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“Lead the way.”
* * *
After locking up the bakery and setting the alarm, Kate and I finally made it out onto the sidewalk. Even at six in the afternoon, it was hot. Not blistering, mind you, but still enough to be uncomfortable without the wind.
“The gardens will be cooler than it is here,” I told Kate as we walked side by side toward the center of town.
“I’d jump into one of those fountains if they let me.”
“That’ll get you kicked out.” Not just out of the garden, either. “It’s the heart of our town.”
“I wish we had something like that back home. The only parks we have are for dogs and look more like kennels than anything else.”
“I could never live in a city. They’re too cramped.” My wolf would lose her shit.
“Unfortunately, it was the closest college I could find.”
“What about after school?” I asked as we waited at an intersection to cross. “Do you think you’ll stay in the city or go back with your mom?”
“I haven't decided yet. I guess it all comes down to if I can get a job.”
“Which in this market could be just about anywhere.”
Kate nodded in agreement, then hurried across the street. “The idea of falling into a profession because of someone I know sounds kind of nice. It would give me an in, you know? But at the same time, I like the idea of finding my way as well. Without anyone’s help.”
“I can understand that.”
“So did you go to work with your folks because it’s something you were okay doing or because it’s expected of you? No judgment, by the way. I’m just curious.”
“It’s a mix, I think. The first time I helped my folks on a job, I was seven years old. I didn’t get to go on the roof or anything, but my dad let me use the hammer on some tiles in our client’s bathroom. I thought it was fun, getting paid to destroy something.”
“But?”
“I sometimes wonder what I would’ve done if not for their expectations, like you said.”
“You probably would’ve been a firefighter.”
“And you would’ve stayed open until after closing just so I could have my sweets.”
“I would’ve brought them to you,” she said as we neared the fountains. “That way, I could close up shop but still hear how your day was going.” Her cheeks darkened and she immediately averted her gaze.
“I’d like that,” I told her before she could take it back. “The only one who checks up on me these days is my brother. My folks try to be there for me, but…” I exhaled hard. “It’s easier with my brother because we’re only two years apart.”
“Have you always been close?” Kate stepped up to one of the fountains, smoothed down her pants, then perched on the wall surrounding it.
Following her example, I sat beside her while leaving a foot of space between us.”I hated when he first arrived. It was almost like I was in the background where no one could hear me. But once Dustin was old enough to chase me around the yard, I got over whatever feelings I had against him. We’ve been inseparable ever since.”
“Is that why you keep visiting me at the shop?” When I looked at her, she explained. “It must be hard being that far from him. I don’t mind you visiting me if you’re lonely. I was just wondering.”
“No. I mean, it helps, but that isn’t why I keep coming in.” My cheeks warmed.
“It’s the sugar, right?” Kate released a nervous laugh, then folded her hands in her lap.
“And you.” The words slipped past my lips before I could pull them back. “And it isn’t just because you’re new.”
