AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Most of all, grateful that I somehow convinced Aubrey to take a chance on me.
When I look at her, she’s laughing and contributing to the conversation with our friends. I feel an overwhelming sense of pride in how much she’s come out of her shell. How well she fits into our group. I pull her to me and she lets me without hesitation. I wrap my arms around her, needing to have her as close to me as I can.
Just—needing her.
Chapter thirty-four
Aubrey
WhenIpullupto the back of the bakery like I have so many times, my stomach is in knots. It’s so familiar, such a routine thing for me to do. Somehow, though, everything about this time feels brand new and foreign. I know that when I walk in that door I won’t be greeted by Bea dancing around to the music while she wipes down the counters, but a small part of me hopes I will anyway. I set the helmet I’m clutching down on the moped and take in a big breath. Then force myself to take the few steps to the door and open it.
Only a few lights are on in the shop. Music plays softly from the overhead speakers. Nate comes bounding down the stairs wearing a pair of sweatpants and a plain black shirt. It looks odd on him, such a casual outfit. I’m much more used to seeing him in a suit and tie. I’m a little jarred by how many tattoos he has. I’ve seen them before, but they make such rare appearances that I find myself staring at the intricate roses longer than I should.
“You made it,” he says, gesturing for us to sit at one of the tables.
It occurs to me this is the same table Bea and I sat at the day I brought in my application for the job. The day she took a chance on me and changed my life forever.
“There was something you wanted to talk about,” I say, wanting to get the conversation started and over with.
Being in here, without Bea, is strange.
“Yes,” Nate says, brushing his hand across his unshaven face before continuing. “I wanted to let you know that unfortunately the bakery will be closing. It’s Bea’s dream—”
Nate pauses and clears his throat.
“Was Bea’s dream, and I’m a horrible baker.”
“Oh,” is all I can manage to say.
I didn’t expect the bakery to stay open, so I’m not surprised by this revelation. What I am surprised about is why Nate would have me come here, the day after Bea’s funeral, to tell me this.
Nate clears his throat again.
“Bea told me a bit about your upbringing and your situation.”
My reaction must give my fear away. I never know how people will treat me after learning about my connection to the church.
“Don’t fault her for it, Aubrey. Bea only wanted my advice. I’m sure she told you I run a group home and well, we’ve had a few boys stay with us that came from Johnson’s. She was looking out for you is all,” he says.
“Oh,” I say.
Apparently I’ve lost all vocabulary, and this is the only word I know now. Nate must not notice my lack of a grasp on the English language and keeps talking.
“Although I can’t keep the bakery open, I do want to do something to honor Bea. I’ve decided to start a scholarship program in her name, and I’d like for you to be the first recipient.”
“Oh, Nate. Thank you, that’s—amazing.”
Nate pushes a folder over to me I hadn’t noticed before.
“All the details are in there. All you have to do is accept.”
I look at the folder, then back at Nate and he nods, prompting me to open it. I’m almost certain my mouth involuntarily opens when I do, and I gasp.
“Nate, I can’t–are you sure?” I say, looking up at him with wide eyes.
He nods once.
“Bea really came to care about you and I know she would have wanted you to be taken care of.”
