ONE
DARE
Some days were hard. Most days were hard, especially when you’ve had your heart, mind, soul—hell, your entire world—destroyed and you’re still trying to pick up the pieces. Most days it was tough to get out of bed. If it weren’t for my responsibilities, I’d probably never leave the house. I’d sit inside and go through the motions, pretending I was okay, when I was just existing.
I’d been in survival mode for the past five years, yet it felt like an entire lifetime. And how could it not, considering how much I’d lost and how busy I’ve kept since.
Thankfully, there was a ray of sunshine in my life. It was only one, but it was so bright it had the capacity to make me feel good if I let it.
The ray’s name was Zach. And that was who I was going to see this morning.
After driving around the block a few times, I managed to nab a spot in one of the parking bays on Main Street. The street was heaving with tourists and locals alike. Most were dressedin costumes, some wearing spooky makeup, and the kids were running around their parents screaming at the top of their lungs, trying to out-scare their friends. Pumpkin lanterns lined in front of all the window displays and fake cobwebs were spread out across doorways and passages causing more fuss than fun.
My chest felt fuzzy as I walked past those images, even if it would never be completely warm again. I wanted nothing more than to be like the people walking around, able to enjoy myself and the community but it was hard. I may have been in Mayberry Holm for five years, but I still felt like a stranger, an imposter, an outsider looking in.
Though if you asked any local, I was part of the island. I was one of them. The man who’d bought up the abandoned blueberry farm and brought it back to life. The man whose blueberry pies were legendary. The man who always had a smile on his face. I guess I was good at pretending.
I took a right turn on Main Street that led to the bay and onto the boardwalk bustling with colors and life. The bubble tea store, Bubble Bubble, had a line going all the way outside, everyone eager to get their hands on the Halloween special blend. The tourist gift shop had a whole display full of animatronic skeletons and boiling cauldrons making everyone desperate for pictures. The pub was crammed with patrons gagging for brunch.
I ignored them all and joined the line at the end of the boardwalk looking ahead at the blue food truck. At him. My ray of sunshine.
He seemed flustered. But who wouldn’t be in his situation? He was a one-man show trying to serve droves in a timely fashion and with a smile on his face. And yet, despite how busy he was, he managed to do both like the pro he was.
Fifteen minutes later I was standing in front of him looking up and doing my best not to get distracted by his beautiful kind eyes and plump pink lips. He had on a black furry onesie with the hood up, giving him a cute pair of fluffy cat ears. The tip of his nose was painted black and white whiskers were painted along his cheeks. He looked cozy and perfectly huggable, even more than usual. Just thinking about wrapping my arms around him made me feel like I could breathe again.
“If it isn’t my favorite patron!” he exclaimed, and I had to shake my head to focus on his words.
“I’m sure you say that to everyone,” I chuckle and he narrowed his eyes.
“I swear to God, I don’t. Have I told any of you that?” he raised his voice and asked the customers that had come before me, who were standing around tucking into their baked goods.
A few chuckled. Most shook their heads, and I couldn’t help but smile.
“Do you believe me now?” he laughed.
I simply shrugged because it was impossible to speak. If I did, I’d only make a fool of myself.
“So what will it be today? I’ve made some pumpkin spiced banana bread that’s to die for, chai cinnamon rolls that are so freaking good, apple and burnt caramel muffins, and a pumpkin spice carrot cake that I might just eat myself before anyone gets a chance to try it,” he said and I couldn’t help but stare at him, marveling at his incredible ability to make everything sound…mouthwatering.
“I…uhm…I’m not sure. They all sound delicious.”
He pushed his shoulders up and his smile deepened. “Then maybe a little bit of everything?”
Laughter roared from deep within me, making my entire body shake and I tapped my hand on my big belly.
“Are you trying to get me fatter?” I asked.
Zach glared at me again and raised an eyebrow.
“No. I’m just trying to feed you,” he said.
“I think I eat enough all on my own,” I said.
Zach rolled his eyes. “But not nearly enough of my cake.”
I had to bite my lip to keep myself from groaning, because what I wouldn’t give to eat him up, but as much as I wanted to, that was never going to happen.
“I’ll try your pumpkin spice banana bread and add a couple chai cinnamon rolls, thanks.”
