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“She takes care of Henry.”
“Yeah, I figured when you said she had a kid and one on the way. What do they do for fun?”
“Mostly hang out. She’s pregnant, Cedar’s pregnant.”
“Oh, wow, really?”Oh shit, she’s pregnant? That may rule out a kidney donation. Possibly.“Iris mentioned a population boom, I just didn’t think it would affect your friends.”
“Amber’s trying to hold off until she’s married. They’re all about the babies right now.” He lifted a shoulder. “And if it’s not baby talk, it’s wedding talk. Mona’s getting married soon, as is Amber allegedly.”
“Yeah, I thought I heard rumblings about a wedding ceremony coming up over New Year’s.”
The turnoff to the highway leading to Courtenay passed us by.
“Ah, yes, that wedding. I can neither confirm nor deny whose it is, I’ve been sworn to secrecy.”
“A secret wedding?”
Colour me intrigued. Sylvia hadn’t mentioned anything, so it was unlikely they were using her services. Not that I recall her ever producing a wedding cake, but that seemed to have fallen out of style, right? Most brides wanted doughnuts or cupcakes, not the big expensive cake.
“Sort of. There has been a lot of planning going on, but the official invites have not been sent.” He chuckled as he continued to one had the wheel.
“So, in other words, they all just hang out? Talk weddings and babies? That’s it?” I didn’t mean to wrinkle up my nose, it just happened. Being a full-blown grown-up sounded, well, dull.
“Does that sound boring?”
Time to backtrack. “Yes and no.”
“What do you do for fun?”
“I like climbing. I’ve climbed the radio tower. It’s refreshing to sit up there and reconnect with nature. Plus, the view is magnificent.”
The thick grove of trees blurred into a sea of green as Landon stepped on the accelerator.
He gripped the steering wheel tight with his left hand and let his right elbow lay on the armrest. “You’re not afraid of heights?”
“Water, I am terrified of, but heights? Hell no. I like to hike up Thomas Point.”
“That’s the suspension bridge, right?”
One of my favourite places to sit. The slight workout to get there but being surrounded by nature was the best way to recharge.
“It’s on the other side. You need to cross the gorge and hike a bit further. From the lookout, the ocean is impressive. It’s a great way to unwind.” I melted into the seat and closed my eyes as the sun streamed in through the windshield. “After a busy day, I’ll go there and sit until the sun sets. It helps to clear my head. Plus, with no one around, it’s easier for me to tap into my own feelings rather than be consumed and swallowed up by the others.”
“I’ve heard of that… Like an empath or something.” His breathing was light, but it picked up in its pace. “You tend to absorb other’s emotions and make them your own. People seem drawn to you to share their problems.”
“That’s just part of working in the bakery.” I tipped my head to the side and watched as his mouth twitched in the corners like he was fighting a smirk.
“And crowds can be overwhelming.”
“At times, yes.” It was very draining on the busy days, and the moment I got into my place, I grabbed a backpack and headed out for a hike. Only after that two-hour excursion, could I feel more like myself.
“So if I asked you to hang out with me and a few people, it would be too much?”
I smiled, hoping thefew peoplewould include meeting Cedar officially. “I’m certainly not opposed and know how to distance myself if it gets overwhelming. I enjoy meeting new people and seeing how we’re connected.”
“In this town, everyone’s connected, remember?” His sweet laugh filled the space. “Like your friend Erin, and her brother Adam, who’s dating your friend Summer.”
“What? I never told you that.” Deep down though, that was the truth. However, I never shared anything like that. Especially not with names.
