Hesitation

Reign stared hard at the plastic cup. Her number in black Sharpie made his heart sink.

There's no way she'd date me now.

He hung his head on the steering wheel.

I'll just pretend I never saw the number. She said she wasn't fond of this place anyway. The cup was crushed in his palm.

He called Leo but got no answer. Feeling defeated, he turned the car on.

“I only have to take care of what I’m obligated to.” He looked into the mirror, trying to convince himself. This is work, just another job. Another routine call on a client. He put Mr. Merrill’s address into the GPS, and with a solemn look, Reign drove in silence.

The vehicle came to a standstill in the parking lot in front of a park. Reign could see the Pastry shop’s white lettering and tall windows from here.

“Intimidation. I could just not lay a fist on him. He’s got to be older, weaker. It’ll probably work.” Granny Mae’s feeble character came to mind.

“I can’t just harass older people either!” I want to rip my hair out. She’ll hate me for it.

“Forget this!” Stepping out of the car, Reign walked toward the park. A bench near the water came into view. He settled in, watching the ducks play in the water.

The ducks sure don’t mind what kind of a day other people have. Horrible, great, it’s all the same to them. A figure strolling through the park caught sight of Reign’s moping.

“Reign?”

Turning around Adam walked in his direction calling out to him. Luck would have it I run into the few people I know from here.

“Nice to see you again. Are you and Leo in town to live it up a bit? I know there isn’t much to do back at the Cove.”

“No, I just came out for a drive is all.” Adam could sense something wasn’t quite right.

“I see. You need anything?”

“Thanks, I’m good.” Busybody older folks.

“You know I like to come down here when I’m having a tough time. Clear my head. Leo helps me out pretty often, and I think I have a good idea of the kind of trouble he finds. If either of you needs anything, you can come find me.” Adam pulled a business card out of his pocket.

“I wouldn’t have taken you to be the overly friendly type.” Reign took the card advertising a boxing gym.

“Let’s just say I’ve had my fair share of fun when I was younger. You both take me back,” he chuckled standing up, “Those were the days.”

“You said you came to clear your head?”

“Yeah, but I found my answer.”

“And what’s that.”

“I’m gonna do what I want.” The older guy pulled out a cigarette from his pocket.

Reign looked toward the pastry shop.

“I wish it was that easy.”

“But it is. All I can do is make my decisions and handle what comes after the best I can.”

“I think I found my choice too,” Reign mumbled quietly. He pushed himself off of the bench and bid Adam goodbye.

“Guy still gives me the creeps though.” He sat in the driver's seat again. Turning the car on, he left the pastry shop, and its owner undisturbed. For now, I’ll give him some time. We’re going to be busy with Trumans’ business anyway.

A few days later, Reign was loading up his daily deliveries into the back of the truck. Bright red strawberries glistened in their crates. Grandma’s friend, Cathy, waved him down.

“Honey I have one more stop for you today. I’ve been trying to reach out to more businesses, and I’ve got another that wants us to supply.” She handed the printout.

“Go ahead and take the smaller crate to this one here. They want to do a sample quality check.”

“Anything I should tell them?”

“That their not going to find anything fresher than what we got. Also to sign here.” She pointed at the bottom of the form smiling broadly.

The usual restaurants and businesses came and went. The morning air heated up with the sun rising higher. Pulling into the alleyway, Reign double-checked the address. The building was older and tucked away quietly. Vines crawled up the brick wall.

“It doesn’t even look open,” Reign picked up the small crate and made his way to the backdoor. He knocked. No answer. He knocked again. The door creaked open to reveal a surprised face.

“Reign?” June stood in the entryway, clad in a pair of overalls and a bandana.

“June,” the papers in his hand slipped onto the floor. The two reached for the documents, grazing each other's hands before apologizing.

“Come in.” June motioned for Reign to bring the crate inside. The small space had a few tables and boxes strewn about. The two stood in silence, unsure of where to start.

Reign cleared his throat, “I didn’t think you’d be back.”

“I sealed the deal. After I went home I couldn't help but keep thinking about this place. I came by yesterday to start cleaning up the place.” She stretched out her back with her hands over her head. “You can leave those on the counter. I want to try out a few recipes now that I’m finished cleaning the kitchen.” She picked up a berry, inspecting it.

"They're pretty sweet." 

"So I've heard. A restaurant on the edge of town recommended Cathy. Locally sourced ingredients always taste the best I think." 

“She'll be glad to hear that. Did it need a lot of work?” Reign gestured to the building.

“I still need to paint in the front but it’s not too bad repair-wise. I’m sure I’ll need to find a handyman to help with some odds and ends.”

“I thought Cresent Cove wasn’t really your ideal place?”

“You really sold me on the area, but so did the number of tourists. Though I still wouldn’t mind a tour myself.” Her voice sounded a little distant. Does she think I ghosted her? Crap. Take your shot.

“You’re my last delivery for the day. If you don’t have to go, then I know a few places,” he handed the papers over for her to sign. She bit the pen, contemplating the agreement.

“Will you make it worth my time?” She gave him a soft smile, making his stomach flip.

“Absolutely.” He grinned.