As she approached the cashier, a familiar voice called out from behind. "Melissa!"

Startled, Melissa turned to find Jessie.

Removing her shades, Jessie remarked, “I spotted you outside and follow to join you! I heard about your promotion. Planning to make dinner solo? What about Marcus? You still haven't patched things up with him yet?"

Melissa shook her head silently, pushing her cart forward.

Resting her hands on the shopping cart, she asked casually, “And what about you? Aren't you spending the holiday with your boyfriend?"