Smiley(79)

“It’s okay. I’m right here. Slow your breathing a little.” He took a deep breath and blew it out, as if to show her how to do it. She mimicked him. He grinned. “That’s my Vanni. They are just curious people. That’s all. They mostly just want to observe us, if that helps. You’ll adjust to it.”

She doubted she ever would, not that she’d have to. She silently vowed there would be no more outings. She really didn’t like being the center of so much overzealous attention.

Smiley squeezed her hand. “Trust me?”

“Yes.” She didn’t hesitate to answer because it was the truth.

“We’re fine. This isn’t a large gathering yet. We’ve dealt with much worse. We’ll pay for your things and leave. We’ll be back at Homeland in ten minutes.”

She took another slow breath and turned, facing the front of the store again. There were so many faces out there that it was weird. The NSO officers had help blocking off the street that ran between the store and the parking area. She noticed a few police officers had joined them along the sides to keep people from entering the store. Her shopping trip had, in effect, closed it down.

The cashier grinned when they reached the front. It seemed as if they’d opened a line just for Vanni and the New Species. “Hello. Right here. I’ll take you!” The woman waved them over.

Vanni was grateful for Smiley. He took charge, steered her there and thanked the cashier. The woman beamed at him and it helped that her attention seemed focused totally on Smiley.

“I never thought I’d see any New Species in here.” The cashier started to scan the clothes.

Smiley pulled Vanni closer. “This is Vanni. She’s visiting me at Homeland and didn’t pack enough clothing. I wanted to take her shopping.”

The cashier finally stared at Vanni. Her mouth popped open and her eyes widened. She glanced at Smiley, then at Vanni. “Oh my gosh! You’re that couple on TV!”

Vanni pressed against Smiley since he stood behind her. He released her hand and wrapped his arm around her waist. “Yes. We are.”

“That’s so cool! You’re my first celebrities.” The cashier resumed scanning the clothes but grinned. “You two are dating?”

“We are.” Smiley rubbed Vanni’s stomach with his palm. “I met her and knew she was the one for me.”

Vanni knew she had to say something. “It was love at first sight,” she blurted.

Regret came next. She shouldn’t have used the word love but it beat mentioning being drugged. Smiley didn’t tighten his hold or seem to mind her word when he agreed.

“It certainly was. She’s beautiful and sweet. I couldn’t resist her.”

The cashier paused again and grinned at Vanni. “That’s so romantic. I can’t even get my boyfriend to stop at the grocery store but yours takes you clothes shopping. You’re a lucky woman.”

“He’s amazing,” Vanni added, meaning it.

“You’ve drawn a mob.” The cashier jerked her head toward the front. “I’ve never seen that many people want to come in here before.”

“Sorry about that.” Smiley eased his hold around Vanni’s waist. “It happens when we leave Homeland. People are curious.”

“Don’t apologize.” The woman laughed. “We need the business. Stop in any time. I’m Donna. Just ask for me. I’ll get you right through the lines. I’m the manager here.”

“We deeply appreciate that.” Smiley let Vanni go and withdrew a wallet from his back pocket. “I have this, babe.”

Vanni nodded. “Thank you.”

“I’d do anything for you.” He winked.

The cashier told him a total that made Vanni flinch. She hoped she hid it as he swiped his card and put in his pin number. Flame and Slash took her bags and Smiley held out his hand. She gratefully took it. They headed toward the exit and Vanni had to force her legs to keep moving.

The doors opened and some people shouted for them to look their way. She squared her shoulders and peered at them. Cell phones were out and they were either taking videos or pictures. She smiled and clasped Smiley’s hand in a death grip. He waved with his free hand and kept her moving.

“Can we have an interview?” A woman with a microphone and cameraman tried to rush at them but a police officer opened his arms, preventing them from going forward.

Another news crew got around an officer but the NSO team was able to keep them at a distance. “Not now. No interviews,” one of them announced.

Wager pulled the SUV up to the path cleared by the police who had kept people back to give them an exit and Smiley yanked open the passenger door. Vanni climbed inside, eager to be out of the spotlight. Smiley slid in behind her and closed the door.