Kimberly's POV:
The house felt practically empty, echoing the excitement we had brought in earlier. The only food we had was the spaghetti Kenna insisted on buying on our way to the airport. Jace decided we should make a trip to the mall to stock up on groceries. "Let's go grocery shopping," he declared, his enthusiasm infectious. "I can't live on spaghetti alone!"
We quickly paired off and split into different sections of the mall. I ended up with Casey and Jessica, while Kenna teamed up with Jace and Tori. Luke took Jade under his wing, and off we went.
Shopping with Casey turned out to be a blast. He's genuinely funny and has a laid-back vibe that puts me at ease. As we browsed the aisles, I discovered we had more in common than I expected. "I can't believe you love baking too!" I said, chuckling as he held up a box of brownie mix. "What's your favorite thing to make?"
"Definitely cupcakes," he replied, grinning. "But only if I can eat half the batter first."
"Isn't that the best part?" I laughed, suddenly wishing we were back in the kitchen, flour flying everywhere as we tried to outdo each other.
Jessica, who had been trailing closely behind us, leaned in, batting her eyelashes at Casey. "Oh, Casey, I could totally see you baking cupcakes for me," she said, her voice teasing. "I mean, I'd eat anything you made, as long as it's from you."
Casey chuckled. "Really? Even if they turn out a disaster?"
"Especially if they're a disaster," Jessica winked, taking a step closer to him. "I think the flavor I like best is you."
I rolled my eyes playfully, trying to hide my amusement. **CRINGE** "Looks like someone is trying to score some free cupcakes," I said with a grin.
"I'm just saying," Jessica continued, "if you ever need a taste tester, I'm your girl. Just make sure they're delicious."
As we gathered vegetables, fruits, and ramen, I couldn't shake the feeling that Jessica was really putting herself out there for Casey. Every time he laughed at her jokes, she'd giggle and swat him playfully on the arm, leaning in closer like they were sharing a private joke. I was half-excited and half-amused by her antics.
Meanwhile, Kenna, Jace, and Tori were busy shopping for rice, soaps, and detergents. "You guys better not spend too much time on the soaps!" I shouted jokingly.
"Don't worry, we'll keep it to a minimum!" Kenna replied, giggling.
Luke and Jade were on their own mission, grabbing snacks, drinks, and food seasoning. "Make sure you get the spicy chips!" Casey called out to them. "We can't have a movie night without those!"
After seven hours of shopping—yep, you heard me, seven hours, (we ended dress shopping too)—we finally returned home, exhausted.
"Why does finding the perfect dress always take so long?" I complained as we dropped our bags on the kitchen counter, my feet aching.
"Because it's a science," Jessica shot back with a wink, still close to Casey. "You have to find the right fit, the right color, and most importantly, the right vibe. Am I right?"
"Totally," Casey said, pretending to understand whatever the heck she just said.
As we unloaded the car and stocked the house with our loot, I noticed I wasn't even hungry. "I think I'm just too tired to eat," I mumbled to Casey, who was organizing the fruits on the counter.
"Same here," he replied, yawning. "But I think I could still go for some ice cream later."
"Maybe after a nap?" I suggested, already drifting in my mind.
After a quick shower in the bathroom Kenna and I shared, I could feel the weight of the day wash away. I barely made it back to my room before I crashed onto the bed. The exhaustion enveloped me, and as I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but smile. Tomorrow promised new adventures, and I was ready for whatever came next.