Even after everything that happened, she’s welcomed me with open arms. I feel like she’s much closer to a sister to me than the boss’s wife. It helps that Kenji is more like a brother to Kai as well, even though he is also his second in command.
This is the family I’ve missed since my teens. I’ll never get my parents back, but having these people in my life helps ease the pain.
I’m no longer alone.
Kado grips my shoulder, pulling me from my depressing thoughts. I always get them this time of year.
“I’m okay. Thank you. Let’s get this for Cleo.”
I turn, heading toward the front with the tag, but Kado pulls me to a stop. He points at an antique vanity.
“You think I should get that instead?”
He shakes his head no and points to himself. I smile to myself a little, trying to not let him see it.
“You want to get that for Cleo?”
He looks unsure but gives a small nod.
“You want to know if I think she will like it?”
He nods his head several times.
“She will love it. You should get it.”
He grabs the card.
We head up to the counter together, making our purchases. We each pay extra to have the items delivered before moving onto the next store.
“Autumn is a little harder to shop for. I don’t know her really well. All I really know is she likes herbs and crystals and stuff. What do you think?” I glance at Kado.
He shrugs.
“No help, bro. No help.” I shake my head and make my way down the street to the apothecary I know she loves. It’s the reason I chose that antique store specifically. I knew I’d get several gifts taken care of at once.
Kenji and I made a deal. He’d take care of the guys while I handled the girls. He doesn’t know, but I bought Kado something special already. Nothing big, but it’s a painting of all of us. I had it commissioned so that he could hang it wherever he lives. A little token of the family he has. I think he’s starting to learn what that word means.
When we finally enter the apothecary, the woman behind the counter is already with another customer. I start to walk around, finding the herbs I’ve heard Autumn mention before. Kado sniffs a jar before sneezing. It makes me laugh.
“You okay there, big guy?” I quirk a brow.
He frowns, looking at the jar like it’s offensive. I snort, taking it from him and putting it back.
“Maybe don’t touch anything. You might end up cursed or something.”
He nods and moves away from me.
“I’m so sorry about that. Is there something I can help you find?” the woman from the counter asks, coming closer to me.
“I’m picking out a gift for a friend. I don’t know about all of this, but she loves it. You might actually know her. Autumn Brennan.”
“Oh yes. Autumn is a faithful customer of mine. Are you looking for something to symbolize your friendship? Something useful for her? Or something else?”
I give her a tight smile. “All of the above?”
She chuckles as she leads me to a wall of jars with different items inside. Each one has a card in front of them saying what they are for.
Confidence.
