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"Stop a second," I said.
Pops slowed without questioning it and pulled into a spot half a block up. "What did you see?"
"Give me two minutes."
I got out, moving back down the shops until I found what I’d seen. It was one of those places that sold a combination of things. Locally made candles, a display of ceramic bowls near the front, some prints on the wall that looked handmade. And in the corner of the display window, taking up more space than anything else in it, was a stuffed bear the size of a small child. It was brown, with fur I knew had to be super soft.
The woman behind the counter greeted me with a nod. I returned the gesture, then made my way to the display and picked up the bear to get a sense of it. It was heavier than I expected.
What a fun surprise.
I bought it with a quick swipe of my card. Then I lugged it outside to the car, where Pops gave me a knowing look.
"It's just something I saw," I said.
"Uh huh. Sure.” He put the car in drive, thankfully not saying anything else about it.
I held the bear in my lap the rest of the way, my gaze focused out the window at Bellport going past. This was my new home. It was my future.
CHAPTER 14
Grizzly
I was at my kitchen table trying to convince myself I was going to eat my lunch before it got cold. Cheyenne had suggested I head home to rest since I was cranky. My mood was especially dark given the day’s importance.
Paxton Wells, whom I hadn’t managed to see since our lunch date earlier in the week, was getting on a plane to go back to NRU. While I knew he’d be coming back, it didn’t ease the frustration of not getting more time with him.
If I hadn’t had a player try to set his career ablaze, then it would have been fine. But when someone purposefully poured gasoline on their life and lit the match, I’ve got to be the first responder to make sure they can still be successful afterward.
My phone pinged with a text. Looking down, I gave the device a questioning look since Paxton’s name was on the screen.
Paxton:Weird question. Can I drop something by your place before we leave today? I won't stay long.
Paxton had my address because I had sent it to him after the paperwork for his house went through, in case anything needed to be delivered while he finished the semester. That was me being supportive of his move.
We’ll ignore the part where I had typed the address and then sat with my thumb over the send button for a full minute before actually sending it. It was no big deal.
Nope.
Not a big deal AT ALL.
Grizzly:Of course. I'll be here. Cheyenne sent me home.
Paxton:I know. Went there first. See you soon.
He arrived about forty minutes later. Enough time for me to be finished with lunch, to have washed the dishes, and to be standing in my living room trying to decide whether to sit or remain standing.
The knock at the door nearly had me shouting. I opened it and there he was, in the same cap he’d worn before, and comfy traveling clothes, one hand braced on the door frame and the other holding a large bear.
"Hey," he said.
I stepped back to let him in without replying. There was no way I could form a sentence right then. Not when my mind was spinning with questions about the stuffed animal and his request to see me.
He came through and looked around the space with interest. I watched him take it in—the bookshelves, the reading lamp, the general minimalist state of things—and all of it seemed toconfirm his inner thoughts, because he nodded once to himself before looking back at me.
"Nice place," he said. "Though I’m not sure it suits you completely."
"Thank you?”
