Chapter 38: Chapter 38

Laney ignored the handful of nasty looks she got at the small supermarket. She'd never been one of the town's most popular citizens, and right now, she was too darn tired to care if a few of the old biddies didn't like her dating Zach. They'd get over it. Or not.

She'd gotten her few things and was carrying them out to her car when she saw him. Zach and Marla Jennings had just walked out of the coffee shop next door.

"Zach." She raised her voice to carry across the parking lot, ignoring a couple stares.

Marla stopped and waved.

Zach didn't.

At least not until Marla grabbed his arm. "Hey, Shannon, hold up."

Zach did, his lips set in a grim line as Laney dragged her tired butt across the parking lot.

"Hey, Zach. I...just wanted to say I'm glad your father is doing okay." Now that she was in front of him, Laney had no idea what else to say. Hugging him right here didn't seem like a good idea, though it was all she wanted to do.