Page 14 of Loathe at First Sight

What she is is downright spoiled.

She doesn’t even like to go for runs with me in the morning because it’s far too early for her. She stays in bed, curled up under the blankets until I get home.

She may not be a hiker, but she sure as shit is the best snuggler in the whole world. And she’s always there to keep me company after a long day at work.

I’ll take those things in exchange for occasionally having to pick up my dog and carry her across a puddle.

We walk down the street a little further before I get to Jana’s Treats, the local bakery. Jana has everything from donuts to cakes and croissants to pies. Usually, I wouldn’t take Ellie to a place that serves food, but Jana always insists that I bring her in when I come. The moment the older woman spots me, she comes out from behind the counter and bends down to start giving the dog scratches behind her ears.

“There’s my favorite customer.”

“Aw, Jana. Thanks.”

With a smile, she says, “I was talking to Ellie.”

“Well, then, ask Ellie to pay for my donuts this morning,” I tease.

“Oh, haha.” She stands up and walks back behind the counter to wash her hands in the small sink. “What can I get for you this morning, Jack?”

She pulls a pencil that’s tucked into her bun of red hair and gets ready to write it down.

“I just wanted to get some treats for the guys. How about a dozen and a half donuts? Dealer’s choice.”

She gets to work on my order, and I sit down on one of the chairs while Ellie plops down between my legs.

When I moved to Lilly Leaf Falls, Jana was one of the first people I met. And she’s one of the only people here who recognized me from my former life. Luckily for me, she never said a thing to anyone. I moved here for some anonymity, and she’s ensured I always had that. Because of her being so great, I always do what I can to help her out.

As she’s pulling out the last of the donuts, her granddaughter, Tali, comes running in from the back.

“Jack!” She squeals while bounding toward me. “Ellie!”

Tali is only five and is quite possibly the most adorable little girl I’ve ever seen. Jana’s daughter—Tali’s mom—passed away in a car accident when Tali was just a baby. With no dad in the picture, Jana stepped in to raise her grandbaby.

Usually, kids aren’t crazy about me. My large stature and scruffy beard tend to send them running in the opposite direction. But ever since I met Tali, she has been attached to me every chance she gets.

“Nana, can we get a dog?” She asks, looking at Jana.

“Sweetheart, I told you that if you can keep your room clean, I would think about a guinea pig. No dogs right now.” She glances at her watch. “It’s about time for school. Did you brush your teeth?”

Tali nods. “Can Jack walk me to school?”

“Honey, I’m sure Jack is busy. He has a job to get to.”

“How’s he going to go to work? He still has Ellie.” She turns to look at me. “Jack, can you pleeeeease take me to school?”

I look at Jana for her silent nod of approval before I say, “Of course, I can. But you better hurry and grab your backpack.”

As quickly as she can, she sprints back into the kitchen.

Jana walks over to us, handing a dog bone to Ellie. ‘You know you don’t have to walk her to school. I know you’re busy.”

“Not a problem. There are perks to being the boss.” I shoot her a wink. “Besides, I like hanging out with Tali. It’s always fun to see the world through the eyes of a five-year-old.”

“I used to think that, too, until I started arguing with a tiny human on why she doesn’t think she should have to eat her broccoli.”

I can’t help but laugh. “Are you really going to get her a guinea pig?”

“No.” She shakes her head. “I don’t think that girl will ever be able to keep her room clean. So, I hear you had a run-in with Liz Lawson last night.”

---