DEAN
While Goldie’s having her doctor’s appointment, I drive over to the Candy Cabin to pick up some donuts. I don’t know what kinds of donuts she prefers, so I get one in every flavor.
My phone is beeping with messages from the girl my aunt gave my number to. I need to reply to tell her I’m not available. One look at Goldie on that couch yesterday and I was sure I wouldn’t be available to anyone else.Ever.
I’m whistling as I drive back to collect her. Both dogs are looking at me like I’m from another planet.
Goldie doesn’t want me to carry her back to the car, insisting on using her crutches.
“I need the practice, Dean. Once the boot is off, I’ll have the brace on and be doing more regular physio in the city.”
“Getting the boot off is a good thing, right?” I glance over at her as she stares out of the window. I’m acutely aware of her soft, shapely thighs in that flirty little slip dress.
“Yes.” Her tone is despondent.
“Sure sounds like it. Did the doctor diagnose you with something else while you were in there? Plague, maybe?”
A tiny smile. “Nope. This has all been a long journey. I’ve spent more time back here in Snowflake than I thought I would.”
“And that’s a bad thing?” I ask, taking the turn for the mountain road.
She shakes her head. “I don’t know why I’m telling you this, but I hate my job.”
“How come?”
“Do youpromisenot to tease me?” She glances over, running a hand through her reddish-gold hair.
“Pinky swear. You’re safe with me. Poupon might gossip about it, but only to my aunt.”
“I don’t love working at the museum. My boss is…”
“An asshole?”
“I think we’re meant to call itchallenging.” She shrugs. “Working from home means he’s not breathing down my neck all the time. The quality of my work is better, I’m happier. I like it back in Snowflake, too. Even though my parents are over in Oakfield now, Poppy and my brother Elias are here.”
I nod. “Your sister’s gone to see your Mom, I think the minister said? Is she doing better?”
“Yes. She had to have emergency surgery, but she’s recovering well. Dad has MS and she’s his main carer. So Poppy’s with Mom and Elias is looking after Dad.”
“Sounds like your family’s going through a lot.” I want to reach out and take her hand.
“It’s been a tough time. Breaking my ankle was the cherry on top. But it let me slow down and now…I don’t know…”
“You could always marry me and stay here in Snowflake.” My tone is light but I’m deadly serious.
She rolls her eyes. “Typical. I thought you weren’t going to tease me again. Anyway, aren’t you going to answer your phone? I’ve never heard anyone’s phone beep so frequently.”
“Not while I’m driving, no.” My voice sounds harsher than I thought. I’m disappointed she rejected my suggestion as if it wasridiculous. She still sees me as the school joker, not a serious prospect.
“What’s that smell? Cinnamon and…chocolate?”
“Donuts. A reward for you being so brave in the doctor’s office.”
“How do you know I was brave? I could have cried through the entire appointment like a big baby.”
I tap my nose. “I have my sources.”
When we’re back inside, I make some iced coffee and bring her a plate of donuts. Then I walk the dogs.
