Page 34 of Finders Keepers

Sophie’s already grabbing my hand, and I find myself nodding. “Thank you, that’s very kind.”

As we walk towards the food truck, Sophie pulls me ahead, Gavin leans a little closer to me. “You never answered my question about what you wanted to be.”

“Oh.” I blink thinking back to my younger self, before my life got so complicated. “I wanted to be a librarian, actually. I’ve always loved books, the way they can transport you to different worlds, different lives.” I laugh softly. “Seems silly.”

“It doesn’t seem silly at all,” he says seriously. “It suits you.”

“How so?”

“Well, you’re patient. You’re obviously intelligent, and you have this… gentle way about you.” He rubs the back of his neck, looking slightly embarrassed. “Plus, I noticed you had a book in your purse last night at the fair.”

I freeze mid-step, the words, “I noticed you” echoing in my head. My chest tightens. Being noticed has never meant anything good.

Matt’s voice slithers through my memories:“Why are you wearing that?”His eyes narrowing at a simple sundress.“Looking for attention from other men?”

“You okay?” Gavin’s voice pulls me back to the present. His expression is concerned, not accusatory.

“I’m fine,” I manage, though my voice sounds strained even to my own ears. “You’re umm very observant.”

“Part of the job,” he shrugs as we continue to walk. “Animals can’t tell you what’s wrong, so you have to notice the little things.”

We reach the food truck, where Sophie is already standing on her tiptoes looking at the menu, trying to decipher the words.

“What’ll it be, ladies?” Gavin asks.

“Extra cheesy!” Sophie declares without hesitation.

“Good choice. Bailey?”

“Um, I’ll have…The Works, please.” At his raised eyebrow, I add, “Sometimes a girl needs a little protein in her sandwich.”

“Can’t argue with that logic.” He turns to the vendor. “One Original, extra cheesy and two The Works.”

We grab our paper plates and head over to a nearby picnic table. As Sophie takes cautious bites of the piping hot sandwich, I take a moment to enjoy the sun almost as hot on my face.

“Mmm, this is good,” Sophie says between bites, cheese stretching from her mouth to the bread.

“Like I said, best grilled cheese around.” Gavin agrees, taking another bite.

I nod, savoring the smoky prosciutto and mozzarella combo. “Seriously, I’ve never had a grilled cheese this good before.” Wiping my mouth with my napkin.

“Mommy, can we get ice cream after?” She asks scooting closer into my side.

I grab a napkin to wipe her face. “Let’s finish our sandwiches first. Then we’ll see.”

“You know what?” Gavin says, “I think this calls for a special tour. Would you like to see where we take care of all the animals?”

Sophie whips her head up to me. “Can we really?”

Gavin looks at me for permission too,

I look between Sophie’s eager face and Gavin’s warm smile, feeling myself teetering on the edge of a decision that shouldn’t feel this significant. It’s just a tour, a simple walk through a veterinary clinic. Yet my chest tightens with familiar anxiety.

“I don’t know…” I say, buying time while my thoughts race. “We’ve already taken up so much of your afternoon.”

“It’s no trouble,” he says, his voice gentle. “Besides, I’m heading back there anyway to check on a few patients.”

Sophie tugs at my sleeve. “Please, Mommy? I wanna see where the animals get better.”

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