Page 50 of Hide Me Darling

Lost in thought, I begin filling my basket with various groceries, I’m lost in the array of coffee options when a voice behind me startles me. "You must really love coffee, didn't you get some only two days ago?" I turn to find Jonah standing there with a smile tugging at his lips.

I chuckle as I quickly think of an excuse for why I’m not drinking the supply I already bought. "Yes, I might have a slight coffee addiction," I admit sheepishly. "Can't start the day without it, preferably in large amounts."

Jonah nods knowingly. "I get it. Coffee is life. If you're into bold flavors, you should try this one," he says, reaching for a package himself. "It's one of my favorites. Helps me get out on the water before the sun's even up."

I glance at the green bag he's holding, noting the description. "Sounds perfect," I reply with a smile, adding it to my basket. "I could use a bit of extra motivation in the mornings."

Jonah chuckles. "Trust me, this stuff works wonders,” he says before stepping back. “How are you settling in?”

"So far, so good," I reply with a genuine smile. "Everyone has been really friendly, and I'm starting to feel more at home. I'm also looking forward to the carnival. It seems like a big event here."

Jonah nods, his expression thoughtful. "The carnival's a blast. You'll definitely enjoy it."

"That's what I've heard," I agree, feeling a small thrill of anticipation for the festivities. My excitement must show because his lips twitch in amusement again.

Jonah leans casually against the aisle, his gaze thoughtful as he studies me for a moment. The soft light from the overhead bulbs highlights the laugh lines at the corners of his eyes. "Are you a cotton candy and games type of girl then?" he asks with a playful glint in his eyes.

I pause, considering his question. "I'm not sure," I admit honestly, a small smile tugging at my lips. "I've actually never been to a carnival before."

His eyebrows lift in surprise as he tilts his head. "Really? Never been to a carnival?" Jonah's tone is genuinely curious, as if trying to imagine what that must be like. “Did you live in a cult or something? Should I be concerned for the town?”

I can’t stop the laughter from escaping and he half grins at me. If only he knew. “Not a cult, but maybe a bit sheltered.”

Jonah raises an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Sheltered, huh? That must have been interesting. Not often you meet someone who’s never been to a carnival, even as an adult. So what is it that you said you do for work?"

My brain stutters for a moment, the gears almost grinding to a halt. That’s the second time he has asked that, and as much as I do have a cover story, I can’t help but feel a flash of stubborn defiance making me not want to give him an answer. With a smile, I decide to tease him instead.

"I'm not sure I want to answer that now that you seem so interested," I reply playfully.

Jonah laughs, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Alright, I'll let you keep your secrets—for now." He gives me a playful wink before heading off to another aisle. I watch him go, feeling a mixture of relief and amusement.

When I reach the checkout counter, Gladys greets me with a warm smile. "Find everything you need, dear?"

"I was actually hoping to find some cherry cookies," I reply, placing my items on the counter.

Gladys frowns slightly, a look of genuine surprise on her face. "Cherry cookies? I'm sorry, but I’ve never stocked those here. I usually only carry the most common ones like chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and sometimes pineapple cookies during the summer. Did you try the bakery?"

Her answer has my thoughts swirling inside my mind, the only explanation could be they were made specifically for me.

Did Cain lie? Were the drugs in the cookies and not the coffee? I still can’t trust either but it makes me wonder if they had gone to that extra effort of making them for me, and why those cookies specifically.

"I didn’t see any when I was there this morning," I say, nodding when Gladys continues to look at me with a frown. "It must just be a city thing then."

"Could be," Gladys says, then she smiles as though a thought occurs to her. "But if you're looking for something specific, let me know. Maybe I can add it to our inventory."

"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind," I reply.

As she rings up my groceries, Gladys continues, "So, how are you finding our little community? Settling in well?"

"I am," I reply genuinely. "Everyone has been so welcoming, and it's nice to feel like part of a community."

"That's lovely to hear. I've always believed there's a place for everyone, even if it's not where you expect. We don’t all find our place, but those that do know it right away. It’s the same with people too."

Intrigued by her philosophical musings, I ask, "What do you mean by that?"

She pauses, her eyes thoughtful yet warm as she meets my gaze. "I believe that everyone has people out there that they are meant to connect with, whether as friends or partners in life. Sometimes, it's not where you expect to find them. Not everyone finds that connection, but when you do, you'll know it. Just like finding your place in a community."

Her words strike a chord within me, resonating with my own uncertainties. My mind becomes crowded with my own doubts and feelings, that I won’t be able to find someone who will love me for all of me, darkness included.

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