Page 25 of Sweet Somethings

"Let's do it together."

The boy was looking in the other direction, so they were able to get within a few feet before the boy saw them. He tensed and looked immediately ready to bolt.

"I thought you might want some cookies," Juliette said quickly, holding out the plate in her hands.

The kid's eyes widened, but he made no move to take the plate of cookies.

"I'm Juliette. I own the bakery. This is my friend, Roman. Everything is okay. I'm not mad about the cookies you took this morning."

"I have to go," the kid muttered.

"Hang on," he said, grabbing the kid's arm as he tried to leave. "We just want to talk to you for a second."

"I'm not supposed to talk to strangers," the boy said.

"That's smart," Juliette said, squatting down in front of him, so she was at his eye level. "I was worried when I saw you this morning. That's why I ran after you. I thought you might be hungry, or you might need help. What's your name?"

The boy hesitated, then said, "Cameron."

"It's nice to meet you, Cameron," Juliette said. "Are your parents here?"

The little boy shook his head.

"Is anyone with you?" Juliette asked with concern.

"My grandma," he said, with a vague wave of his hand. "I have to go. Sorry I took your cookies."

"Can I meet your grandma?" Juliette asked.

"She doesn't want to be bothered during the movie," Cameron replied.

"You're a little young to be out here in the trees alone," Roman put in.

"I'm not afraid," he said, a defiant note in his voice as he looked up at him. "Let me go."

"I'll let you go after you take us to see your grandmother," he told him firmly.

Cameron measured his words, then let out a sigh. "Fine."

Roman kept a grip on Cameron's arm as the child led them into the park and over to an older woman sitting in a beach chair next to another woman. Then he let go.

"Grandma," Cameron said. "I brought you some Wish cookies."

"Oh, my, are these the cookies I've been hearing so much about?" the grandmother asked.

"Yes," Juliette said, stepping forward. "I'm Juliette Adams. I run the Sweet Somethings Bakery."

"Adams? You're Frank and Tricia's daughter? I remember you when you were a little girl. I'm Donna Mays, and I see you've met my grandson, Cameron." She gave Cameron a shake of her head. "I told you to stay in the playground, not go over to the dessert tables."

"Sorry," Cameron muttered, not admitting he'd actually been in the woods.

Donna bit into one of the cookies. "So delicious," she murmured. "And I hope it makes my wish come true."

"Can I have the other one?" Cameron asked.

"Of course, you can. Georgia, we'll need to get you a cookie, too," Donna added, speaking to the woman sitting next to her.

"I've had far too many cookies already," Georgia said with a laugh. "I love your bakery, dear. I'm Georgia Rogers."

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