Page 47 of Beyond the Stroke

“Yeah, they’re fucking awesome.”

I stick out my tongue, making a disgusted face.

He devours the last bite. “Not a fan?”

If I wanted to get into it, I could tell Rory that my family owns Little Sunshine Cakes and the reason I can’t stomach a choco swirl roll or a sweetie bun or a nutty bar or lemon tart cake is because I grew up eating them and now not only do I not likethe way they taste but they remind me of my parents who were controlling and put their desires for wealth and status ahead of anything else.

I shake my head. “I ate too many of them when I was a kid.”

Then, I look away because my stomach turns, not from the sugar, but from the memories.

“That’s how I feel about bananas. Too many overripe bananas growing up. I can put them in protein shakes but alone their texture makes me gag.”

Once his choco swirl roll is consumed, Rory fills the rest of the walk talking about his day, asking me about mine, and other nonsense.

“I have to make a stop along the way.” I nod to the bag of food I’m carrying. “So, feel free to go home now.”

“Who’s that for?” Rory gives me a suspicious look.

“A friend.”

He grins. “Aw, you shouldn’t have.”

“Not you.”

“So, you’re admitting we’re friends?” He beams.

“No, it’s not for you and we’re not friends.”

“That’s not what you said last night,” he calls behind me.

I ignore him and keep walking until I reach Cal’s house which is on the corner next to the RV park.

When I arrive, I find Cal’s waiting on the porch for me.

“Who’s that?” He motions to Rory’s shadowy figure standing on the sidewalk.

“Nobody.”

Cal adjusts his glasses and squints. “That’s Rory Shields.

“Hey, Rory.” Cal waves his wrinkled hand. “Good to have you back.”

“Traitor,” I mutter.

“What’s that?” Cal questions, moving his finger up to adjust his hearing aid.

“Nothing.” I sigh. It’s par for the course that Rory is known and loved by all. This is his town after all. I’m just temporarily living in it.

“Thanks, Cal.” Rory waves back enthusiastically.

“Make sure Summer gets home safe.”

“Will do,” Rory says as I close the gate behind me.

All I can do is roll my eyes and keep walking.

“Cal’s a great guy. It’s nice of you to bring him food.”

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