Chapter Six
“On second thought, maybe my suggestion of going for a walk wasn’t the best idea.” Wyatt frowned at the cloudless sky. The relentless summer heat they’d been experiencing all week hadn’t eased now that it was the weekend. If anything, the humidity had increased.
Chrissy moved to stand in the shade of a large tree. “It amazes me every time I sell a cup of hot coffee during the summer.” She raised an eyebrow. “And yes, that includes you, too.”
Wyatt shifted to stand next to her and welcomed the break from the sun. “So you only drink iced coffee during the summer?”
“I don’t drink coffee at all. I can’t stand the taste.”
He watched her face, expecting her to say she was joking, but her expression remained deadpan. “You work at a coffee shop, and you don’t drink coffee.”
“I’m pretty sure that if I did like coffee, I wouldn’t after smelling it for hours on end.” She chuckled. “Don’t worry. I work for the scones.”
“Well, I’m glad there’s some incentive.” Wyatt watched as she reached for a leaf on the tree and pulled it off before fiddling with it in her hand. The movement brought his attention to her wrist and the tattoo there. Before he realized what he was doing, he’d reached out and touched one of the heart-shaped rosebuds with the tip of a finger. “Your tattoo is one of the most detailed I’ve seen, especially for one so delicate. Is there meaning behind it?”
Chrissy dropped the leaf and rubbed her opposite thumb over the vine on her wrist with a shrug. “You know how people plant a tree for loved ones they’ve lost? I guess this is my version of that.”
Wyatt counted three flowers incorporated into the tattoo, suddenly aware of what they meant. “I think that’s a thoughtful way of remembering them.” He wanted to ask what each one stood for but wasn’t sure if she’d welcome the intrusion into her life.
She seemed to consider her options before clearing her throat. She touched a pale red bud. “This one is for my dad. He died in a construction accident just after Emma was born. Mom has told me all about him many times, but I wish I had more of my own memories.” Her fingertip moved to brush against the purple bud. “My grandma died when I was twelve, but she had a profound effect on my life. I still hear her voice inside my head, encouraging me to do my best.” Chrissy chuckled. “I have a strong inkling that she and your gran would get along wonderfully.”
The thought of that made Wyatt smile in return. At the same time, he was saddened by the realization that she was missing out on the relationship he treasured with Gran. Why was it so easy to take for granted what he had in his life? “And this one?” He touched the fully bloomed yellow rose and tried to ignore the electrical charge that traveled from the point of connection straight to his heart, giving it a jolt.
“That’s to remind me that death isn’t forever. That even though I’m missing my family here on Earth, I know I’ll see them again someday. And that gives me hope.” She gave a little shrug. “It probably sounds really lame, but knowing God’s there and more in control of things than I am is what got me through Emma’s condition and transplant.”
“I don’t think that sounds lame at all. I think it’s a beautiful reminder.” Memories of holding her hand at Gran’s birthday party flooded his mind, and he resisted the urge to reach for it now. He had a thought and jerked a thumb toward the street. “Do you like snow cones?”
That brought a smile to Chrissy’s face and seemed to chase away the mixed emotions that were there before. “Absolutely.” She pointed at him. “As long as you promise to not make fun of my flavor choice.”
He held up both hands, palms out in surrender. “I wouldn’t dare.” Now she had him curious. “Shall we?”
They walked side by side down the street to the little shack five minutes away. They served two things: hot dogs and snow cones. There were two round tables complete with umbrellas to block the sun’s heat. They only had to wait for one customer before it was their turn to order.
Wyatt motioned for Chrissy to order first. She tossed him a look that reminded him of his promise, then she turned and ordered a bubble gum snow cone. He wasn’t sure if he thought it was cute, quirky, or both.
When he ordered orange, she scoffed at him. They both also ordered a hot dog. Only after the person who took their orders went to make the snow cones did she chuckle. “Here I thought you’d be the type to get adventurous and order the red velvet cake or the s’mores flavor.”
He raised an eyebrow at her. “You first, and I’ll think about it.”
Chrissy reached for the pink snow cone and cupped it in both hands. “I’m good, thanks.” She tossed him a saucy look and moved to sit at one of the tables. A moment later, Wyatt joined her. Even if the ambient air was still humid and hot, the shade from the umbrella was a welcome change. He relaxed into the back of his metal chair and scooped up a spoonful of his snow cone. The moment the ice crystals melted in his mouth, he knew this was the right choice. “You know,” he began, pointing to his treat, “I may have to switch up my routine and come here every morning instead. I wonder if they have a coffee flavor…” He twisted in his seat and pretended to look over the menu behind him. When he turned back, she was looking at him, her eyes sparkling.
“And you thought bubble gum was weird.” She laughed.
Wyatt wasn’t a fan of bubble gum, though he had a feeling he’d like it a lot better if he tasted it on her lips. His wayward thoughts surprised him, and he fought against the temptation to see if he was right. He jabbed a spoon into his snow cone a little more forcefully than necessary. The last time he’d let himself get close to a woman was Ashley, and she’d stabbed him in the back. He’d sworn he would never put himself in that position again. Yet, here he was. The connection he felt with Chrissy was more than just a passing interest. Not that he ought to do anything about it. He tried to ignore the disappointment that flooded his system and fought desperately for a change in subject.
“How’s your sister doing?” He regretted the question the moment Chrissy’s smile dipped.
“She should be resting today. The doctor told her she couldn’t go back to work until Monday.” She paused. “Truthfully, she needs to quit her job at the vet hospital.”
“Why’s that?” Wyatt ate another spoonful of snow cone and then drank some of the syrup through a straw since it was melting at a fast rate.
“After her transplant, the doctor warned her that working with the animals was putting her at risk. There are just too many germs and hair, which increases her chance of getting sick. The doctor thinks that’s what aggravated her lungs and turned allergy symptoms into bronchitis.” She stirred her snow cone with the spoon but then left it in the bright pink mixture. “Instead of leaving her job as a vet tech, her boss let her work up front most of the time. It minimizes her contact with the animals. I don’t think it’s enough, though.” Chrissy’s shoulders slumped. “Emma needs something to focus on, and she loves that job. But her health is more important. At the same time, I’m not sure how we’re going to keep on financially if she doesn’t find another job.”
Wyatt could almost see the concrete weights that were pushing her shoulders down. He’d never had to worry about finances—both a blessing and a curse—but he could certainly imagine the pressures and worries he’d experience if one of his sisters were in such a fragile medical state. “I’m sorry things are so complicated.”
“Me, too.” She released a long sigh and glanced at him. She visibly tried to push her thoughts behind her and sat up straighter. “Enough about that. So tell me about this family vacation your Gran invited me to.”
Wyatt rolled his eyes. “It’s three days of more food than anyone could possibly eat, laughter, annoyances, and embarrassments. You know, everything you’d expect from a large family reunion.”
