Page 7 of Sweet Dreams

“Ready? It’s only down the street, so we can walk.” She swings her purse on her shoulder and gestures to the door.

“That’s the only wayI get around. I don’t own a car.” I gently put my hand on her back to lead her toward the front door.

“Really? What if you wanted to hit the open road for a spontaneous trip?”

“I sold it when I moved here, didn’t have much need for it. I don’t leave the house much.” I kept some of the truth from her.

“I hear ya there. You don’t need a car in Holden; it’s tiny. I hardly touch mine, although it does come in handy in the winter. It gets colder than a snowman's balls here.”

“Snowman balls, eh.”

“What’s colder than that?”

“Antarctica, to start.”

She scoffs. “Use that imagination, Sunshine.”

I glance down at her; I don’t think I’ve ever had a nickname before, let alone a nice one. Let's be honest; asshole and prick don’t count unless the circumstances call for it.

We keep strolling, and I pretend I don’t notice everyone staring at me as we pass. I keep telling myself it's small-town life, and I’m the fresh meat. My heart lurches when her fingers curl around mine, giving them a slight tug.

“Don’t pay them any attention. You’re doing great. Elma will be your worst nightmare, butyou already know that. She only wants to crack you open like an egg and examine you, you’re a mystery, and it’s pissing her off.”

I squeeze her hand in return. “Thanks, Teagan. I feel like I should be on display in a museum. Maybe I’ll just slap a mask on and give them something to gossip about.”

She laughs, nudging my shoulder. “And do what, stalk all the old ladies?”

I wouldn’tsay old.

The Holden Restaurant isn’t something you would scream from the rooftop about. It’s low-key boring inside. From red leather booths to the scuffed-up hardwood floors. It has seen its prime, but the food is fantastic, and I would know; I’ve been coming here since I started eating solids. The bell above the door jingles when Silas opens it for me and groans as damn near half the restaurant looks up.

“Don’t pay them attention, remember.” I take his hand and lead him to the back booth, trying to find privacy for him. Maybe The Lucky Dragan would’ve been better.

“Dimples, it’s fine. I’m not gonna let them ruin a good time. Stop worrying so much,” he whispers next to my ear; goosebumps pepper my skin from his breath.

I slowly sit, trying to act normal, sliding the menu toward me, ignoring Silas. My dumbass is coming off way too strong, he only just started talking to me, and I had the nerve to grab his hand when all the dicks in this town started staring at him. But I could feel his discomfort; I didn’t know what else to do. He didn’t pull away from me, so maybe he didn’t mind. I’m so far out of my element I need my books.

“Tell me what’s good. I have a feeling you’re the expert here.” He interrupts my dooming thoughts.

“Oh, um. That depends on your mood. They serve breakfast all day, but I usually get the cheeseburger with a poutine on the side.”

“Breakfast sounds good. Can never go wrong there.” He grins.

I don’t know why I’m struggling to strike up a conversation with him now. He spent the entire day working dang near alongside me. You would think small talk would come naturally. I watch Silas play with his cutlery while I find the courage to ask the burning question that has been running through my mind this entire time. I go to open my mouth when Mindyshows up.

“Evening, Teagan.” She looks over at Silas and pauses. “And friend. What can I get you today?” Her lip curls in disgust.

I look up at Silas, but he nods for me to go first. “I’ll take the cheeseburger and poutine for a side. I’ll also get an iced tea. Thanks, Mindy.”

“Sure thing, and for you?” She watches Silas like he’s some kind of criminal.

He smiles at her as if reading her thoughts. “Mindy, I’ll take a stack of pancakes with bacon on the side.”

“And what to drink,” she cut in.

Silas’ head snapped more in her direction, eyes narrowing. “A Pepsi,” he spits out,

“Coke fine?”

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