Page 96 of Carver’s Craving

As I stood in the checkout line, I hummed along with the Christmas song playing through the grocery store’s music system. I hadn’t asked Styx whether he’d play me something from the season. Hell, I didn’t even know if my mother had written anything. The fact he continued to work through her stuff was amazing. I wasn’t looking forward to transcribing things, but if doing that made things easier for him, then I’d try my best. Anyway, if he put together a book of poetry, I’d need to read it.

Which reminded me to see Dickens in the new year. Hopefully, the bookstore would be through the Christmas rush, and he’d be able to give me some time to figure out next steps. The idea of putting Mom’s stuff in a book that strangers would read and judge her on, terrified me. But if Styx thought the idea was a good one, then I owed it to him to try.

The line moved up by one.

I always chose a cashier over the self-service kiosks. I could never get the damn things to work. They always beeped an error, someone would have to come and rescue me, and I’d wind up sweaty and frustrated. Plus, often these were the only interactions I had outside of work. Well, at the library and the bookstore as well. Slowly, I was expanding my circle of people. Something tells me that Styx is going to keep growing it.

Which reminded me…I needed to find him a car. Not expensive, of course. But something reliable. With snow tires. I made a note to talk to Spike as well as Holly to see if either had a line on a private sale. I’d need them to do the inspection before I even considered buying something.

The line moved again.

I caught sight of red hair. I blinked. No. It can’t be. Yet, when the woman turned, I could see her profile clearly, I’d have sworn I was looking at Arlene. Baxter’s ex. That makes no sense. Why would Arlene be in Mission City? Right…except why would Styx be? And Baxter? God…had he gotten back together with his ex? Were they shacking up somewhere? Anger flared in my gut. Here Styx was, worried, and Baxter might be getting his rocks off? “Hey, Arlene!”

About ten heads swiveled to look at me.

Heat rose to my cheeks.

Arlene didn’t turn. Instead, she took her receipt and pushed her cart toward the door.

Do I abandon my cart, try to push past five people, and give chase? My gut said hell, yes. Practicality won out, though. I eyed the ice cream.

“Are you okay?” A softer male voice caught my attention.

I gazed behind me to find a cute man with blond hair and shining blue eyes.

“Uh…yeah.”

He nodded. “I do that sometimes. Think I see someone. I’m always too chicken to yell out. So good for you. I’m sorry your friend didn’t turn. Was she your friend? I mean, my husband Tex would’ve just abandoned the cart and gone chasing after her. If the matter was urgent. Oh, heck, maybe even if not. He’s a bit of a free spirit, you know? Which is what makes him such a good helicopter pilot. Oh, I should introduce myself. I’m Davey.” He stuck out his hand. “I haven’t seen you before. But I’ve only been in Mission City a short time. And I work at the University of British Columbia. As a physics professor. So I spend a lot of time on the commuter train. So maybe that’s why I don’t know as many people and oh, you need to move up.”

I blinked. I couldn’t remember anyone ever having said so many words to me at one time. “Uh, thanks.” I tried to assimilate his words. “You’re married?” Right, because that’s thing.

Davey beamed. “To Tex. Like, the best husband ever.”

“Oh.” I smiled. “I’d have to say my boyfriend would give him a run for his money.”

“You’re gay? Oh, cool. I’ve met lots of gay and lesbian people in Mission City. It’s so lovely. And I have a coworker who is nonbinary. I’m so grateful the university is kind to them. I think we need more kindness in the world, you know? And this is the time of year for it. Oh, God, are you buying tiger tail ice cream? I’d never heard of it until our friend Tate told me about it. He went to the University of Toronto, and apparently that ice cream is big in Toronto. He tried to give me some. I have to say, I enjoyed the experience. I’m not certain I’d buy an entire container.”

I blinked. “It’s for Styx. My boyfriend. A bit of a Christmas present, you know? He’s from Ontario as well.”

“Lovely place. Or so I hear. I don’t fly. Well, I shouldn’t say that. If Tex is flying a helicopter, then I’ll join him. And I need to fly to a conference in Stockholm in July. I’m not looking forward to that. But Tex is getting time off work so he can fly with me and oh, you need to move up again.”

“Uh, thanks.”

“You know, we should exchange numbers. I’d love for you to meet Tex.” Davey appeared to size me up.

What the hell does he see? Aside from a guy covered in construction dust who happens to be gay? “Sure.” I scratched my cheek. “Why?”

“I can just tell you’re a really nice person, and I’m always looking for new friends.”

“Uh. Okay.” My mind scrambled. “Is it all right if I bring my boyfriend?” There. I said it. Justin and I had discussed it last night at our counseling session and agreed the word fit—even if it might be a little juvenile. I could see us together forever. That meant rings and commitments and marriage…right?

“I’d love to meet your boyfriend.” Davey vibrated with obvious enthusiasm. “Oh, you can put your groceries on the conveyor belt!”

I blinked. Rarely had I met someone with so much enthusiasm. He barely looked twenty-five, and he was a physics professor? I put everything on the conveyor belt, unlocked my phone, swiped the text app, and handed him the phone. “Could you enter your info? Then text yourself?” Bold. Brave. Ballsy. Also a way to connect with someone with the same interest as Baxter. Because he’s coming back and it would be nice for him to talk with someone who’s obviously as smart as him. He might not want to, but he should have options. I’d respected his decision not to go to university—higher education wasn’t for everyone—but he had the ability to change lives. I had a degree in theater, focusing on production and stage management as well as all things technical.

Not in the same league.

Davey handed me the phone back as it beeped an incoming message. “After Christmas? We’re flying up to my family’s place in the canyon tomorrow. We’re due for snow, so we might get stuck up there.” He rolled his eyes. “At least I’ll have Tex with me. That always helps. He’s got the week off. Oh, did I tell you he flies life flights for the ambulance service?”