bChapter /bb505 /b

    “I’ll take one of everything on the signature menu, plus all the side snacks,” Jessica ordered swiftly, scanning the menu.

    Soon, a server came in with a cartden with their food.

    Jessica directed Brian to arrange the fillings and sauces in front of her, then expertly assembled a taco and ced it on his te. “Try it.“”

    Brian stared at the taco, hesitating for a few seconds. Eating with his hands wasn’t something he was ustomed to.

    Jessica noticed his reluctance and teased, “Don’t like it? Or is this beneath your dignity?” She hadn’t meant to mess with him. She genuinely thought the taco was delicious and wanted him to try it.

    “Of course, I like it.” Brian quickly picked up the taco and took a bite, only for the spicy kick to hit him like a punch. He clenched his jaw, eyes watering. fighting not to cough.

    His struggle sent Jessica intoughter. “It’s spicy. Drink some water. No need to rush” She handed him the lemonade she had set aside earlier.

    Brian gulped it down, the tart sweetness barely dulling the fire on his tongue.

    Once he recovered, Jessica slid another taco onto his te.

    Realizing she was enjoying this, Brian yed along, washing down each bite with lemonade.

    Eventually, he got into the spirit, returning the favor by assembling tacos for her. But Jessica, having sampled most fillings already, reacted minimally, except when she stumbled upon a particrly deliciousbination. Then, she ate with relish, even urging Brian to try it.

    Watching her enjoy herself, Brian didn’t mind the spice. Making her happy was the whole point of this outing.

    “This ce really does tacos right. We’reing back,” Jessica said, eyeing the remaining spicy fillings.

    By now, Brian had limated to the spice. “Good. It’s your restaurant, and the ingredients here are safe. Just tell me when you want to visit again.” He would never let her dine out alone–not after the past incidents.

    Jessica nodded. “Next time, I’m ordering the exact same fillings.”

    Brian smiled, “Whatever you like. I’ve picked up some tricks. If you want, I can even make these at home.”

    His calm response disappointed Jessica a little. Still, his newfound ease around her meant her goal had been achieved.

    Jessica quickly adjusted her mood as they left the restaurant. “Let’s go supermarket. It’s been a while,” she said, ncing at the still–early hour. She wasn’t ready to head home yet.

    As for Jacob, Gavin had been unusually insistent on having him overtely. Jacob had been going straight to Atkinson Manor after school these days.

    Jessica suspected it was a ploy to give her and Brian more alone time, but she couldn’t exactly call him out on it. Gavin’s excuse, “I just want to spend time with my grandson“, would be the perfect rebuttal.

    “Sure.” Brian agreed, ever amodating.

    They drove to thergest mall near their neighborhood and headed to the underground supermarket.

    “The dog food for Pancake is almost gone. I want to get Jake a new Lego set.” Jessica listed off as they walked.

    Brian pushed the cart beside her, one arm subtly shielding her from the crowd.

    10:48 Sun, 31 Aug

    Feeling his protective presence, Jessica rxed further, casually tossing items into the cart until it was half full.

    After picking out toys and pet supplies, she headed to the produce section, then snacks, and then misceneous household goods.

    By the time they checked out, Brian was carrying three big bags while Jessica walked empty–handed.

    “Are you sure you don’t want me to take one?” Jessica asked again, guilt creeping in.

    “No.” Jessica declined again.

    Jessica let it drop.

    After loading the bags into the car, Jessica declined the ride home. “Let’s walk back. It’s not far. Just consider it a stroll.”

    “Alright.” Brian texted Jackson to retrieve the car, then fell into step beside her as they ambled down the sidewalk.

    Streetlights flickered on one by one, casting their elongated shadows onto the pavement.

    Jessica, struck by a yful whim, slowed her pace to step behind Brian, deliberately treading on his shadow with asional little hops.

    Brian turned at the sound and froze. “Jessi!”

    ? ?? 39% ?

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    Startled, Jessica wobbled before steadying herself, shooting him a re. “What’s the big deal? Can’t I step on your shadow?” Her tone held more pout than anger, edging dangerously close to a whine.

    Brian hurried back to her, wrapping an arm around her waist. “Step all you want. Just no jumping.” He lifted her slightly, adjusting her footing squarely over his shadow. “Happy nowi? /iOr do you need a better spot?”

    Jessica flushed, suddenly aware of how childish she had been. “Don’t treat me like a kid,” she muttered, turning away.

    Brian chuckled, “I wish you’d act like one sometimes.”

    Shyness tipped into embarrassment. Jessica shoved him off and marched ahead.

    Brian jogged after her. “Jessi, wait up.”

    AD