“You should have worn a scarf if you’re cold,” I told him. “A beanie too. It gets very cold here. Do you have a beanie?”
He looked at me then, smile wide. “I do, in fact. I should wear it tomorrow. And Jayden is doing a food stall out in front of the shop on Saturday for the grand opening. That’s what he’ll be seeing me about.”
That made sense.
I stopped walking next to the truck. It had Hartbridge Veterinarian Clinic written on the door, so I assumed he’d know it was my stop. “I’m looking forward to it, though I told Dad I’d prefer later in the afternoon when it’s not so busy.”
“You’re coming?” he asked, eyes bright.
“Yes, of course.” Now I was confused. “Why does this surprise you? I’m an avid reader, and given you sent aflyer out to everyone, I’m assuming the whole town will be there.”
He made a face. “Oh, I do hope so. I’m nervous, but also excited. There’s still so much work to do. It feels as if Saturday is coming too fast and I won’t be ready. I mean, I’m sure I will be, but I want it to be perfect, and I don’t even know if three of me could get it all done.”
“There were a lot of boxes,” I agreed.
He grimaced. “I know! And that’s not even half of it. You should see the storeroom.” He looked back toward the storefront. “I should get back there. We’ll be there until midnight every night, at this rate, trying to get it all done, and having two little kittens doesn’t help right now. I barely slept at all and I don’t see that changing any time soon. Until they’re on a better schedule and not feeding so often.”
“A few weeks, at least,” I said.
He deflated but then offered me a smile. “Oh well. That can’t be helped. I’m sure we’ll get through it.”
I liked his positive attitude, and I wished there was something I could do to help.
Well... until I realized therewassomething I could do.
“I can help you,” I said.
He blinked. “With the kittens?”
“No. Well, yes. As their veterinarian, it’s my job to care for them. But I meant the book inventory. After work, I could help you. Actually, it would be after dinner, and then Dad and I watch our show together, but it’s over by eight o’clock, and if you’ll be there until midnight, I can help for four hours. I mean, I don’t have to watch our show. Some episodes are reruns. I’m sure he won’t mind. But I’m very efficient with inventory. Cataloging and order are my specialty. I do most of it for the clinic. I actually enjoy it, so it’s not a chore or anything.”
I don’t know why I suddenly felt so nervous. As if everything hinged on his yes or no.
“Deacon,” he said softly. I looked at him then, at his eyes, and some of that anxiety melted away. “I’d like that. That would be very helpful, thank you.”
The force of the relief I felt almost knocked the air out of me, and yet I couldn’t help but smile. “Excellent. Then I shall see you at around seven, if that suits you?”
“Did you want to watch your show first?”
I was a little torn about that, but this seemed more important. “No, it’s fine. I’m sure Dad will understand that you’re on a deadline.”
“Well, I do appreciate that,” he said. “What show is it that you watch, by the way?”
“Antiques Roadshow. We like to try and guess where each item originated, and when, and what it’s worth.”
“I love that show! I love the English version best.”
“Same.” A thrill ran through me. I couldn’t believe he liked my show. “We have a lot in common.”
He laughed at that. I wasn’t sure why, because I hadn’t meant it as a joke. But then he nodded, still smiling. “We do.”
I looked at my watch, alarmed to see it was already a quarter to one. “Oh my goodness, I’m late,” I said, rushing to the driver’s door and opening it, almost dropping my bag of pastries. “I’m never late.” Then I stopped and turned to where Winter was still standing on the sidewalk. “I have to go. Bye. I will see you at seven.”
“Okay,” he said, smiling, his cheeks pink again.
He really needed to wear a scarf. Perhaps I would take him one tonight.
I drove to work and hurried inside, taking in the bag of pastries. I hadn’t even had time to eat and now my lunchbreak was already over, and I hated when my schedule was impacted, and this was my doing, which made it worse.
