Page 14 of Over the Edge

“Whatever you think I do, I promise stealing property from orphans has nothing to do with it.” With this statement he finally rises from the bench. Once standing he brushes off his already immaculately clean slate gray slacks. “Let’s get this over with then.”

It quickly becomes apparent that Garrett’s interpretation of a “tour” is to point at the buildings we pass and read off the signs. The bookstore, which who would have guessed, sells books! A salon that I can go to if I need a haircut. His enthusiasm is absolutely infectious.

When we walk by Love is Brewing, a coffee shop with a scalloped awning and a rich scent of pastries wafting out whenever someone opens the door, he says, “You can get okay coffee here and the Wi-Fi is terrible if more than two people are using it.”

“If I were to order a coffee, what would you suggest?” I ask, attempting to start an actual conversation.

He stops in his tracks; two lines etch between his brows. “Are you trying to make me look like an ass?”

“What?” Startled by the accusation, I blink up at him.

“I know you don’t drink coffee so why would you ask for a recommendation?” he asks, like I’m trying to catch him in a trick question.

I don’t drink coffee, but it’s not like I expect him to know that. It makes me jittery and my stomach queasy. I’m more of a tea or Diet Coke girl unless I’m in desperate need of a boost and I’ll grab an energy drink that will inevitably mess up my sleep pattern for at least a week, as if it isn’t already fucked.

“I’m not. I’m just trying to make conversation because you obviously would rather be working. Seriously, if you don’t want to be here with me, just go. And it’s not like I expect you to know my order.”

“I’ve known you for the better part of two decades, it would take more effort to not know basic facts about you. I bet you can tell me my order,” he counters.

Cappuccino with whole milk.So, yeah, maybe I do.

“I guess you have a point,” I begrudgingly admit, a flush heating my cheeks.

“And as for leaving, I can’t.”

“Yes, you can. I promise I can handle myself,” I say. I was planning on doing this by myself anyway. Teasing and flirting is one thing, but I don’t particularly love the idea that he’d rather be anywhere else than with me.

He pulls off his glasses and rubs at his temples, making him appear older. Garrett always looked more grown up than anyone else his age when we were younger. It could have been attributed to his sharp bone structure, but even when youth softened his features there was an air about him. His clothes were always impeccably clean and put together in a way that stood out in contrast to the other boys’ carelessness.

“Alina has this uncanny ability to know when I lie. If she asks how the tour went, she’ll know. Also, we have at least ten pairs of eyes on us waiting for me to fail for the town betting pool.” He replaces his glasses.

“There’s a betting pool?” I perk up at the prospect.

“Unfortunately.” He starts walking again with measured strides that have me rushing to keep pace. “This is Lost and Found, it’s a wine bar.” He points, actively ignoring my question.

I grab him by the arm and pull him out of the way of a couple in matching athletic wear that makes me wish I could look half as good in elastane and spandex. “You can’t just mention a betting pool in casual conversation and not elaborate, especially when I’m involved in one of said bets.”

“It’s not really about you.”

“If I wasn’t walking, your sad excuse for a tour would have put me to sleep by now. You owe me,” I tease.

“Fine,” he says. “But you’re not allowed to type anything. There are strict rules and I don’t particularly want to have to skinny dip in September.”

“Don’t tempt me with a good time.” I lift my eyebrows suggestively, which only causes him to avert his gaze as his lips pull into a tight line.

Instead of acknowledging my comment with a response, he pulls out his phone and scrolls for a moment before holding it in front of my face. When I reach for the phone he pulls it away. Apparently, my enthusiasm at the prospect of skinny dipping is enough for him to distrust me with the device.

Haven (Museum)

Odds of Garrett making it all the way through main street without giving up?

Fletcher (Pub/Garage)

I give him until the gazebo

Poppy (Pottery Studio/Inn)

All the way

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