Page 29 of Chain Reaction
He knew Raven was still hurting. So was he.
Pretending like the issues between them didn’t exist wouldn’t make any of this easier. But he couldn’t convince Raven of that, especially if she didn’t want to listen.
For now, he’d stay quiet and respect the boundaries she’d put in place.
Before he could think of anything else to say, the sound of digitized music playing outside hit his ears. “She’ll Be Coming Around the Mountain” to be exact.
Numerous people had asked Serena Lavinia not to play music on her ice cream truck late at night. But she never listened.
Serena even went as far as to blame the truck—which was named Elsa, after its original owner—for playing the music randomly on its own.
Jake had a hard time believing her until Cassidy backed up the claim.
A knot formed between Raven’s eyes. “What is that?”
“It’s your food,” he explained.
She squinted. “The delivery driver plays music?”
“She drives an ice cream truck, and she works as a part-time reporter. Before you came in, she was actually at the site of the blast for an article.”
“Interesting . . .” was all Raven could seem to mutter.
“I’ll grab your food.” Jake rose, ready to be away from Raven a moment so he could compose himself.
Raven had always had that effect on him, and he didn’t foresee that changing anytime soon.
He stepped outside, the kid-inspired music louder as he opened the door.
Before walking toward the ice cream truck, he glanced around.
He didn’t see anyone—but he’d still need to be careful, especially until they had more answers.
He hurried toward the truck. As he approached, Serena rolled her window down and stuck her arm out, a brown bag in hand. “One delivery for a Mr. Jake Laudner.”
“Thanks, Serena.”
She grinned and raised her chin. “No problem. I aim to please. You want some ice cream while I’m here? Two for one deal.”
“Buy one get one?”
“No, I deliver foodandsell dessert. What more could you ask for?”
A smile started to curl part of Jake’s lip. The woman was quite the salesperson and a real fixture here on Lantern Beach.
Then he realized that some ice cream actually sounded pretty good.
“I’ll take a Nutty Buddy.” He stared at the product chart on the side of the vehicle. “And give me a . . .”
Bomb pop? That seemed like it would be in poor taste considering these circumstances.
What would Raven like?
“Drumstick ice cream cone,” he finally said.
Memories of the two of them getting ice cream together in New York during their five days together filled his thoughts.
Memories of her laughter. Of the light in Raven’s gaze. Of the affection in her expression.
