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They’d circle at the bus station, then head back the same way they’d come. It usually took them about an hour, and it was the only time when Blake could clear out his thoughts and focus.
He enjoyed the silence of their runs, the only sound the crunching of their sneakers on dirt and gravel. Today wasn’t much different, neither party willing to break their routine.
When they got to the bus station, Blake stopped and signaled for Eleanor to do the same. “How about we got breakfast in town?”
She considered it for a moment. “Sure. Any reason?”
He shook his head. “Just thought it would be nice to do something different for a change.”
“Yeah? Cool.”
“Awesome. I know just the place.” He led her toward Mrs. Whitaker’s coffee shop just around the corner. Rhinestone wasn’t much of a morning town, but he found the coffee shop open as expected.
“Well, hello,” Mrs. Whitaker said. Look what the cat dragged in.”
Blake grinned. “Good morning.”
“Fine morning to you too. I was quite certain you’d forgotten all about me, Blake. Fancy seeing you here so early. And, oh, this must be your wife? She’s a bit on the young side isn’t she?” She snorted. “Guess when you’re as old as I am, everyone else looks terribly young to you.”
Eleanor laughed and Blake made introductions. “Eleanor, this is Mrs. Whitaker. Mrs. Whitaker, this is my wife, Eleanor. Be nice.”
She waved him off. “Hello, Eleanor. It’s nice to finally meet you. How has this one been treating you?”
“So far so good,” Eleanor replied, smiling. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Sure, sure. Well, make yourselves comfortable. What can I get you two lovebirds?”
Blake led Eleanor toward a table by the window. When they were settled, he called out to Mrs. Whitaker, who was waiting patiently, “Some coffee would be nice, dark roast, black.” He glanced at Eleanor and she nodded. “For two, please. And then we’d like to have your breakfast special. Thank you.”
Mrs. Whitaker nodded, already working the coffee machine. “Coming right up. Give me a minute.”
“Feel free to take as long as you need. It’s not like you’re getting any younger,” Blake jibed.
Eleanor’s eyes flew open in shock but Mrs. Whitaker laughed hard. “Good one, boy.”
Eleanor watched Blake curiously, and when he turned to her, she said, “You seem really close.”
He shrugged. “Small town. Everybody knows everybody. I’ve known her since I was born, and have been friends with her sons since I was a boy. We’ve always had a rapport, and I used to love coming here as a kid. I don’t visit as often as I used to, but I drop in whenever I can. Her boys are away, so she enjoys the company.”
“Ah.” Eleanor watched Mrs. Whitaker working behind the counter. “To be honest, it’s really nice watching you both. Sometimes, I think I missed the best part of being a wolf. It’s not the running and hunting. It’s this. Community.”
She looked out the window and rubbed her arm. “I don’t know, I guess I was so interested in being away that I missed out on creating a bond with my pack. Watching you with the other members of your pack, I kinda wish I had stayed around more.”
Blake searched for something to say, and came up empty. Eleanor didn’t look like she was expecting a reply, but it still felt like the right thing to do. Fortunately, Mrs. Whitaker appeared with a pot of coffee and two mugs, and filled each to the brim.
The rich aroma of the coffee beans floated into Blake’s nose and filled him with life. “You always just have the best stuff, don’t you?”
Mrs. Whitaker laughed and winked, leaving the couple alone. Eleanor picked up her cup and breathed in the steam, cradling the cup in her palms. She took a sip and sighed contentedly. “Now, that’s good coffee.”
The sun broke through the tree line and warm rays pooled into the coffee shop, bathing Eleanor and Ray with golden light. Blake’s breath caught as he looked at her. She looked like something out of a painting, and all he wanted to do was lean across and kiss her.
“You have a beautiful town.”
Blake blinked. “Huh?” He didn’t know how long he’d been staring at her or how long she’d been speaking to him. He’d gotten lost in her. Again.
“I said that you have a beautiful town,” she repeated.
“Why, thank you, child,” Mrs. Whitaker replied, setting two plates down in front of them. “As I like to say, the best place in the world to be a wolf.”
