Page 168 of As They Are
“I’m sure you’ve already heard that I’m very capable of that,” I said, rubbing my now warm face.
“You’re right. I did. It needs to continue.”
“This is a very weird thing to overhear,” Cain said. “Can I have my phone back now, princess?”
Mollie sighed. “I have to go. Thank you for the update. I’ll also be stealing your number from Cain’s phone. Bye!”
She was gone before I could say it back.
I let out a shocked laugh. I’d never let myself fall for someone, but I could only hope that I made a good enough impression on those who were close to Wren.
When I walked into Food ‘n’ Things, Dale was behind the counter talking with Kerry about all of the changes in the town. Even in the store, there were a few people who’d come to visit. Some I knew from neighboring towns, others were obviously tourists. I gave polite waves to a few of them as I grabbed what I needed and got in line.
“We’re gonna need a hotel,” Kerry said. “Or use the apartments that used to be above the square.”
“A hotel? Here? That would make things even worse. And those apartments are terrible. They’re falling apart.”
“And raccoon infested,” Kerry muttered with a sigh. “I just think we should capitalize on this.”
“We’re a tiny town with just a few people. I love this new business, but it’ll pass.”
“The people who do come here love it, and we’ll have the largest library on the town square.”
“The second they’re done here, the library will be gone again. It’s just how things work.”
“What about the STM grant? It’s helping.”
“Some billionaire temporarily cares about us. It won’t last forever.”
Kerry crossed her arms and looked away, eyes meeting mine. “Oh! Sorry, Henry. Didn’t see you there.”
“Just need to get this,” I said. “Though I agree. It would be nice if Strawberry Springs were more self-sufficient.”
“It would require a lot of work,” Kerry said. “Maybe it’s best that we leave it.”
I didn’t want to leave it, but Dale had a point. Whoever was behind the grant would lose interest, and then we would be right where we’d always been.
Dale grabbed the buttermilk and scanned it. “Big plans?”
“Making breakfast for Wren.”
Kerry gasped. “Are things going well still? You two are always so cute together.”
“Still feel bad for Jude?” I asked.
Her cheeks colored. “I mean ... in the show I do. Obviously, you’re way better. I definitely see it.”
Dale laughed. “Busted by the Facebook group.”
“It’s fine. I’m only messing with you. Things are good. Better than good, actually.”
“I called it,” Dale said. “From the second he saw her, I knew they were gonna be together.”
“You’ll never let us live it down,” Kerry said. “You better get back and make breakfast. I bet she’s hungry.”
“Shoot, you’re right.” I nearly ran out the door. “See you later!”
When I walked in, I found Wren in the kitchen glaring at a bowl.
