CHAPTERSEVEN
Melody
It’s Friday and two days since Lucas kissed me in the entryway. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about him. He messaged me the morning after to say he’d been called into work, despite it being his rest days. One of the firefighters he works with was sick, and he’d been asked to cover her shifts. From his messages, he was as disappointed as I was. I think we both wanted to spend some time together. After that kiss, how could we not?
To take my mind off Lucas and to let Roman expend some energy, we’ve decided to go and explore Armstrong. I was a child the last time I was here, and I’m sure the town has changed and grown in the years that have passed. I’m finally unpacked, and although the house needs some serious updating, I think it’s finally as clean as I’m going to get it. I still haven’t been able to get in touch with my landlord, and I’m beginning to wonder if I ever will. He’s clearly taken my money and doesn’t want to deal with any of the issues I have. As soon as Roman starts preschool and I get a job, I’ll be looking for somewhere else to live.
Roman’s on his bike, and I’m walking behind him when my phone vibrates in my pocket. Butterflies swarm in my stomach at the prospect of it being a message from Lucas. I haven’t heard from him today, but I know he must be busy at work. Sliding the phone from the pocket of my jean shorts, I smile when I see a message from him.
Lucas: I really want to see you. Are you free for lunch?
I grin and bite down on my bottom lip. I really want to see him too, but does he want me to come to the firehouse? I look up from my phone and check on Roman, who has stopped with his bike outside Pete’s Bakery. His nose is pressed against the glass, and I chuckle as I come up behind him.
“Do you want a cookie, Roman?” I ask, seeing his eyes are focused on a huge stack of chocolate chip cookies in the window.
“Can I?” His eyes widen as he turns to look at me.
“Sure. Just hang on while I send Lucas a message.”
“Can we get Lucas a cookie too?”
“Maybe,” I tell him, not knowing what Lucas has planned.
Typing out a message, nerves swirl in my stomach at the prospect of seeing him again, and my finger hovers over the send button. I hope I’m not being too forward by inviting myself to the firehouse. I take a deep breath and send the message before I change my mind.
Me: Hi, we’re just in town outside Pete’s Bakery. Shall I grab us some lunch from here and bring it to you?
Three dots flash up on the screen telling me he’s typing out a reply. I smile when his message comes through.
Lucas: Well, I did want to buy you lunch, but I can never say no to the turkey subs from Pete’s, so that sounds like a great plan. Roman can see the firehouse then too.
Me: Great. See you soon.
I slip my phone back into my pocket and kneel down in front of Roman. “So… Lucas said we can stop by the firehouse. Would you like that?”
“Yes! Yes! Yes!” he shouts excitedly, jumping up and down.
I laugh. “Come on, then. You can choose his cookie.”
I push open the door to the bakery, a small bell above the door chiming with our arrival. Roman tugs me to the counter where an array of sandwiches, cakes, muffins, and cookies fill the display cabinet. My mouth waters as I look at them, and my stomach rumbles as I realize I haven’t eaten yet today. Roman had his oatmeal this morning like always, but I hadn’t been hungry. A black coffee had been enough.
“Hi. What can I get you?” a young woman behind the counter asks.
“Hi. Could I get two turkey subs and a ham roll?” I ask, deciding to try one of the subs myself if they’re as good as Lucas says. I opt for something smaller for Roman, knowing he won’t eat much.
“Sure. Anything else?” she asks as she packages up the sandwiches, placing them into a small bag.
My eyes flick to the cookies and muffins. “Can I get a selection of the muffins and cookies? Ten in total, so maybe five of each.”
“Ten?” Roman exclaims from the side of me. “Are they all for me?” he asks, his voice breathless.
I burst out laughing. “No, monkey. We’re going to share them. I thought maybe Lucas’s friends might want one. What do you think?”
He nods, his eyes fixed on the young woman who is filling a small box with a selection of treats. When she’s done, she adds the box to the bag, and I hand over some cash.
“Thank you,” I tell her as she hands me the bag.
Once we’re out on the sidewalk, I help Roman back on his bike. It’s only then I realize I have no idea where the firehouse is. I could go back inside the bakery and ask, but a line has formed and I don’t want to wait. I dig out my phone and send a message to Lucas.