Chapter 140: Domestic Responsibilities

"Got any basil in this place?" Jess grumbled one night.

"Sorry, Jess, no basil," Warren told her.

"Who does the shopping around here anyway?" she said.

"He does," Sophie said, pointing at Warren.

"Good. I'm going with you next time," Jessie told him. "Hey, if I'm going to help with the cooking, I need to help with the shopping."

"OK," Warren grinned.

That Saturday, Warren and Jess headed out to the supermarket.

"So, you went out with Ryan last night. How was it?" Warren asked.

"Great. He's very nice, you know. Nothing like his partner."

"Yup!"

"I had a very good time. He asked me to go out again, I accepted, and we'll see."

"Great."

Jessie sighed. "I feel funny talking about this with you."

"Yeah, I know," Warren agreed. "But it's OK, Jess. I'm your friend first and foremost. I want you to be happy."

"Thanks," she grinned. "I don't know, it's almost like telling my boyfriend about my new boyfriend."

"Yeah, but it's different, you know that."

"I do know that. You guys have never tried to tie me down."

"Plus, it's new, with Ryan. Hey, if it doesn't work out, you know you have a place. If it does? Well, then, you won't be looking back, I don't think."

"Maybe. We'll see."

They got to the grocery store, and grabbed a cart. They walked through the store, chatting about not much, picking out their selections.

Afterwards, they loaded up Warren's minivan, and headed out.

"Now I have my fresh basil," Jess teased.

"And your fresh oregano, and your fresh parsley, and your fresh dill--I think we bought out the herb section."

"Well, you bought out the chocolate section."

"Oh, yeah? Who put the Nestle's Crunch in the basket, huh?"

Jess grinned at him. "Guilty." Then she turned and looked back out the windshield.

And screamed.