Entering Henry's Grocery Market, I grabbed a cart and added eggs, milk and several other items I needed to get through the week. Mr. Henry's Grocery had been a part of that neighborhood for over twenty years. He was about 65 and had been married to his wife Marie for 40 years. They treated anyone who came through their door like family. That was why so many people liked to do their shopping there.
"Alyssa, I see you made it safely from Alabama," Mr. Henry said as I approached the counter to pay for my purchases.
"Yes, I did, Mr. Henry, and I'm glad to be home. How is Mrs. Henry Doing?"
"She was a little under the weather today. I told her to stay home and take it easy. She will be as right as rain in no time," Mr. Henry replied.
"Be sure to tell her I asked about her," I said on my way out the door with my purchases in hand.
"I will be sure to do that."
Entering my apartment, I walked to the fridge and put away my groceries. I washed my hands and got a bowl from the cabinet. I filled the bowl with Honey Nut Cheerios, grabbed a banana from my fruit bowl on the table and carried it to the living room. Sitting back on the sofa, I picked up the remote, turned to my favorite Saturday morning cartoon and immersed myself in the show while I ate. Tiring of watching television after a while, I decided to check in on Weston and the girls.
Talking with Weston and hearing the pain in his voice made me feel the loss of Denise afresh. I asked about the twins. I knew they would bring a smile to his handsome face. We talked a while about Alisha and Alexis before Weston broached the subject of Drake. "Is there anything going on between you and Drake, Alyssa?"
"No! Why would you ask that?"
"Anyone with half a brain could see there was plenty of chemistry still going on between you and Drake."
I really didn't feel comfortable lying to Wes, but I couldn't bring myself to tell him the truth either. So, unless he found out the truth from Drake, he wouldn't be hearing it from me. "We just went back to my room and talked," I said.
"Alyssa, you know I have always wanted you and Drake back together. It would be nice to have you closer, if you and Drake did decide to try again. I know it's not my business, but I just wanted you to know how I feel and, besides that, the girls just absolutely adore you."