie was distant at first, I could tell he didn't trust me, we're friends now. He's easy to talk too, he's sweet, we can talk about anything and laugh at the dumbest things around us. He says I cook as well his Nana Lois. I've caught him looking at me and it's not a friend kind of look, I can't stop thinking of him." Loren looks at Mel and continues.
"What am I going to do? What's going to happen the day Derek wakes up? Everyone will know Derek and I aren't engaged! He doesn't even know me; he'll probably remember he drove me to work for weeks every morning! I don't want to hurt Katy, Nana Lois or Eddie, they like me! I am beginning to see them as family." Loren sighs. "I hate this, I feel guilty and I shouldn't because I am not engaged to Derek!"
"Sorry Loren, I don't know what I was thinking that morning." Mel adds with sadness in her tone.
"Nothing we can do about it now; we have to let this whole mess run its course."
Mel hugs Loren. She's hopeful everything will fall into place for Eddie and Loren.
A few days later, Loren is at work, Mel stops by to drop off the grocery list.
"We need that specialty meat for the stew you make." Mel reminds Loren.
"Thanks Mel, I won't forget."
Eddie stops by the pharmacy. "Hey Loren."
"Hi Eddie, this is my best friend Mel." She looks at Mel. "This is Eddie."
Mel smiles. "I've heard so much about you, it's finally nice to meet you, I see a little resemblance to Derek."
"Thanks, I hope it's all been good, nice to meet you." He looks at Loren again. "See you later."
"I have to go food shopping; I won't be able to stop by Derek's room today."
"What a coincidence, Nana needs a few things from the store. Do you mind if we go together?"
Mel bites her lower lip. "Great idea Loren." She looks at Eddie. "That works out, we recently purchased a car, and I need it tonight, I am sure Eddie will take you in his car."
Eddie smiles and looks at Loren again. "Great idea! See you after work."
He walks away, Mel screeches quietly. "Omg, Omg, he's gorgeous, and he's going shopping with you!"
"Would you keep it down?" Loren places her finger on her lips.
"No wonder you've fallen for him; he's gorgeous and looks nothing like Derek."
"I know he's gorgeous, but, there is more to this then his looks, he's amazing, I wake up smiling every morning because I'm going to see him, I look forward to that each day, he's a special guy!" Loren adds with a sigh.
"Girl, you're definitely in love with the guy! Mel looks at Loren. "I have to go." She looks at Loren. "Don't have too much fun at the grocery store."
Loren rolls her eyes. "Adios Melissa!"
Later that evening, Eddie stops by the pharmacy.
"Are you ready?"
Loren smiles. "Let me lock the cabinets and I'll be right out."
They walk towards Eddie's car. "Nice ride."
Eddie opens the door for Loren. "I was finally able to get my dream car."
Loren gets inside, Eddie hops in on the driver side. "Where too?"
"I love the farmer market store on Linder street." Loren adds.
"Nana loves that store; she gave me a huge list." He looks at Loren. "Maybe you can help me find most of the things."
"Is this your first time food shopping?" Loren wonders.
"Not really, I help out once in a while. Nana and mom do most of the food shopping and they decided it was my turn today."
"No worries, I am a great bargain shopper, I will teach you a few tricks." Loren adds with a smile.
Eddie smiles back and turns his attention to the road. They arrive to the store and spend extra time on each aisle, Loren helps Eddie pick the best produce, fruits and good quality meat and chicken. They laugh while they look for each item on their list.
After paying, they head towards Eddie's car. "Hey Eddie!" Someone shouts.
He turns towards the voice and smiles. "Hey Eric, what are you doing here?"
"I have to eat you know." Eric looks at Loren. "Hi."
Eddie jumps in. "This is Loren Tate, Derek's fiancé."
Eric extends his hand to greet Loren. "Didn't know Derek was engaged. Nice to meet you Loren." He looks at Eddie. "How's he doing?"
"He's fine, no change in his condition." Eddie responds.
"I have to drop by and see him." He looks at Loren. "Nice meeting you."
He walks away, they place their bags in Eddie's car, they head towards Loren's home.
Eddie stops on the side of her home to unload her items. "I can help you bring them inside."
"You've done so much, I can do it myself, you need to get your groceries home, thank you for coming with me, this is the first time I have so much fun shopping for food." Loren adds.
"Glad I could help, see you soon." Eddie quickly pecks her cheek and heads back to his car, Mel opens the door.
"You're finally home, took you long enough."
"I helped Eddie with his shopping list, he has no idea how to shop for sales." Loren walks in with a few bags while Mel helps her with the rest.
"I've never seen you this happy after shopping for groceries."
Loren looks at her holding back tears. "I can't say it enough, he's amazing! Never met anyone like him! He's so much fun to be with! What am I going to do?"
Mel doesn't respond, what can she say? They start putting the food in the fridge and pantry.
The following morning,
Eddie is at the hospital once again. Eric drops by. "Hey Eddie! I made it a point to come and see Derek today."
"Hey, thanks for coming." Eddie responds.
Eric walks towards Derek's bed. "How long has he been like this?"
"Going on two months, we hope he'll be able to recover from this." Eddie adds.
Eric looks at him. "I didn't know he was engaged."
"Neither did we, guess he was going to tell us, then this accident happened." Eddie states.
"Didn't think he's the marrying type, he dates on and off every week." Eric shares.
"Well, it seems he found the right girl, Loren is kind, sweet and understanding, we have a great time when we're together." Eddie goes on and on.
Eric furrows his eyes. "Hmmmm someone's in love."
Eddie quickly looks at him. "What are you talking about?"
"You should see yourself talk about Derek's fiancé, what are you going to do when he wakes up?"
"I'm going to tell him he's a very fortunate man." Eddie sighs.
Eric looks at Eddie. "You better be ready to tell him that you are in love with his girl."
Eddie sighs, he knows his Eric is right, how will he tell Derek and his family that he's in love with Loren Tate.
End of chapter! Yikes!