He kisses my forehead and reaches down to take my hand. Guiding me to a bench half a block away from the shop–luckily, it's in the direction of my van. He sits on the bench and pulls me down next to him and tucks me into his side when he sees me shivering.
When he speaks, his voice comes out low and authoritative. "You are not broken, little one." He tells me, and I melt into his side more with the endearment,little one. "You had an emotional reaction to past trauma. A memory. Whether the memories were good or bad, it took a lot out of you. I was glad to be there for it–you."
"Y-you don't th-think I'm a…a mess?" I sniffle, feeling my eyes dampen.
"Not in the least, Ben. In fact. I really enjoyed scratching the surface of who you are and would love the chance to get to know you better. That is…if it's something you would like as well," he tells me, and I hear the sincerity in his voice.
"Yes. I'd like that too." I tell him the truth.
"Good. I know you are heading back to the city to wrap things up. Can I take you out Monday night after work? We can celebrate your first day at the shop." He offers.
"I'd like that. A lot." I offer him a genuine smile.
"Then it's a date. Now, let's get you out of the cold. Where did you park?" He stands and helps me up as well, keeping my hand in his. With my free hand, I point down the block.
When we arrive at my vintage VW camper van, he freezes–expression unreadable.
"It's not much. But it's mine." I tell him, feeling proud that I own it outright with no payments.
"Ben, this van is amazing. I love vintage things." I beam at his response.
"Me too. It's like I get to share in someone else's story. Keep that person's memory alive." I tell him, voice a little stronger than it was earlier.
I like that we have this in common.
"Alright, little one," Jason tells me, holding his arms out, and I happily step into them. When he squeezes me against his body, I promise I don't swoon. "Get in and turn the heater on. I'll talk to you later?" He forms it as a question as if he had a hint of doubt.
"Of course."
"And…can you let me know that you made it back to Bedford City okay?" He looks a bit uncertain of his request, and I can't help but tease him a little.
"Yes, Daddy," I wink and giggle as I start to make my way into the driver's seat.
"You are going to be a handful, aren't you?" He smirks.
"Not at all. Just teasing you a bit. I a good boy," I tell him in my little voice before cranking the ignition. My baby starts right up. "I'll let you know when I make it home safely."
Home? Bedford City is no longer my home. My home is here in Rockport Ridge. Wow. I have no place to stay. I school my expression because that is something I will need to figure out on my own. I glance over my shoulder into the backseat, and I kind of have this thrill of living a van life for a bit. A bohemian nomad lifestyle isn't really my thing, but it could be an adventure.And a way to save some money.
"Drive safely," Jason says before shutting the door for me.
I offer him a little wave, and he turns and starts walking down the street. I look in my rearview mirror to see him turn around to look at me with a broad smile across his face.
I have one to match.
Before pulling out of my space, I tap on Caleb's message.
The voice on the phone reads it to me robotically."You have one unread message from unknown. It's Caleb. Now you can't escape me. Laughing emoji. I love making new friends, especially with other littles. I can't wait to learn more about you, and I hope we can become more than just work pals. Flower bouquet emoji.
What a whirlwind my life has taken in the last few days. I lost my job. Got a new one. I was lonely in the city, and now I have a date with a caring, hot guy who is in the lifestyle, who could possibly become my daddy if the chemistry is there–which it totally is. And now a friend I work with. Who, of all things, is also a Little.
For once, the pieces of my life are starting to click together.
I pull down my visor and glance at the picture I have clipped there.
"Thanks, Mom, for looking out after me. I hope wherever you are, you're dancing among the flowers."
Chapter Seven
