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“Hey, Richie,” Carter called, head still inside the refrigerator.
“What is it?” Richie’s voice sounded from the next room.
“Do any of you fucks go shopping? Your fridge is empty.” The blonde yelled back, closing the doors and nearly jumping out of her skin at Richie’s proximity.
She hadn’t heard him enter the kitchen, but he stood with an amused smile as he leaned against the island. Carter threw the water bottle she was holding, pouting as the man caught it and downed nearly half the bottle, a smug look on his face the whole way.
“To answer your question, not really. Most times, the others are out, and the few times we are here, we usually order out.” Richie answered.
“Take me to the store.” Carter didn’t wait to hear his answer as she went to his bedroom for her shoes and purse.
Richie was already waiting for her by the door when she returned downstairs. He spun his keys around his finger, and Richie laughed as she sidled up to him with a sly smile on her face.
“You’re gonna make me carry all the bags and take over the kitchen, aren’t you?” The male asked, holding the door open for Carter.
The blonde laughed, caressing his chest as she passed before tossing a flirty look over her shoulder.
“What’s the purpose of having a big strong man if I’m not gonna make use of his muscles.”
The pair laughed as they got into Richie’s F-150.
“Where to?” Richie asked, sliding on his shades from the glove compartment.
“Hy-Vee.”
____
Carter grabbed a shopping cart and led the way around the shop. She started in the produce section before making her way down each aisle, tossing anything that caught her eye into the cart that Richie pushed.
“Are you cooking tonight too?” The male questioned, trying to guess what she had in mind with her chosen ingredients.
“No shit. I know you’re busy, but even I make time to cook a meal occasionally. You probably haven’t seen a proper vegetable since you’ve been here.” Carter laughed, quickly dodging the cart Richie attempted to run into her shins.
“Don’t boo me; I’m right.” Carter giggled, tossing a box of granola into the cart as she kept a safe distance.
“Whatever, Nerd. What are you making?” Richie questioned.
‘Was thinking of zucchini noodles, grilled salmon, and maybe mashed. But I kinda want to make some stuffed peppers instead of the mash.” Carter responded, stopping to look over the items in the cart before looking back at Richie for his opinion.
“It’s up to you, babe. You’re the one cooking.” Carter made a face at the male before pulling him along.
“Fuck it. We’re doing stuffed peppers. We gotta go back.” She explained, heading back to the other side of the store.
The blonde took her time, making sure she picked some sizeable bell peppers in all colors. She had just tied the produce bag closed when Richie tapped her shoulder.
“Car.” Carter’s head whipped up as she turned her curious gaze onto the male.
Richie’s attention was elsewhere, and she followed his eyes to find a woman making a b-line for them.
“Oh, fuck. This should be interesting.” The woman muttered as Richie’s other woman grew closer.
He shot her a scalding look, the annoyance clear on his face.
“Not weird for her to be on this side of town at all.” Carter giggled under her breath.
“Shut up.” Richie groaned, which only made the woman giggle louder.
“Someone must have left their location on.” She teased once more before turning towards the woman who had gotten close enough to acknowledge.
“Hi! I’m Carter. Richie’s told me so much about you. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” Carter greeted cheerfully, smiling even harder at the disdain in the other woman’s eyes.
“Virginia.” The brunette said stiffly before turning her attention towards Richie, completely dismissing Carter.
The blonde made cat claws behind her back, earning a glare from Richie. Carter knew he was equally amused at her antics as he was annoyed with Virginia for showing up here. Never one to pass up the opportunity to be petty, Carter sidled up to Richie, leaning against the cart and putting herself closer to the male’s side than was likely appropriate.
She could see steam leaving Virginia’s ears if she concentrated hard enough. The inky-haired woman was doing her best to maintain a civil appearance.
“What are you doing here?” She questioned, causing Carter to bite the inside of her cheek.
The question the trio knew she was asking was, ‘what are you doing with her?’ It seemed Richie was on the same wavelength as he quickly glanced at their neglected cart before replying.
“I’m grocery shopping, V.” Virginia looked like she sucked a lemon.
“You really are going to make me say it, aren’t you?” The woman sighed as if it pained her to be having this conversation.
It started to make Carter wonder what it was Richie saw in her. Virginia was a sight to behold, and she was likely a decent lay, but so far, her personality was leaving much to be desired.
“I mean, Richie, why are you parading her around?” Carter’s eyes widened at her bold question.
Carter nodded her approval. She would admit Virginia had a bit of a fierce side, and if the situation was different, Carter would definitely let the brunette step on her in her pointy stilettos.
“We talked about this, V.” Richie sounded utterly done, and the look on his face said they’d had this conversation a few times before.
Virginia pursed her lips, nodding to herself before readjusting her purse strap.
“I know he may be a bit pent up right now because I’ve been gone for a long time. But I can tell I’m definitely better at taking care of him than you are...” She paused for a moment to give a slow assessment of the woman across from her.
She had a scornful look on her face before looking back towards Richie, a softness entering her voice like talking to a child.
Carter was sure she did not realize how condescending she sounded.
“Whenever you come to your senses and realize you want a real woman, my door is always open.” Carter couldn’t stop the laugh that left her mouth at Virginia’s spiel.
“You might be correct….” The blonde admitted, snaking her arm around Richie’s waist and watching as the smug satisfaction turned to rage in Virginia’s face as she kissed him.
Carter pulled back, grinning at the slightly dazed look on Richie’s face before glancing towards the brunette.
“...but guaranteed, I’m a
way
better fuck.”