Joe was a little surprised when he arrived at the supermarket and saw Skylar picking up snacks. He had never really imagined her as someone who would indulge in junk food, given her usually composed and professional demeanor. But there she was, casually browsing the aisles, looking every bit like someone who was savoring the freedom of choosing whatever she wanted.
Skylar noticed Joe approaching and gave him a light smile. “You said you were nearby, but I didn’t expect you to actually come here.”
Joe chuckled and shrugged, glancing at the snacks she had in her basket. “I couldn’t let you shop alone, could I? Besides, I’m curious—what’s your favorite snack?”
Skylar hesitated for a moment, then shrugged playfully. “Potato chips. It’s not something I usually indulge in, but today… I feel like treating myself.”
Joe raised an eyebrow, impressed. “Potato chips, huh? Not what I expected, but I guess that’s what makes it fun.”
Skylar smiled, feeling a bit more relaxed in his company. “There’s something comforting about it, you know? It reminds me of simpler times.”
They walked through the aisles together, chatting casually about little things. Skylar didn’t feel the pressure of her usual hectic schedule for the moment. It felt good to share these small, normal experiences with someone who wasn’t expecting anything from her.
After a while, Skylar picked up a few more snacks and headed toward the checkout. As she was paying, she caught Joe looking at a few items on the shelves. “Are you picking anything up for yourself?”
Joe seemed to snap out of his thoughts and looked at her with a grin. “You know, I was just thinking about getting a few things… Maybe some of those cookies.”
Skylar raised an eyebrow teasingly. “Cookies? Are you secretly a sweet tooth?”
Joe shrugged again. “Maybe a little. No shame in enjoying a good snack now and then.”
As they left the supermarket together, Skylar’s phone buzzed again, and she quickly glanced at the message from Paul. It was just a confirmation about the emerald charm she’d approved earlier. Her thoughts shifted back to work, but she was still grateful for the small moment of lightheartedness she’d just shared with Joe.
Joe noticed her change in demeanor and gave her a knowing look. “Everything okay?”
Skylar nodded, tucking her phone back into her bag. “Yeah. Just a little work stuff. Nothing too urgent.”
They made their way to their cars, and Skylar was about to get into hers when Joe stopped her with a hand on her arm. “You know, it’s nice to see you taking some time for yourself. Don’t forget to do it more often.”
Skylar smiled softly, appreciating the sentiment. “I’ll try. Thanks, Joe.”
As she drove off toward home, a part of her felt lighter, as if the tension from the Williams family and everything else had temporarily lifted. Even if just for a moment, she could enjoy a sense of peace—potato chips and all.
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