Time stands still. I forget how to breathe. I forget how to swallow. So, my eyes are stinging, and there's drool coming out of my mouth. I stick my finger in my ear and wiggle it around, because I'm sure I'm hearing things.
Mack finishes filling out the lottery card and calls Steve over. He pays for everything and picks up the bag of supplies. I finally get control over my mouth again. I wipe the drool off on my sleeve and take a sip of the Slurpee and a bite of the candy straw.
He puts his hand on the small of my back, and we walk out to his car. He opens the car door for me, but I slam it shut again and slug his arm.
"What do you mean, hitched? Where did that come from?" I demand.
Mack rubs the place on his arm where I punched him. "Isn't it the natural progression of all this?"
"Of
