Chapter Ten
The next dayafter the morning rush at the bakery ended, I enjoyed some scones and coffee with my sisters. “I was thinking about putting together a Christmas Eve party for the staff and patients at the rehab center. They’ve been so busy, and everyone has worked so hard. I guess I just want to give back for all they’ve given me. I mean, I’ve really enjoyed working there. What do youthink?”
Sadie beamed one of her approving smiles at me. “I think that’s an awesome idea. I’ll provide thesweets.”
“I was hoping you’d saythat.”
Tap.Tap.
We all turned to see Kevin at the bakery door. I unlocked it and shooed him inside. The bell rang, announcing his entrance. “Come in, come in. It’s freezing outthere.”
“Here you go.” He placed my spare key in myhand.
“How did you getthis?”
Kevin glanced at my sisters. “I stopped by this morning, and Avery gave me the key. A friend of mine had some business in town, so I hitched a ride and then drove your car back foryou.”
“But how did you know where… Oh, Avery, right.” I smiled, knowing she was playing matchmakeragain.
Sadie pulled out a chair. “Come. Sit and eat withus.”
“I’d love to, but I need to get back to the center. There’s a leak they need lookedat.”
I eyed my car outside. “You need aride?”
“That would be great. My truck is at the center. It won’t take long.” He looked to my sisters. “I’ll have her back before the lunchrush.”
“Don’t worry. She isn’t much help anyway.” Avery shoved my coat to my chest and waved us out thedoor.
Kevin held tight to my arm through the slush. We settled into my car, and I cranked the heat up to high. “I hope this didn’t put you out too much. I know how busy youare.”
“No, it was my pleasure. You need to get that rear tire replaced, though. Your tread isworn.”
I backed out and headed for the center. “Iwill.”
There was no traffic this time of day, so it was a quick ride to the center. “What do you think about us throwing a Christmas Eve party at the center? Sadie said she’d supply food, and I was going to ask the therapists if we could have patients help make decorations. The ones working on their gross and fine motor control. I’d even run the groups forthem.”
Kevin smiled. “I think that’s a great idea. You sure you want to continue studying literature? You’d make an excellenttherapist.”
I bit my lip and looked out the window of my car at his truck parked nearby. “I’m not sure of anything rightnow.”
Kevin stroked my hair. “Hey, you’re home with family, and none of us are going anywhere. You’ve got time to figure your life out. How about we talk about your options tonight, overdinner.”
“As friends?” I asked with awink.
“Whatever you need to call it,beautiful.”
I thought about it for a minute. Everything was so confusing rightnow.
“I’ll cook for you in exchange for you helping me with choosing wallpaper and paint. You’d be doing me a favor. My house? Sixo’clock?”
“I guess I owe you that much after rescuing me last night and then getting my car for metoday.”
Kevin brushed his thumb over my cheek, and I had to admit I liked his attention. “See you then.” He looked at me another second, and I thought he might kiss me, a real kiss this time, but he didn’t. Instead, he opened his door and ran inside thecenter.
The day went fast through the lunch shift, but after cleaning the bakery and setting up for the next day, the evening went slow. I’d managed to wash my hair, blow it dry, put on makeup, try on over a dozen outfits, and it was still only fiveo’clock.
Avery peered into the room. “I think you should wear the dress from the othernight.”
