Page 4 of Death and Donuts

“Are you all right?” I asked. “Have the vampires tried anything lately? Or are Shepard’s people being?—”

Without seeing Cross move, he was suddenly leaning close enough to cup my cheek. “That you worry about me endears you more to me.”

“Hey, I’m worried too,” Vena said. “Like, how much is all this renovation going to cost you? And who exactly are your target clientele when just about everyone in the city doesn’t like you? I don’t want you throwing your hard-earned cash at a sinking ship.”

I loved my friend, but sometimes, she was a little too money-focused. I quietly kicked her under the table.

Cross leaned back in his chair and regarded Vena.

“The investment will quickly repay itself if we create something that can’t be found elsewhere—a place where an everyday human will be welcome yet not solely catered to. A place for otherworlders to come and relax and enjoy tasty sweets.”

“We?” I echoed, having not missed that little inclusion.

“Yes. We. I want the three of us to own the business equally and split the profits. I would run everything behind the scenes—all the administrative bookwork, accounts, and connections.

“Everly, you would have full control over the kitchen to create food options for all races. Vena, you can curate the book selection to your heart's content as long as it’s not only about treasure hunting. We want everyone to feel welcome.”

I hurt for Cross, understanding that he wanted to give what he hadn’t received. None of the other races wanted anything to do with him, not even his own race. He was truly alone, except for Vena and me, which was why I wanted to agree to his proposal. I wanted to show him and the world that I believed in him as much as he believed in me.

However, Vena and I still had a year left of college and our jobs at Blur. While I’d always known I’d leave Blur at some point after college, I wasn’t yet ready—not when there were so many financial uncertainties.

Cross noticed my hesitation.

“Don’t feel burdened to accept.”

“I don’t feel burdened,” I said. “I love the concept and would be excited to be a part of it, but I need to be honest with you as well. Vena and I have a year left of college, and I’m not ready to quit Blur. It’s paid for my school so far.”

“I would never ask you to give up anything,” he said, taking my hand and running his thumb over my skin soothingly. “I want this to enhance your life, not take away from it.

“What if, for now, you’re the creative mastermind in the bakery and I hire someone to assist you? We’ll need employees anyway. You can use them in whatever capacity you need, which will free up your time to focus on school and Blur.”

I considered the idea, not hating it. I didn't see a downside if I could still work at Blur. Having a fully equipped kitchen to test recipes in was a dream come true.

“Then, I accept,” I said.

“Do I get that sweet deal too?” Vena asked.

“Of course,” Cross said. “I want this place to be a haven for both of you. Which is why...” He released my hand and pulled away the top blueprint of the first floor to reveal the second floor’s generous, private living space.

Vena gasped, pulling the paper toward her. “This will be gorgeous.”

The master suite took up almost a third of the floor space with another third dedicated to the open-concept kitchen and living area.

“Three bedrooms?” Vena looked up at Cross.

“So you have a place to stay whenever you need it, especially if you find yourself in danger again. You will both have access to the second floor. It will be yours to use however you want.”

“But only for safety?” Vena questioned.

“However you want,” Cross reiterated. “If that means spending the night when you’ve worked a long shift, it can be used for that. Or if you want to live with me rent-free to help save for school, you can move in as soon as it’s finished. No strings attached.”

His generosity was sweet, but we couldn’t?—

“Sold!” Vena shouted.

“No, it’s not,” I said. “I appreciate you thinking about us, Cross. I really do. But moving on top of all the other changes we’re making is more risk than Vena and I are willing to take on right now.”

Vena gave me a “what are you talking about” look while Cross nodded.

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