My Favorite Distraction (Distraction #1) by Stephanie Jean Page B

into the car, said something to Bo, and slightly rolled down some windows. We headed inside. “I am thinking about something other than chicken.” He made it sound more like a question.
    “Al l right, but I don’t like fancy food.” I gave him a pointed stare. “And I eat a lot, so don’t let me down.” He smiled when I said this, but he had no idea how serious I was.
    “It’s hard for me to tell when you’re joking,” he said , already putting things in the cart.
    “ Huh…I think I am easy to read, but just so we’re clear, I rarely joke about food.” I put my finger in the belt loop at the back of his jeans and followed him closely.
    “Katarina ? Katarina, is that you?” a tiny man yelled from two aisles away. He was waving, trying hard to get my attention.
    I glanced at Jason, whom I immediately ducked behind. I slowly stuck my head around Jason to get a better look at the man. I smiled when I recognized the waving goofball moving toward me. I released my hold on Jason and giggled as I approached Blake.
    “You get the meats and whatever and then come find me,” I said over my shoulder. “Hey, Blake.” I threw my arms around him in a big hug. “You look great.” It was nice to see his smiling face. Blake was the funniest kid in school. He could make you laugh without talking.  He should have been a comedian, but he wouldn’t take my advice. Instead, he worked for my grandfather.  He was the only person I ever asked grandfather to hire.
    From behind me , I heard a very loud voice. “Hi, I am Jason.”
    I turned around , surprised, and Jason was in an eye lock with Blake. I didn’t hear him behind me, but now he looked ready to fight. I felt tension all over him.
    Blake just eyed him carefully, up and down , a little too long, then looked him in the eyes and smiled. “Hi, Jason.” He let out one of his famous nervous cackles that had me giggling.
    Jason backed away , slowly. “Ah, I am going to get the meat.”
    I giggled louder. I couldn’t help it.
    Blake called over my shoulder , in his squeaky voice, “I am sure you are great at handling meat,” followed by another signature cackle. Blake never hid who he was from others and that was what I respected the most about him.
    I started laughing . I put my hands over my mouth to stop the loudness, but I think it was too late. We were getting stares from all over. I talked to Blake for a while until I noticed Jason in line and went to stand next to him. I had a goofy grin on my face as Blake waved at both of us as he continued to shop.
    “He wants your number , you know.” I choked on my laugh as Jason shook his head. “Did you get everything?” I pointed to the overflowing cart.
    He sighed, “I think so, but if there is anything you want to add?”
    “I am not sure it will fit,” I said, eyeballing the cart.
    “So who was that ?” He motioned toward Blake, who was now talking with someone else.
    “He works for my grandfather or worked.” I corrected, remembering my grandfather’s passing. “We were friends in grade school.”
    “What did you talk about?”
    “You, mainly.” I smiled and raised my brow. He pulled my hair. “No, he was asking if I was going to this charity event. They are honoring my grandfather. He was telling me who was going. I mainly listened. Most of the people I didn’t know. He actually works for the foundation, so he was giving me the inside scoop.” I gestured over at Blake, who was deeply in conversation with a lady. “I am sure she will get one too.”
    “I don’t think she will last as long . She looks irritated.” Jason was studying the interaction.
    “No , I think she just looks like that. Her husband is a plastic surgeon, I think? Or was? I haven’t seen these people in years.”
    Jason just laughed under his breath.
    “I did ask him to save me a table at the event for my own guest. I thought maybe you and your family would like to go? What do you think? Do you like charity events?”
    He