Page 69 of Semi Sweet
“You trust me to get your bakery ready while you finish up in Denver?”
Sean sounded surprised. “You would do that for me?”
I nodded. “I mean, it’s going to be pretty lonely around here. Might be good to have something to do.”
My heart raced when he put his arms around my waist–a silent acknowledgement of his gratitude. “Would you watch Bear for me?”
Once more, I nodded. “I’d be honored.”
Sean explained we would visit Dan in the morning, after he dropped off his application for the business with the realtor. We only had a couple of days until Sean had to drive back to Denver and I had to start working at the Rocky Mountain Press again.
“Let’s go on a hike tomorrow,” he suggested. “I know a place not far from the apartment. Bear will be grateful.”
“I’d like that.
“Now that we’re alone, I hope my mother didn’t make you uncomfortable. She’s got a way of analyzing a situation that can be a bit blunt sometimes.”
I smiled, looking towards the giant window that showed nothing but darkness. “She gave me the kick I needed. There’s only one thing left to do before I can finally start over.”
“And what’s that?” Sean asked.
“You’ll find out soon enough.”
Chapter Thirty: Not Allowed to Hold Back
Danseemedthoroughlypleasedwhen Sean and I signed a written agreement that we would resume renting the first floor of his home. He gave Sean the keys and they discussed how Sean was going to own his own bakery in the very distant future.
“Well, it’s not official yet,” Sean corrected. “I’ve only just given my deposit, but the realtor said there are no other applications.”
“Let me know what you need. As you know, I am quite the handyman.” He pocketed the paperwork. “Should I expect you guys tonight?”
Sean shared a glance with me. I didn’t want to offend Sean’s parents, but I’d longed for how things had been in Denver. I’d been able to let my guard down. There were so many things I wanted to say and do, but I didn’t want to risk his parents interrupting. We were adults, but it still felt wrong to think about it in his parents house. I nodded once to show him I wasn’t against the decision.
“I think so,” Sean answered. “I know you’ve got everything set up to show it still. We can clean it up for you.”
Dan shook his head. “Don’t worry about that. Get settled and we can sort it out later.”
I got the feeling I was going to get along just fine with my new landlord. After telling Dan we were going on a hike nearby and we’d probably see him later, Sean, Bear, and I drove a few miles and parked in a lot with looming peaks in the distance. I wondered how close the nearest mountains for skiing were, though it was way too warm for snow.
Sean clipped a leash to Bear’s collar and we set out, picking a moderate trail that would take us to a smaller, much closer peak than the ones always in the distance of the ski town.
“You know what I just realized?” Sean said about half a mile into our trek.
“What?”
“I have to meet with at least one Quittero to tender my resignation.”
I cringed at the thought. I wished there was a better way for him to get out of that hell company.
“They can’t be that mad at you. You are opening your own business. You could tell them you wouldn’t have been able to do it without all your years of experience working at Cash Value Market.”
Sean pretended to vomit. “You are good at making things up.”
“I mean, you could tell them what you really think about them, but I’d caution against that.”
I found myself feeling a bit heavy and drained at the thought of Sean facing the Quitteros. Tomorrow was Sunday. He’d be heading back to Denver soon. For a good part of the hike, we talked about the best stores in Aspen to get what we needed for an apartment. Sean explained I had to go a bit off the beaten track to avoid tourist trap prices. We made plans to pick up some groceries and things before he had to head back. We were going to see what we needed to do about me borrowing his Saab while he was away, as well.
“It feels dumb to even say this, but I’m going to anyway. Stay away from the chalet store,” Sean warned. “I don’t think you’ll see Evan, but you never know when they’ll diamond walk it.”
