Page 25 of Free to Believe
The girl laughs.
Quickly and painfully, I apply antiseptic to my leg and follow it with antibiotic ointment and a rather large bandage. Soon, a gorgeous drink is being placed in front of me with a small silver creamer server with extra caramel. Touched by the unexpected gesture, I beam.
“I figure you were wounded and could use some love on the side.”
Taking my first sip, I moan aloud. “I haven’t had coffee this good since I left home. My sister is the only other person I know who makes coffee this amazing.”
She grins before standing and heading to the back. “I’ll just leave you to…hey! What’s my old bike doing out there?”
Standing, I hobble over to the window. “Your old bike? That’s the piece of shit—excuse my language—that broke down on me? I found it in the garage of the apartment I’m staying in.”
The barista’s brow lowers. “Emily?”
I jerk back in confusion and end up banging my leg under the table. Wincing, I ask, “How do you know my name?”
She lets out a series of giggles before holding out her hand. “I’m Jenna. Jenna Madison. Dani’s cousin. She told me you were going to be coming, but I haven’t had a chance to pop by to say hi. I believe you met my dad a few days ago.”
No. Freaking. Way. This is Dani’s youngest cousin? Studying her face, I can see the same high cheekbones and lush lips that grace her famous cousin. But… “Jenna, please tell me that hair isn’t permanent,” I beg of her.
She laughs. “Nope. It’s just hair color chalk. But thank you for asking versus yelling at me like Dad did. Say, why were you biking into town anyway? Why didn’t you just ask Dad for a ride?”
As my face goes blank while I try to think of a polite way of explaining I would sooner ride the bike again, Jenna just laughs. “Oh, this is going to be priceless. Are you up for a little fun, Emily?”
I think about it. For about half a heartbeat. “Just tell me we don’t have to walk home and I can get a few groceries.”
“Whatever we can put in the basket of my Vespa.”
I groan.
“It has two seats, Emily.”
My face brightens. “Will it get the caramel home safe?”
“Not only that, we can probably get you another coffee to go.”
I hold out my hand. “Jenna, you’ve got yourself a deal.” I have no idea what kind of trouble Jenna plans on stirring up for her father, but just being around this delightful girl reminds me so much of the antics of my own family, I can’t help but be pulled in by her natural enthusiasm and charm.
“How much longer till you’re done for the day?”
A girl yells from the back. “Hey, Jenna! Thanks for covering my break. You can clock out whenever.”
She looks at me and shrugs.
“Then how about you ring me up for my two drinks, a huge jar of that caramel sauce, and let’s go get some groceries.” My leg is throbbing. “And maybe some Tylenol.”
Giving me a sympathetic smile, she says, “Deal. Hey, what are you having for dinner tonight?”
I think briefly of what’s in my fridge. “Probably a salad. Why?”
With a wicked smile, she tells me, “Not anymore,” right before she goes behind the counter to ring up my purchases.
“Lynne! I’m out.”
“See you tomorrow!”
Soon we’re on our way. Before we go, Jenna takes a picture of the bike and uploads it to Dani with the captionIt’s sad when Em has to take this to get to town. I’ll be taking her home. Don’t worry.
I burst out laughing as we stroll into Stop and Shop.
