Page 6 of Here and Now
“Yeah, I’m sure everyone is just going on and on about it.”
Hazel dips back under the counter, heading to the coffee machine. “Let’s not forget, a barista is like a therapist. People tell me the most random shit.”
“Do tell me all the secrets ... especially if it’s about my sister.”
“Not on your life, buddy. Actually, I heard about the clinic from Penelope.”
“Your new barista?”
Hazel brings over the cup of tea and leans against the counter. “The same one. Her son, who you met, he’s really into hockey and is apparently on your team.”
“His name is Kai, right?”
“Yup.”
He seemed like a sweet kid. A little shy and definitely nervous when I met him at the elementary school on a day I was helping there. He was incredibly polite, which is a nice change.
Of course I had an incredibly hard time focusing on him when I couldn’t take my eyes off his mother. Penelope is stunning. She’s short with reddish-brown hair and the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen. A man could easily get lost in that gaze.
I’ve been so busy with the end of school that I haven’t been able to come in for a drink and breakfast, which is probably for the best since I’d just ogle the gorgeous woman as she made me tea and a muffin.
Sometimes being a bumbling idiot around pretty girls is a curse.
“Good, what’s their story anyway?” I ask, trying to seem nonchalant.
However, by the look on Hazel’s face—I failed.
“Honestly, I don’t know. She hasn’t told me how she ended up in Ember Falls, but she’s a great employee who shows up on time, works hard, and doesn’t complain. To me, she’s been a godsend and doesn’t cause any issues at all.”
Don’t I wish I had more people like that around me. I love my job. Being a principal of the high school has brought me a lot of happiness. Kids, while being some of the most frustrating humans known to man, are also amazing. They’re funny, and each day I learn something new.
However, my staff is challenging. Teachers are underpaid and overworked. It’s a shame, and as much as I wish I could do something to change it—I can’t. I have to spend half my days trying to keep them all from walking out.
Not that I’d blame them.
“I’m glad it’s working out,” I tell her with a smile.
“Me too. I’m surprised you haven’t seen her since she lives close to you.”
I shake my head. “Haven’t seen her around at all.”
I live in the north section of Ember Falls. My house is situated at the base of the mountain, whereas the majority of the town is more to the west, where the falls are. The town was really built around them, but I bought a lot of land away from everyone and built my house. I like that I come into town when I need to but have a sanctuary that’s away from it all.
There are only two other people who live close to me, Mr. Kipland, who has been there since the dawn of time, and some guy from California who just bought the one property a little up the road from me, which is the house Penelope is renting.
“Well, I know I feel better that she’s got you as a semi-neighbor.”
I smile. “Yes, I’m known for being social and kind.”
Hazel laughs. “Yeah, you’re definitely one of the good ones. So how’s Eloise doing?”
“She’s good. The baby is due soon, and I’m not sure if she’s killed Doug yet.”
“Would you blame her?” Hazel asks as she hands me a cupcake.
“Not in the least. I’d help her bury the body at this point.”
“Considering he’s one of your best friends, I’m kind of surprised you’d turn on him so easily.”
