35
Dexter
“Here you go,” I say to Jake, handing him a bag of day-old pastries. “There’s also two sandwiches in there and fruit left over from my tarts. Tell them we’ll meet them in the alley at eight.”
“Got it.” He ducks out the back door before Sierra returns. She’d gone into town to the bank, hoping to hit it before it closed early because of it being New Year’s Eve, and should be back any moment.
We’re a go for tonight as far as I know—although I haven’t heard from Starlee. A black rental SUV pulled up to the office and it’d been quiet ever since. Maybe it’s a family friend? Mrs. Nye’s brother that lives in Lake Tahoe?
The bell rings on the door and I look out, but it’s just Sierra. “Everything go okay?” I ask, wiping my hands on my apron.
“It was busy, but yeah. I got in the deposit.”
“Great.” I lean against the counter. “How long do you want to stay open today?”
“I say let’s just keep it open until four.”
“What time is your party?” I ask casually.
“Katie’s picking me up around seven. The party is down in a cabin in June Lake.” She sighs. “You’re still intent on going to the Woolly Drop, right?”
“It’s a tradition.”
She steps toward me and takes my hands. She looks so tired and worn out, which is ridiculous because she’s young and she shouldn’t have so many burdens. “Please do not get in any trouble, do you hear? We’re so close.”
“I know that better than anyone. My hearing is in four days. Four. After that, I’m done.”
“I’m proud of you, do you know that? It’s been a long, hard road. I’m sorry about some of this recent stuff.” She looks guilty. “Once we get everything cleared up, maybe we can revisit the Starlee situation.”
I nod, refusing to get angry about her wording. Starlee is not a situation. She’s the love of my life. If the last month has taught me anything, it's that Sierra’s instincts aren’t always right.
The door chimes and I expect Jake to walk through, but my heart skips a beat when I see the woman with bright red hair tied back in a ponytail, thinking it’s Starlee, but it drops into my stomach just as fast.
It’s Starlee’s mom.
She smiles when she sees me and I glance at Sierra and notice the frown on her forehead.
“Dexter, right?” she asks, then her eye shift to my sister. “And you have to be his sister, Sierra. I’m Star. Starlee’s mom.”
I swallow back the lump in my throat and say, “Right, hi.”
“What are you doing here?” Sierra asks bluntly. I jab her in the side with my elbow.
She laughs and it sounds so much like Starlee that I touch the counter to brace myself. “That’s a long story that covers two continents and at least three spiritual guides, but the short version is that I came to see my mother and daughter.”
We’re on opposite sides of the counter and I think about the last time I saw her, furious at my hearing for Starlee running away from her and testifying for me. There’s no trace of that anger now but there is an awareness that she’s not exactly welcome.
“I guess I stopped by to introduce myself, formally. I’m going to be here for a few weeks visiting my mom and daughter. I also wanted to apologize directly, Dexter, for my behavior last summer. Starlee wanted to do the right thing and I was being selfish. I did a lot of selfish things, but that one was one of the worst. I’m glad my daughter is braver than I am.”
“She is very brave,” I agree. “It’s one of the things I like best about her.”
She smiles. “Me, too.”
“Can I get you something?” I ask suddenly, remembering my job. “Coffee? A scone?”
“No, thank you. Actually, we finished up your pie this morning. It was delicious.”
“Thank you.” I look at my sister, who’s still trying to figure out what’s going on.