Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 71303 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 357(@200wpm)___ 285(@250wpm)___ 238(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71303 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 357(@200wpm)___ 285(@250wpm)___ 238(@300wpm)
12
FOSTER
I couldn’t stop thinking about Lachlan, how stubborn and proud he was, and wondering if I would be the same if the circumstances were reversed. He could’ve easily changed his location if he didn’t want any interaction with me anymore, but he hadn’t. We’d fallen back into the same routine, though our conversations seemed a bit more stilted, like maybe he was trying to set a boundary, or because he still felt guilty about the book.
Or maybe it was all about Oscar and he was only being polite to me by extension. But then there was the hoodie. It was only an article of clothing, but it was my clothing, and seeing him in it made my stomach feel all strange.
I clipped the leash on Oscar and began our morning walk toward the coffee shop like always. When we turned the corner and Oscar began pulling on the leash, I knew Lachlan’s tent was there.
As usual, my pulse kicked up in anticipation of seeing him, but this morning he was zipped inside, so maybe he was getting a late start. I knew this obsession about his routine was probably unhealthy, but what was so wrong with striking up a friendship and maybe helping someone out?
He doesn’t want your help, I reminded myself.
As soon as Oscar got to the tent, he began whining.
“Shh, he might be asleep.”
I heard a chuckle from inside that warmed my stomach. “I’m not. A bit nippy this morning, is all.”
I frowned, remembering how warm and toasty I’d just been in my apartment. It might’ve been spring in the Northeast, but it would take until mid-May for morning temperatures to improve.
“Hi,” Lachlan said once he’d unzipped the flap and scooted toward the opening. His unruly hair was tucked beneath a beanie, making his striking blue eyes stand out. But there were shadows underneath, and I wondered if he was having trouble with sleeping or restlessness the past couple of nights. I couldn’t help thinking that it might’ve been hard to return to lying on the hard ground after a soft bed.
“Hi.” I smiled over Oscar’s head as he leaned forward to lick Lachlan’s face.
He stroked my dog while telling him what a good boy he was, and I almost felt like I was intruding. “I’m gonna go put in my order.”
“Sounds good,” he said absently.
I walked to the shop, stepped inside, and when the manager spotted me from behind the counter, she moved to the back room. I hadn’t seen her since the last time I’d approached her, so it could’ve been my imagination, or she feared I’d ask her about the video again. Just showed how hands-off the public could be when it came to those experiencing homelessness. Lachlan had really opened my eyes to the injustices in the world, and I was glad for it.
Back on the sidewalk, I walked toward my dog and the man he was enamored with. Another houseless man across the street had a bowl set out and was holding a sign I couldn’t read from where I was.
Reaching the tent, I looked at Lachlan. “Have there been any more attacks?”
“Not that I’ve heard of. Why do you ask?”
He followed my gaze across the street to the other man. “I figured there might be a network of sorts, to share any news, and maybe someone had a lead on the guy.”
“Spoken like a true TV detective.”
A laugh escaped my mouth. “You ass.”
“Hey, you might’ve missed your calling.” He hitched a shoulder, a smirk pulling at his mouth. “But yeah, I generally hear about such things. Maybe the rainy weather has kept the bad guys away.”
“Yeah, maybe.” I handed him his coffee and muffin.
“Thank you. You don’t have to keep doing this.”
“But you watch my dog for me.”
“It’s hardly that,” he muttered.
“It’s a fair exchange.”
He shook his head. “If you say so.”
“Which reminds me.” My tone was too eager, and I needed to tamp it down. “I have an idea for how you can pay me back for the damaged book.”
His eyebrows drew together. “How?”
“Cut my hair.”
“Cut your hair,” he parroted, glancing at my brown waves, which were getting a bit unruly. Of course, I could just as well make an appointment at my usual salon, but the idea had occurred to me last night. After I’d racked my brain.
I pushed my bangs from my forehead. “I need a good trim.”
He stared at the sidewalk, his mouth turned downward.
“Hey, did I say something wrong? I didn’t mean for the suggestion to upset you.”
My stomach churned as he lifted his hand, motioning with his crooked fingers. “I don’t know if that’s possible anymore.”
“How did that happen?”
“Do you really want to know?”
I nodded. “But only if you want to tell me.”
“A fight,” he admitted, then teased, “You should’ve seen the other guy.”
My stomach throbbed because I had a feeling it had to do with his ex.