Page 31 of Sweet Somethings

"If there's a child who's in danger, it's everyone's business." She paused. "I know I could call Family Services, but that could cause a lot of problems, and if I'm wrong, Donna will be horribly insulted and embarrassed. I'd rather check things out myself."

Having been the recipient of several social worker visits, he couldn't help but agree. "Fine, but you don't need me for this plan."

"I do, actually. I was thinking that I might need someone to distract Donna while I ask to use the restroom."

"On the guise of looking around."

"Yes. It will take twenty minutes, tops."

"And you want to do this right now?"

"Preferably. I have two helpers in the bakery until three, so it's a good time for me."

"You know, I am working here."

"Can't you take a little time off? We can go now, and then I'll buy you lunch after. Do you like burgers? There's a new restaurant that serves the most amazing, fantabulous burgers. You will die when you eat one."

"Fantabulous? Is that even a word?"

"If it's not, it should be; it's the only word that adequately describes these hamburgers."

"I do like burgers," he said slowly, thinking he liked her even more. He also felt a kinship with Cameron, which was the real reason he was contemplating saying yes to her plan. "Don't you have any other friends you could take with you?"

"I haven't made a lot of other friends here."

"How is that possible? You're one of the most outgoing people I've ever met."

"I've been busy. I love Donavan and Sara, but they work as much as I do."

"What about friends from when you lived here before?"

"I lost track of all of them. I was twelve when I left. That was fifteen years ago. I've run into a couple of kids I went to school with, but no one who's turned into a good friend. Just say yes, Roman. You'll spend more time arguing than it takes to just go over there."

"You are very persuasive and stubborn. All right, I'll go with you." He raised the container in his hand. "Are these the cookies we're taking? They're not actually for me, are they?"

She gave him a mischievous smile. "Well, they could be. We could go to the bakery and get more, or…"

"Or we can take these to her."

"And get you more later," she finished.

"I wonder if I'm actually ever going to get to eat one of these cookies," he murmured.

She laughed. "I promise you will. But this way you'll have time to think of a good wish, make the cookie count."

He already had a wish ready to go, but it was probably one he shouldn't make. He handed her back the container of cookies. "Let me wash my hands and change my shirt."

"Take your time," she said. "I'll just wander around down here."

* * *

As Roman went up the stairs, she let out a breath of relief. She'd been hoping he'd say yes to going with her to Donna's house, but she hadn't been sure of it. And as much as she wanted to help Cameron, she felt a lot more confident making the visit with Roman. Hopefully, it would just seem friendly and nothing more than that.

While he was changing, she walked around the downstairs, feeling a mix of emotions with every step she took. Flashes of the past still moved through her head, but the construction, the ripped-out walls, and the clutter of tools did keep some of the memories at bay. The house was starting to feel different than the one she remembered.

She entered the kitchen and saw the first sign of life in the downstairs area: a couple of boxes of cereal on the counter as well as a bag of apples and a bunch of bananas. She set down the container of cookies and opened the cupboards, finding plastic plates and cups and a few coffee mugs. Roman really was living the minimalistic life.

But then, he wasn't planning on being here for long. She frowned at that thought, then moved through the back door, onto the weathered deck that had definitely seen better days. No one had tended to this yard in a long time; it was filled with weeds and overgrown brush. She'd heard that the house had been rented for years, before being sold to Roman's grandfather, so the tenants probably just hadn't cared that much.

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