Page 17 of Broken Promises

“And some do, apparently. Logan got one on you, hm?” Lucy asked, gesturing to the grass stain on my white shirt.

“He’s a lot bigger now, but I can still take him,” I assured her. “Anyway, your finger is all good now, but if you…” I trailed off. I wanted to tell her to find me if she needed anything. I desperately wanted to keep her presence around me, but I also didn’t want to push her. “I’ll be here if you cut yourself again.”

“Wow,” she chuckled, “you’rethatconfident of my cutting skills?”

“You have many talents, Luce, but cutting vegetables isn’t one of them.”

She didn’t say another word. Instead, she rolled her eyes playfully and strolled back to her tent.

lucy

. . .

Luke patchingmy finger made the rest of my shift easier to bear, especially after seeing Logan. After ten years away from this place, Ialmostforgot how much I missed the Everett family.

My shift passed in a flurry of sausages—and not the fun kind.

“Okay, kid,” Margaret told me as she walked to the back of the tent. “Your replacement is here.” I was happy to be done cutting onions and green peppers. I’d be fine if I never saw another sausage sandwich.

“Oh, come on. I reallydon’t feel like going,” I grumbled, still wrapped in the sheets. It was far too early to get up, let alone to go to the Hometown Days festival. It happened every year. And while it was appealing to tourists, I had seen it far too many times to consider it interesting.

“Are you saying you’re not up for a date?” Luke questioned me. He was settled in behind me on the bed, with his arm wrapped around my body. Ever since he first slept over without my mom knowing, he made it a habit to come here now and then. Nothing happened—and it wouldn’t until I was ready for it, but I couldn’t deny that waking up next to him was nice.

“I am up for a date. I just don’t see why we need to go to the festival…”

“Well, you’ll never know unless you come and join me.” He showered the back of my shoulder with tender kisses, and I already knew I stood no chance. I would’ve done anything he asked me to do.

And I was right. We moved through the endless tents of vendors who all came to display their best products. They had even set up a mini arcade this year. I eyed all the plush animals that had been displayed, setting my eyes on a soft, brown teddy bear.

“You know, I feel like I deserve one of these for coming with you today,” I told him, gesturing toward the teddy bear I wanted. “I think I want that one.”

A smile reached his eyes, and I knew at that moment he would have done anything to win it for me.

“Lucy?” The voice pulled me back into reality, and I found Margaret standing before me with her hands on her hips.

“Sorry, I got lost in thought. What were you saying?”

“I said your shift is done. You’re free to go.”

My brows furrowed together. To my surprise, my shift ended much sooner than I expected. Despite the initial reluctance and the minor mishap of cutting my finger, I found myself contemplating the idea of doing it again.

After saying goodbye to Margaret and Johanna, I wandered by the other vendors for a little longer before returning home. I didn’t run into Luke again, which was probably for the best. I could only handle seeing himoncetoday. As I strolled down the street toward my home, I grabbed my phone and called Sailor, who Iknewwas still awaiting updates.

The video call only rang once before she picked up with a big smile.

“Girl! Oh, my God! I was wondering when you’d finally call me,” she chirped. Sailor was on her balcony, desperate for the sun that the grey sky above Seattle didn’t allow yet. “How’s everything going?”

“Good, everything is good,” I told her, lifting my bandaged finger into the frame. “Though I did cut my finger today.” Her expression quickly fell.

“What? How? You’ve got to be more careful.”

“I was volunteering at the Hometown Days festival.” I then quickly added before she could question it further, “My mom signed me up. Don’t ask.”

“How’s your mom, by the way?”

“She’s great. I think she may have a boyfriend, but I’m not entirely sure. She hasn’t talked about it, but I figure she will when she’s ready.” I knew what it was like to have everyone know your business, so I would let her tell me in her own time.

Sailor gasped loudly. “No. Way. Tell me everything about him!”

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