Of course he does. I remember that cat as a kitten, all sharp edges and attitude. “Some things don’t change.”
Her gaze flicks over me, quick and assessing. I’m suddenly very aware of my jacket, my boots, the way Rosehill’s emblem peeks from my collar. A different station. A different life.
“You’re back with Rosehill,” she says.
“Yeah. Been there a while.”
She nods, absorbing it. “I heard they called in extra help.”
“They did.” I hesitate, then add, “I was hoping you were okay. The surge was pretty awful this time around.”
She shifts the cat food to her other hip, and she quickly looks away. “I’m okay. Just tired.”
There’s more under that, but I don’t push. The space between us is already charged enough.
“I should let you shop,” I say, even though I don’t move. “My mom’s waiting on waffles.”
“Anne Clarke’s waffles?” Her brows lift. “That’s not something you rush.”
“Exactly.”
Another beat passes. The store feels too small, too bright. People shouldn’t see us together. It would lead to wagging tongues.
“Well,” she says, clearing her throat. “It was… good to see you.”
It’s like she read my fucking mind.
“Yeah,” I answer. “It was.”
I watch her turn her cart, boots scuffing softly against the floor. She pauses, glances back over her shoulder.
“Griffin?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m glad you’re here.” The words come out measured, careful. “Even if it’s just to help.”
Something eases in my chest at that. “Me too.”
She nods once, then pushes away down the aisle.
I stand there longer than I should, staring at a shelf of cereal I don’t need, heart knocking against my ribs. Being in the same place as her after all this time feels unreal. Like stepping into a photograph.
I force myself to move, finish my list, and head for the register. As I leave, the cold slaps me awake again. I load the groceries into the car, hands a little clumsy.
Driving back, I catch sight of her through the store window, talking to the clerk, head tipped back in a smile. The image settles somewhere deep.
Some towns never really let you go.
I thought that leaving this town meant I would get over the only girl that I’ve ever loved.
I guess I was wrong.
Circle of Guarding:
Salt, cedar, and fire ash. Draw tight when danger is near.
The coffee is too hot and too strong, which feels right this morning.
