Dylan didn’t react to my outburst like he would have when we were in high school. Instead, he stooped, retrieved the chair, put it upright again, and then waited. I wasn’t sure for what, but he stood there at attention as if waiting for acommand.
“Look at you. I don’t know you at all. The boy who hated rules, broke every one of them, now lives by the ultimate rules ofcombat.”
He reached for my hand, but I steppedaway.
“You know the real me. The one then and now. I haven’t changed thatmuch.”
“Have you looked in amirror?”
“It’s cut hair and a different outfit. I’m still the one who would do anything to see yousmile.”
I couldn’t do this. Not rightnow.
For several moments, neither of us moved. Part of me wished the lunch crowd would pour inside the bakery, but no one entered. It was the late morning, early afternoon vacant time. Sadie was busy with Zoey in the back making delicious treats for the nextrush.
“I’m working. I should get back to the kitchen to help,” I said, abandoning the letters andDylan.
“No need. We got it!” Sadie hollered from the kitchen. Obviously they were eavesdropping. I should’ve known that already,though.
“Aves, I don’t want to pressure or hurt you.” Dylan looked down at me, his eyespleading.
“My name is Avery,” I snapped. “You don’t get to call me Aves anymore. That girl isgone.”
“I doubt that, and I hope to see her again soon. If you read those letters, you’ll understand why I’m here now. Why I didn’t write to you sooner. And why I don’t want to leave Magnolia Corners withoutyou.”
I shook my head. “What are you talkingabout?”
Dylan shook his head. “No, you’re not ready. But when you’re done with those letters and you’re ready, I have one more for you to read. One that I hope will change our lives forever in a greatway.”
