The Seat They Never Saved and the Offer I Finally Took novel · Chapter 9 of 24

Chapter 9: The Girl at the Counter

Lacey managed the counter at Fenwick's Bakery on Selby, and she was always there by six.

I got there at ten past, in my denim jacket, and stood in the door with the bell still ringing over my head.

She was alone behind the glass case, lining up almond croissants in rows.

Her blonde hair was tied back in a soft ribbon.

When she saw me, she went white and put one hand to her chest.

"Lena."

"Hi, Lace."

"Oh my God." Her eyes filled right on schedule. "I didn't think you'd come."

"You invited me."

"I know, but I didn't think." A tear slid down. "I've been sick about this. I haven't slept."

I walked up to the counter and put both hands on the cool glass.

I had known this woman since we were eighteen.

I'd held her hair back at parties.

I'd driven four hours to sit with her when her grandfather died.

Somewhere in my chest, the old reflex lifted its head and said, comfort her.

I let it lie there and watched it go still.

"Tell me what happened," I said.

She wiped her cheek with the back of her wrist.

"Connor was only trying to help me. That night at the gate, my sugar crashed, and he panicked, and he got so protective." Her voice wobbled. "He didn't mean to leave you out."

"He took the sandwich out of my hand."

"He was scared for me."

"He gave you both his blankets."

"I get so cold." She pressed a hand to her stomach. "You know I'm not strong like you, Lena. You've always been the strong one. Connor just saw it differently."

"Saw what differently?"

"That you didn't need anybody." She said it with a sad little smile.

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