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Darcy came over to my car and hugged me before she pulled away and held my hands in hers. “Maybe he can fix it.”
FIFTY-SIX
ONE WEEK LATER
TUCK
I’d managedto get on the schedule for Rosie’s grandson, Beckett, to reroof the house and had hired an electrician to update the wiring throughout. HVAC technicians would be in for a new furnace and air conditioning, but it would be about a week before all of those tasks were complete. Until then, I would need to occupy my time in other ways.
I had seen Lettie a few times over the last week, bumping into her on her lunch break from the clinic or walking with her when I saw her taking Gilbert out on a stroll. Our encounters had been brief and generally public, Aveline eyes focused on what would happen next, so nothing really ever had.
I decided to use the bakery after hours with Lenora’s blessing. Baking was a little like therapy for me. I liked how precise the measurements were and how you had to be patient and give the yeast time to rise before you could bake it. Patience, dedication, concentration. I started to make a basic yeast donut—symbolic of my meeting the other day with Lettie—when I realized Lenora was out of powdered sugar. And powdered sugar was essential for the perfect glaze.
I headed to the general store down the road, planning a quick trip, but after grabbing the sugar, I ran straight into a beautiful woman with auburn hair.
“Lettie?”
She turned around quickly and then lowered her head, her eyes shifting. “Hey, Tuck. What brings you to the market so late?”
I held up the powdered sugar.
She nodded in understanding. “Oh, yes, powdered sugar. A very normal thing to need at ten p.m.”
I snickered. “Okay, smarty-pants. Let’s see what bringsyouto the market this late.”
She placed the item behind her back. “Something imperative. Like, melatonin. I need it to sleep. I didn’t have any so I came here to get some.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Really? Then why are you hiding it behind your back?” I reached over like I was trying to snatch it from her.
“Hey now!” she squealed before sighing. “Fine, it’s not really melatonin…”
I feigned shock. “No? Really?”
“No, I’m sorry I lied. It’s tampons. That’s my secret. I needed tampons. So, now you know. Go ahead and get on with your powdered sugar now.”
I squinted my eyes. “You were never secretive about tampons, Lettie. You used to say how we all needed to normalize periods.”
Lettie scrunched her face and dropped her shoulders. “Why do you remember that? It’s kind of obnoxious, you know, the fact that you remember everything.” She sighed and pulled a bag from behind her back and held it up. “You caught me. Donuts. I came for donuts. And don’t you dare tell Lenora! I was having a craving and the bakery is closed and it’s the only choice I had!”
I gasped, placing my hands over my mouth. “Traitor!”
“I know. I know. Take me in, Officer. I am a menace.” She held her wrists out for handcuffs, and I laughed. “I’m ashamed, okay? I wish I were here for tampons.”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “I can see why. What kind even are these?”
“What kind even are these,” she said, mocking me. “None of ya’ business, nosey!”
I placed my hands up in surrender. “Okay, listen, I feel like you might be getting a little hangry. Why don’t you just put those back, slowly, and come with me.”
“Do you have donuts?” she asked as she raised her eyebrows up twice. “Because if you don’t have donuts, well, let’s be honest, I will still come with you, but I’m definitely bringing these.” She held up the bag again.
“What do you think the powdered sugar is for?”
Lettie put the bag back reluctantly muttering as I paid, “I swear if you don’t make me donuts I will pinch you.”
I winked, feeling playful. “Promise?”
FIFTY-SEVEN
