Page 4 of Trash and Treasure
Fox Hollow had been founded as a sanctuary for outcast shifters, then broadened its supernatural welcome to Spiritualists, psychics, and witches who were forced out of their home in Lily Dale. To maintain the safety of the town’s unusual residents, the “regular” humans allowed to live there had to have a close personal tie to someone with paranormal abilities.
I came to Fox Hollow to find a job, not a mate. I’ve started to make friends—including Mico. Maybe if we can get beyond our midnight donut tryst, that friendship could turn into more. Or not. But I’d like to get to know him. I just don’t know if he’s going to like all of me, and I won’t hide who I am just to get a boyfriend.
Jack had tried that before when he’d dated non-shifters back home. Sooner or later, the secrets came between them.It must be so much easier for the predators. Everyone thinks wolves and foxes and bobcats are sexy. Cats and dogs are cute. Birds are mysterious. Even the bigger animals like horses and bulls are virile.
Hey! I’ll have you know that I am one studly possum!His other self interrupted.
Jack laughed.Yes, we are.Jack was larger than the average possum, with a mostly gray coat and black-tipped ears. His tapered tail was long and dexterous, and he had a fine set of whiskers.
I haven’t tried shifting much since I moved. Too busy at work. There’s supposed to be a safe, fenced park for the non-predators where we won’t get eaten by hawks or coyotes. Maybe if I tried it out, I could meet some other shifters.
Between the need to sleep during the day—since he worked late into the night—and getting used to a new job and a new town, Jack realized he hadn’t made much of an effort to get out and explore. So many people came into the café that he often left exhausted, feeling like he’d done all the socializing required for the day.
Arriving at the end of the summer tourist season meant that most of the special events were winding down. Sherrie had gushed about how much effort Fox Hollow made having things to do year-round, but Jack hadn’t felt settled enough to explore.
The one exception had been the local library. Jack had made a point of getting a library card during his first week in town, and the staff had been welcoming and friendly. He’d browsed a display of a local artist’s work using “found” objects. The pieces had been clever, and there had been a wistful beauty in taking castoffs and making them into art.
I’m due to go back and get more books. That might help me quit obsessing over Mico.He doubted that, but the thought was a pleasant fiction.
Jack glanced at the time and realized he needed to get down to business if he wanted to have perfected his new donut in time to share it with Mico. Creating recipes was one of the parts of baking that Jack loved the most, along with making something that not only tasted good but looked beautiful.
He had watched the British baking show more times than he could count, especially the season with the cute twink. Jack liked to imagine himself as one of the contestants, a fantasy that made the long hours more fun.
Today, his imagination took a different turn. Jack pictured himself asking Mico to go on a hike. In his mind, they went on a long walk, laughing and talking. They were happy and comfortable together, more like old friends than new acquaintances.
And if in his fantasy they held hands and Jack stole a kiss, no one would know. He’d imagined far less innocent things in his morning shower.I can dream, can’t I? Even if we stay just friends. He’d still be part of my life. That’s better than nothing.
“How’s it going?” Sherrie’s voice startled him. “Did you perfect your new recipe?”
Jack dusted the flour off his hands. “I’m close. A couple more test batches, and then I think it will be just right.”
She smiled. “I can’t wait to try it in the morning. Good luck!”
Jack lost himself in his work as Sherrie and Nelson closed the café. He heard the door lock behind them and turned up his music to keep the bakery from feeling quite so empty. During the day, the place hummed with people. Nearly everyone was in a good mood when they came to Bear Necessities, and if they were feeling low when they came in, they were better when they left.
Sherrie and Nelson were the reason—their upbeat energy and positive attitude rubbed off on everyone they met. Jack felt lighter since he had come to the café, and although some of that was due to Mico, he knew Sherrie and her husband also played a part.
He turned his attention back to the recipe. Getting the bourbon just right was harder than Jack expected. He threw out several versions that had either too much or too little flavor. Jack glanced at the clock nervously, afraid for the first time that he might not have his newest creation ready by the time Mico arrived.
I want it to be perfect,he thought.Tonight’s the night I ask him to go on a hike with me. I’ll be all casual about it, because we’re just friends, right? But a good donut or two certainly could help the odds that he’ll say yes.
With less than half an hour to spare, Jack tasted his newest batch when they came out of the oven.
“Yes!” he cried out after he ate a bite. He fist pumped into the air and let out a whoop of triumph. Jack checked the time and confirmed that there was just enough left to let the donuts cool and ice them before Mico arrived.
It’s just a donut. Just a hike. Not like I’m proposing or something,he thought.
You like him a lot,his possum nudged.That makes you nervous.
I don’t want to get my hopes up. If I focus on just being friends, it’s a start. That could be all we ever are. If we both want it to be more, there’ll be time for that.Jack tried to sound nonchalant, but he knew he couldn’t lie to his animal self.
Just go hiking. Don’t make it more than it is. You’ll figure it out.
Jack wished he shared his possum’s hopeful attitude. He had just finished icing the donuts when he heard the rumble of Mico’s truck outside. Heart pounding, Jack put the still-warm donuts into a box and managed a nervous smile.
“Here goes nothing,” he muttered under his breath.
Mico’s face lit up when he saw Jack, which Jack took as a good sign. “I made the bourbon donuts,” Jack said as he crossed to where Mico was waiting beside his truck. “I hope you like them.” He held out the box and wondered if his nervousness showed.
