You're Not Broken(6)

Uncle Doughy watched his nephew and niece duke it out as they usually did. Finally he nodded and said, “Have your phone on you and stay in lit areas.” His head then disappeared from the window.



Malcolm’s jaw dropped in outrage as he stared at the empty window. “That's all you have to say?” he demanded. “Kat, who apparently can’t find anyone good enough in town even though every man has knocked down our doors trying to get to her, is going to go out with some drifter and all you can say is stay in lit areas?”



But there was no response. Only the banging of pots and pans as they were washed for the night.



Kat grinned. Undoing her apron, she picked up a thermos and a large paper bag. She looked at her reflection against the dull metal wall. She carefully tousled her long caramel colored bangs and retied her loose ponytail, letting it rest comfortably over her shoulder.



Pinching Malcom’s cheek on her way out the door, she grinned, “You’re sweet, little brother.”



“Just know cops can arrest wizards and muggles alike!” Malcolm called out. “No one is exempt from the law!”



***



They had decided to meet out in front of the library. The library was next to a large park that was well lit and had a lovely path to walk along.



Kat saw Jason first. He was standing under a streetlight, his pickup truck parked next to him. Seeing his tall, broad body standing against the streetlight, he looked like the embodiment of a Rebel Without A Cause. He looked dangerous. He looked lethal.



And for a moment, Kat felt her heart skip a beat as she wondered if this maybe wasn’t the best idea. After all, Malcolm had been right. She had only talked to the man for about fifteen minutes. What could she really learn about a person in such a short amount of time?



But then as she neared, Jason must’ve heard her footsteps. He raised his head and instantly, Kat felt at ease.



As soon as Jason’s head had lifted at the sound of her footsteps, she had seen that searching look of surprise. He had half expected her to stand him up. He had thought she would flake.



But even still, he had stood by the library, hoping for the best but prepared for the worst.



Kat felt her heart ache a little for the man who was clearly in need of some warmth and some comfort. He seemed to doubt anything good in his world could truly be for him.



After months of battle and firefights, she could see how someone could start thinking like that. And it made her more determined to show him that there was enough good in the world and that he was more than entitled to some.



She smiled and waved the thermos. “I brought some coffee and pie,” she called out.



He grinned. “You’re like an angel to my stomach.”



She suddenly wondered if she should’ve brought an actual meal for him. After all, at the diner he had only had coffee.



Jason went around and lowered the tailgate to his truck. Kat set the thermos and the paper bag carrying the pie on the flatbed. But before she could push herself up, Jason grabbed her by the waist and lifted her up with a breathless strength that made her dizzy.



Kat felt her cheeks immediately heat. He had picked her up as if she had been nothing more than a feather. The ease of his strength of his hands on her waist took her by surprise. But a good surprise. Most definitely.



The truck dipped as Jason hopped up as well. Dangling their legs off the edge, Kat pulled out two paper cup from the bag and poured them each a nice hot cup of coffee. Summer was just ending and fall’s crisp winds were starting to pick up.



Ripping the bag to make a placemat, Kat pulled out two plastic cartons each carrying a slice of blueberry pie. She gave Jason a plastic fork.



“One for you and one for me,” she said.



Jason stared at his slice before taking a forkful. He made a rumble of deep appreciation. “This is damn good,” he said finally. He dug in again for another heaping forkful.



Kat smiled happily. “Good,” she said, taking her own bite. “I made it.”



Jason’s eyes widened. “You made this?” he asked incredulously, looking at the pie again as if it were a work of art.



Kat laughed. “I make all the baked goods for Doughy Pop’s.”



“You’re good then,” he said with definite certainty as he took another big bite. “Really good.”



Kat was pleased. “Eventually, I hope to add more to the baked goods section for Pop’s. To the whole menu really,” she said, taking a sip of her coffee. She looked over and was surprised to see clear green eyes focused on her.



Jason was listening with rapt attention. And with the sharp clean expression on his face, she could tell he not just politely interested; he was completely engaged.