I place them in his hand, and he tosses them to Davis, then holds my elbow as he escorts me to the cash register.
“Are you enjoying your time in Alaska?”
“So far, it’s been great.”
“Good.If you survive your first winter, you’ll stay.”
Not really knowing how to respond to that, I pay him by tapping my card on his machine and smiling as his son carts out my flour over his shoulder.
“Thank you for your help.”
“It’s a rare thing I’m here...you got lucky.”He puts two fingers to his temple and gives me a wave.“You have a good day.”
When I get outside, Davis is staring at my car.He shakes his head and laughs.
“Is something funny?”
Davis’ eyes flick to my face, and for a split second, the easy smile he had fades.I catch him looking at my scar before he looks away, his voice dropping.
“No, ma’am.Just never seen one of these up here before.”Davis hurries back into the store, and he comes back out with three glass containers.
His father is a few steps back with the last two.They put them in my car, and I notice Davis is avoiding eye contact.
“Thanks again, and I hope I see you soon, Staten.”I open my door and look at Davis.“And you too.Have a good day.”
Davis looks away, unable to meet my gaze.I guess people in Alaska are like everywhere else.They avoid what’s different.What’s ugly.If only everyone were as kind as Staten, pretending they didn’t notice.
Chapter Four
––––––––
Hannah
It’s mid-afternoonby the time I finish baking the cookies.They didn’t exactly go to plan—some are misshapen, and a few came out a little darker than I’d intended, but it’s the gesture that counts, right?The house smells amazing, a sweet blend of vanilla and cinnamon with a hint of brown sugar filling the air.Even Grace wanders into the kitchen, sniffing the air as if she’s hoping to snag a cookie for herself if I’m not careful.
My biggest problem?I have no idea where Blade lives.With a sigh, I tuck the cookies into a plastic container, grab my keys, and give Grace a quick kiss goodbye.
