Page 23 of Emeric

“Of course he said yes. He’d be foolish not to. What about dessert?”

“I’m going to bake. I have what I need at home for that.”

“Good. Is there anything we’re missing?”

I glanced into the cart and did a quick mental calculation to make sure I had enough ingredients for the meal. It was only the two of us, but I tended to cook more than was necessary. It worked well for leftovers.

“I think I’ve got everything.”

“Then let’s get you checked out.”

As we approached the register, I saw a young woman at the pantry at the front of the store. She took some of the kale and thyme, as well as canned goods and pasta. For a moment, she hesitated, as if she didn’t want to take too much.

Wendy walked toward her while I turned and browsed an aisle. I’d seen Wendy pull food off the shelves to help a family. She didn’t always have it easy here either. I’d heard stories from her of the early years when they took over the store from the previous owner. It was a failing business then. It took them a while to get where they were now.

I’d never told Wendy, but I’d spoken to Jordan about her and the market. The food was always fresh, and the owners were kind and genuinely cared about what they did. Jordan hired people to repave the parking lot, paint the exterior of the store, and update the lighting. Wendy never knew who did it. We didn’t tell her. The workers said it was donated and left it at that.

After it was done, I came by, and Wendy beamed with happiness at everyone who was there. The store was fuller than before the updates. She still had other work to do inside to get it where she wanted, but what Jordan did was a big help.

The market was known to those who lived nearby. They’d choose to come here over a big chain grocery store. I didn’t interact with many people, but I still got a sense of community when I was here.

By the time I made my way to the register, the woman was gone. I placed my food on the counter. “Did she get what she needed?”

Wendy nodded. “She’d heard about the pantry from a friend. Her husband was recently laid off, and she stays home to care for their baby. She was looking for formula, but I don’t have the brand she needs. I gave her money to buy it though. Your money goes a long way here, Sylvan. Never doubt the good you do.”

“I could say the same to you.” Wendy didn’t like to make a big deal of giving back.

She waved me off and started to ring up my items. I hoped Emeric liked what I was making. I’d sent him a follow-up text to ask if he had any food allergies, which he didn’t. I would have felt awful serving him food he couldn’t eat.

Before leaving the store, I told Wendy I’d return early next week for my regular shopping. I’d walk through the greenhouse to see what I could bring with me. I had a lot planted for the summer and couldn’t wait to make meals with it, but I always had more than I could use. I could expand by adding another greenhouse. If feeding others was the result, I’d be happy to do it.

10

EMERIC

Determining what to wear to dinner at Sylvan’s home took me a bit. If I dressed too formally, I worried it would set the tone for the meal. That wasn’t what I wanted. Relaxed, hopefully getting Sylvan to talk without being nervous, that was the goal. Wearing jeans and a T-shirt seemed too casual, so I went with a pair of khakis and an ivory button-down, rolled the sleeves up, and left the top few buttons undone.

I gave Lana a heads-up that I would be out for the night and not to call me unless it was an emergency. She assured me, even if it was, she wouldn’t call unless everything was on fire. Knowing Jordan, it was a distinct possibility. Not an actual fire, but something like it. It seemed to happen more often than it should.

The drive to Sylvan’s home gave me time to listen to calming music. If I showed up even a little nervous, I worried it would make it harder for Sylvan. It wasn’t until I pulled up to the gates that I realized I didn’t have the code to get in, nor did I have a way to go in through the garage. There was always the front door, but Oleander hadn’t gone in that way.

Before I could roll the window down to hit the button by the gates, they opened, allowing me entrance. Knowing Jordan, everything at this place was connected not only to Sylvan’s phone but also back at Jordan’s building, where Barry could monitor it. Jordan didn’t take chances, even at places he was rarely at.

As I pulled up to the garage, one of the doors opened, revealing Sylvan on the other side. If I thought he was attractive the last time I was here, it was nothing compared to how he looked tonight.

His blond hair was styled back, giving me a clear look at his eyes. The moment I got close enough, I’d be able to see the blue depths of them. He wore a pair of dark jeans and a short-sleeved, collared olive shirt. He was thin but not overly so. I could tell he took care of himself.

I shut off my car, stepped out, and closed the door. “Good evening,” I greeted.

His hands were clasped at his waist. “Thank you for coming.”

When I stopped in front of him, he peered up at me. There was something heady about the move, making me glad I had a bit of height on him. The thought made me wonder what Oleander must feel like. He had a couple of inches on me.

“Thank you for having me,” I replied. “I was glad to get your text.”

He smiled, granting me the beauty of him happy. “You were?”

“I’d been thinking about you since I was last here. I wasn’t sure if I should ask you or Oleander out, and if I did, would either of you want to?” I’d debated whether to bring Oleander up. The reality was, I was attracted to him, and it was obvious Sylvan was too. Not mentioning him didn’t feel right.