I nod, then point to the carts. “Do you mind if I get some shopping done now? I’m at a cabin up the road a bit. I’d like to finish up before it’s too dark.”
“Oh yes! Sorry for stopping you. My husband is just too darn nosey sometimes,” Link replies. “Get whatever you need. Holler if you have questions.”
Leaving them to their whispers, I shop for the items on my list. The selection is surprisingly great, which has me adding several extra things I didn’t intend to buy. I chalk up the items to supporting the local economy. It will be good to put money into this place. I might not buy into the gimmick of it all, but surely others will.
I can’t fault them for still believing.
Sometimes I wish I could.
“Your total is one hundred seventy-two dollars and sixty-five cents, please. Cash or card?”
I pull out my card, tapping it on the little screen quickly to cover the cost. It’s not as bad as I expected given the small town. Places like this either undercut their prices to be competitive and support locals or they go the opposite way by hiking up prices for tourists.
“Let me walk these out for you.” Before I can tell him I can get it all, Link grabs half the bags and stomps out the door. I follow him, then click the button for my rental so he knows where to go.
We put everything in the trunk, and I fight the urge to tip him. I don’t think he’d appreciate the move. I’ll just have to donate to the town or something later on his behalf. Not just because he took my groceries out. It’s the kindness he’s shown me that really has me ready to fork over wads of cash.
This trip could be really depressing if I get too in my head. Meeting a couple who believes in me and has a story similar to mine is nice. Even if I don’t think it’s going to happen to me, I can admit it’s got me feeling better about the week ahead.
“Drive safe and don’t be a stranger. The tree is worth taking a night trip down to visit. We also have a coffee and hot cocoa stand for people to grab something warm from. We’ll be having a snowman building contest later in the week too if you’re still here.”
I laugh and point in the direction I’m heading. “My cabin is secluded. I’m pretty sure once the snow starts, I won’t be able to get out to see it. Sounds fun though.”
“Oh,” he says softly. “If you might get stuck, then maybe you should give me your number. If there’s an emergency, one of uscan get a snowmobile up there with supplies and stuff. We could even bring you down for a visit if you get cabin fever.”
“I doubt it, but sure.” I rattle off my number, then give him a final wave as I get behind the wheel.
Maybe this trip won’t be so lonely after all.
CHAPTER 4
Edward
Adulting is the lamest thing ever. Why does everything have to be so fucking complicated?
I mean, booking a plane ticket and getting a rental shouldn't be rocket science, right? The website is enough to make my head spin. Not the good Little space way either.
Eventually, I figure out enough to actually get me to the airport and on a flight to where Bram is staying. There are no rentals left though, so I book a car to take me to the small town outside of where he’s at. I figure I can get a ride to him from one of the nice townspeople if I play my cards right.
At least I hope so. I can be pretty convincing when I want to be.
I’ll have to be at my best if I want Bram to let me stay with him this week. He seemed pretty adamant about doing this alone, but I know him. He’s got something big going on inside. Being alone is only going to have him worrying about it more than necessary.
If I’m around, he’ll be able to split his focus. That usually helps him work out whatever problems there are.
Either way, I’m here now. This time, I’ll beg for forgiveness since I didn’t ask for permission.
“You sure this is where you want me to drop you? There’s not a hotel or anything you want to go to?” The driver looks around the small town with unease.
Meanwhile, I feel like I’ve hit the literal jackpot of locations. The explosion of Christmas decor tells me I don’t have anything bad to worry about here. If anything, I’ll fit right in once my Little side feels comfortable enough to peek out. Travel always leaves that side of me apprehensive.
I wish Icould comfort that part of me better. Bram seems to be the only one who knows how.
It’s part of how I know he’ll be an amazing Daddy for me one day. Well, that’s only if he wants me back eventually. I’m still holding out hope his friendly feelings will change. That can happen, you know. I’ve heard about it.
Our situation is different given the kink aspect, though I don’t see it being in a bad way. Bram already knows I’m a Little. He’s seen me in action numerous times. If he didn’t like it, he wouldn’t hang out with me.
Being my Daddy would be different, sure, but not too different in my opinion.
