I chuckle as I reply.
Me: More like a year since I came. And how do I owe you? You and I hang out all the time.
Devon and I often met for beers at Smoke’s. Most of the time Quincy joins us, but Devon is a constant.
Devon: You and I hanging out is one thing, but poker night is different. And since it’s been a year, that’s even more of a reason you should come. Plus, you owe me since I got that information on the dentist for you and had my people go get his car. You can’t use the county resources and not pay them back.
This time I laugh out loud.
“What’s so funny?”
I look up to find my beauty standing in front of me. Her bag is on her shoulder. This time her scrubs are a pretty light blue color. Her hair is pushed back behind her ears, showcasing her beautiful face.
“Devon is giving me a hard time,” I say as I stand to my feet. I slide my phone into my back pocket, not worrying about replying to Devon.
“About what?” I like the way her brow scrunches.
“Nothing. Let’s go.” I grab her hand in mine and lead her out of the building. “How’s your day so far?”
She shrugs. “Not bad. We really haven’t been that busy this week since one of the doctors is on vacation. In fact, I’ve been spending half of my day going through my orders for this week.”
When we get to the truck, I let her hand go to open the door for her.
“You got a lot of requests?”
Ella climbs into the cabin of the truck. I handed her the seatbelt buckle. She takes it from me and snaps in before turning back to me with a smile.
“Just a few cakes and a set of cupcakes. Not too much.”
I close her door and make my way around to the driver's side. As soon as I get in and situated, I turn the engine on.
“I thought we were going out for lunch?” Ella points to the bag in the back seat that is filled with our lunch.
“Just sit back and enjoy the ride, baby.” I sent a wink in her direction before backing out of the parking space and heading to my destination.
We made small talk for the fifteen-minute drive. When my truck stops in front of the vacant glass-front store in the busy strip mall, Ella glances around.
“Um, babe. Why are we here?”
I reach into the back seat and grab our lunch. Pulling out the deli sandwiches and chips, I distributed our lunches. Turning back to face the vacant store, I say.
“We are here to un-bury dreams.”
Her brow pinches. “I don’t understand.”
I take a bite out of my patty melt before speaking. “This place used to be a donut shop. I know the guy who owns the strip mall. He’s looking to fill that store with another bakery or pastry-type shop.”
I watch as realization dawns on her. Those beautiful, expressive eyes slowly widened.
“I....I can’t.”
“Why can’t you?” I turn to face her, my back pressed against the driver’s door.
She shakes her head. “The boys are…”
“Eleven and fifteen. Old enough to take care of themselves and understand Mama has a business she needs to run. Next?” I take another bite of my sandwich as I wait for her to tell me the next made-up thing that would hinder her dreams.
Her mouth opens and closes a few times. “The timing isn’t right.”
