Page 17 of Off-Limits to the Grizzly

Twin Falls looks prettier than I remembered. It’s like a delegation of hipsters moved in and gave it a facelift.

Mr Johnson points out a bunch of places.

“Poppy’s Little Coffee House. Think it might be hiring… that clothes store, too. And I know the bookshop used to have a sign up at the window.”

My heart gives a little jump. He’s trying to help me find a job.

But I’m not planning on staying here.

I’m not gonna mention that though. I’m just going to enjoy this moment of walking down Main Street in Mr Johnson’s company. Feeling happier and safer than I’ve felt in a long, long time.

Well, safe from the outside world anyway.

Safe with Mr Johnson? That’s another question. Every minute I spend with him, I feel like I’m getting in deeper and deeper. And it can only end in tears.

He pushes open the door of a cozy-looking diner. I go to catch it from him.

“Ladies first,” he says, holding it open for me. I get another funny little jump in my chest. Is that how he sees me now—as a lady?

“Isn’t this Deb’s Place?” I look around at the stylish vintage décor, remembering a grimy café that reeked of old frying oil.

“Used to be. It’s the Palace Diner now,” he says happily. “A young couple bought it a couple of years ago and restored it to how it was originally.”

He grabs the server and requests the table closest to the window. It’s got a reserved sign, but after a short conversation, it’s ours.

“This is going to be my treat,” I tell him while we scan the menus. I’m desperate to dosomethingto thank him for all he’s done for me.

“Nuh-uh.” He fixes me with a serious expression. “I’ve known you since you were this high, Blair. No way are you paying.”

“What’s that got to do with anything?” I mumble, cheeks warming. There I was trying to show him I’m all grown up, and he’s making me feel like a little kid again. Probably for the best though. The sooner I can get this dumb crush out of my mind, the better.

There’s so much on the menu, I can’t decide.

“If I recall rightly, blueberry pancakes used to be your favorite,” Mr Johnson says, with a twinkle in his eye.

“Still are.” I can’t stop the grin from spreading across my face.

“With extra maple syrup?”

“You bet.”

And a strawberry milkshake?”

I let out a snort. “I drink coffee these days.”

He gives me a long look, kinda wistful. Kinda something else that makes my heart beat faster.

The food comes fast, and it’ssogood.

“Not so bad being in Twin Falls, is it?” he asks.

“Everything feels different here. So much lighter than it used to,” I say, as I swallow another forkful of my pancakes.

Mr Johnson’s face falls a little bit, then his expression turns all intense. “I can’t help thinking Kayla had a lot to do with that.”

I puff out my cheeks. “It felt different here when I was with Kayla. Like something bad was always about to happen.”

“There’s a lot you don’t know about her.”

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