Page 65 of Fractured Grief
“Hazel, one ding would have been enough,” I chastised.
“Sorry, Daddy, but it was fun,” she said, a playful smile on her face.
“It’s okay.”
Doc came through the walkway, pulling on his white lab coat. “Morning, Indy. How are you feeling today?”
“So much better, thank you. I wanted to get the all clear and ensure I was safe to drive.” I extended my hand toshake. “You remember Hazel,” I said as I wrapped an arm around her.
“Yes, of course. Good morning, Hazel. How are you this morning?” He knelt to shake her hand too, before leading us into one of the patient rooms.
“Indy, wait a sec.” Seb halted our movements. “I’m going to make my way to Jolt, the café on the corner of Main Street, with the black and white awning. Will you two be okay to meet me there when you’re done? Or would you prefer I wait?”
“Oh no, that’s fine. We can meet you there.” Seb’s face still held some earlier tension. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine. Just want to catch up with someone at the café and check on a few things.” He paused to rub over his bushy beard. “You sure you’ll be okay?”
I reached for his large hand and squeezed it. “I’m fine and we’ll be happy to meet you there.” I stretched up on my toes to kiss his cheek. “See you soon,” I said and turned to go find Doc and Hazel.
Once I got the all clear from Doc, Hazel and I made our way to Jolt.
It was eclectic and trendy for a small-town café, but I loved the hipster vibes and warm welcome we got as I pushed open the door and the bell jingled. Everyone turned to wave, like they knew me, and in that moment, I was home.
This town was what Lexi and I had been looking for.
“You made it,” Seb greeted me with a kiss to my cheek and pulled a chair out for me. “Everything okay with Doc?”
“Yep. Just need to keep taking the oral meds and no driving at least for today to ensure there are no side effects from the medication.” I glanced around. “This place is quirky. I love the yellow.” The counter was bright yellow, and there were yellow accents everywhere. It gave off a sense of joy and happiness.
“Best coffee in town and the food’s pretty good too. Lyric’s best friend Kaydence works here, and his family has owned and run this café for generations. What would you like? My treat,” Seb said with a smirk.
Hazel pulled on my sleeve. “Can I have a cupcake?” She attempted to whisper, but it came out in her normal voice as she pointed to the display case on top of the counter, filled with a collection of muffins and cakes.
“They’re muffins, but it looks like they have some cookies too,” I added. “Let’s go take a look.” I held Hazel’s hand as we made our way to the counter.
Seb followed behind and greeted the lean blonde before introducing us. “Indy, this is Kathleen, Kay’s twin sister. Kath, this is Indy, my…”
“Boyfriend?” I added, hopefully.
“Really?” Seb sounded astonished, as his lips lifted in a radiant smile.
“Yes, boyfriends,” I said firmly and linked my fingers with his. “And this is Hazel, my daughter.”
“Well, it’s lovely to meet you both. Welcome to Jolt and Hope’s Ridge.” Kath’s face lit up with her smile, the freckles over her nose standing out. Her sandy blonde hair was swept up into a ponytail at the back of her head.
“Can I have a dotty cookie, please?” Hazel asked as she pointed to the cookie covered in multi-colored dots.
“Sure thing, sweetheart. If your Daddy says it’s okay,” Kath responded, looking between me and Hazel, her eyes going soft.
“It’s fine. I’ll have one of the pumpkin spice muffins and a latte, too, please,” I added. “Would you like a drink, Hazel?”
“Oh yes. Can I have a milkshake? Please, Daddy.” Butter wouldn’t melt at the cuteness of my daughter sometimes.
“Do you have small milkshakes or kiddy sizes?” I asked Kath.
“Sure do.” She turned to Seb. “What about you, Seb? Your usual?”
Seb groaned as he exclaimed. “Yes, please, but I’ll have a double choc muffin instead of the breakfast wrap, thanks.”
