Page 44 of Losing My Rejection

“Sure. And I guess you could say that’s why I’m here. Staying at the hotel for a couple of days. My son’s been staying here.”

I popped his sticky bun into the microwave and turned back to him. “Oh? Just visiting him?” It was better to make small talk than ask personal questions, like why his son was there.

“I’m hoping to take him back home with me,” he replied with a sigh. “He’s been on his own for a little while, but I think it’s time he came home. And I think it’s what he wants too. He needs to finish school and get out in the world.”

“What’s he go to school for?”

“He’s a culinary student.” I lifted an eyebrow in the man’s direction, surprised by his answer. “He’s gonna be a chef or a baker I think. The kid’s got talent.”

The microwave dinged beside me, but I didn’t go for it immediately. “What’s your son’s name?” I asked, my eyes narrowed. “I probably know him if he’s a good cook.”

“Josh,” he smiled. “His mom named him. It was her favorite name.”

My heart sank to the pit of my stomach.

“I surprised him a couple of days ago, so I figured I’d stay and let him get things in order before he came home. He said he had a job or something that he probably needs to quit. But I think the chances are good he’ll come home with me.” He smiled, taking a sip of his coffee. “No offense, but this little town doesn’t have much to offer for an upcoming chef.”

I just stared blankly at the man. He… He couldn’t be talking about Josh, right? Not my Josh. The one that I was mated to, that told me he loved me only a handful of days ago. No, it had to be someone else because the Josh I knew would’ve told me the moment his father showed up in town. He would’ve told me if he’d been offered the chance to go back home. And he definitely would have told me if he planned to quit the cafe and leave me behind in Shifter Grove.

Right?

Suddenly my chest was icy cold as memories flooded back to me. Memories that I did my best not to think about. Josh promised me he’d never make me relive them, but now I was starting to doubt.

“Uh…” The man I’d been staring at was starting to look uncomfortable. “Can I have that sticky bun?”

I startled like I’d been scared awake. “Oh… yeah. Sorry.”

As soon as I turned toward the microwave, I heard the door to the kitchen swing open. Josh stepped out carrying a sheet pan full of fresh pumpkin scones made from Ace’s produce. However, as soon as his eyes fell on the stranger, the pan slipped from his hands and crashed to the floor.

“D-Dad?!” he balked. “What are you d-doing here?”

“I’m getting coffee,” he replied nonchalantly. “And a sticky bun. What are you doing here?”

“I…” Josh glanced over at me, pure panic written across his face. “I… uh… work here.”

“Oh. I should’ve known you’d make yourself useful in a little place like this. It seems right up your alley. Although, a little small for a man of your talents.”

I turned back with the sticky bun in hand and slid the plate across the counter to him.

“Dad,” Josh said, putting a hand on my shoulder. “This is Andy.” I could feel him shaking. “He’s my… my–”

“Boss,” I finished for him. “I own the cafe.”

“Oh,” he replied, reaching out to shake my hand. “So you’re the wolf this place is named after.”

“That’s right.” I shook his hand begrudgingly, trying to tamp down the panic rising inside me. “I picked him up as soon as he got into town.” I glanced back at Josh. “He didn’t mention you’d come to collect him though.”

“I was going to,” Josh replied in desperation. “Today. I… I was just trying to find the right words.”

“I’m sure your boss understands,” his father said. “You’ve got the chance to go home and finish culinary school. You’re gonna be a big chef! Can’t give that up for some little nowhere town.” He glanced at me. “No offense.”

“No, I understand,” replied coldly. “Going home and getting everything you want is a big deal. Who would want to stay here with those kinds of options. You and I both know nobody comes to Shifter Grove on purpose. Most here would jump at the opportunity to get their old lives back.”

With every word that left my lips, I saw Josh shrink a little further. What had started as panic quickly turned to anger. Why hadn’t he told me his father was in town? Why was he keeping secrets from me about going back home and starting school again? If he wanted me to go with him, he would’ve told me. But if he was having second thoughts… well, he might not be so forthright. And I wasn’t sure I wanted to be a second thought. I’d already done that before and it blew up in my face.

I should’ve known it was too good to be true. Getting the things you want always comes with a price. And I was the one that had to pay it every single time.

“Well,” I said at last, holding my hand out to Josh. “Better turn in your apron. I’m sure you’re already packed since you’ve got this all planned out already.”

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