CHAPTER SEVEN

The rest of the summer seems to pass in an utter blur, with my father and Brianna tentatively making amends. Upon hearing her side of the story, my father was stricken by how poorly he had treated her, though she assured him apologies were strictly unnecessary. At the very least, she had allowed him to put her back on the payroll, and most of the remainder of the summer was spent mending broken ties at the bakery. As far as Ronald goes, I have no idea what happened to that sleazeball. All I know is that it’s going to be nearly impossible to go back to school now that the summer is over.

I’m at the bakery early, exchanging chitchat with Jana as Brianna cooks in the back. My father steps in, looking at the three of us with a proud smile. I approach him, still feeling apologetic for how cruel I had been to him. He pulls me into his arms, resting his chin atop the crown of my head.

“I never realized how lucky I could be.” He murmurs, and I draw away, tilting my head in curiosity. His lips quirk mirthfully, and he glances to the back where Brianna watches us with a warm smile. “Here, I thought I’d only ever have one daughter.” He grins, kissing my forehead. I giggle and Brianna’s eyes widen, showing that she had clearly heard the older man. He glances to the back area, and she pretends to busy herself with cooking.

“Brianna, dear, come out here, please.” My father calls out. She reddens, but obliges, awkwardly shuffling out of the kitchen. “I feel it’s only appropriate to let you take your lunch break early, seeing as our Kitten has to leave soon.” He says, looking a bit mournful. Brianna wrings her hands uncertainly before nodding, grabbing my father in a hug.

“Thank you, sir.” She murmurs. He booms in laughter, watching the two of us as we awkwardly watch each other from the corner of our eyes. He rests a hand on my shoulder, meeting my gaze with warmth, and for once, confidence.

“I’ll make sure your boo is well fed while you’re off at college. Is that the correct term? Boo?” He smiles, knowing how uncomfortable I’ll get.

“Dad!” I groan, dragging out his name petulantly. He smiles warmly, and Brianna rumbles a laugh as well. Seeing how warm the two are growing with each other makes me wish I didn’t have to leave so soon. Before long, he’ll probably be as protective over Brianna as he is with me. I smile, reaching out to pull my father into another hug. “Thank you. For everything.” I murmur into his ear. He chuckles, his body shaking with mirth.

“Anything for my Kitten. Now, you two lovebirds go say your goodbyes. You need to get back on the road soon, don’t you?” He murmurs, ushering me away. I spot him wiping a tear from his eyes, and swallowing a lump in my throat, I take Brianna by the hand. “I expect you back in time to close, Miss Brianna.” He calls out as I drag her away.

“Yes sir!” She calls back, falling into step beside me as we clear out of the bakery. I can tell by the tension in her shoulders that something is bothering her, though it’s pretty obvious what that ‘something’ is. We walk hand in hand down the sidewalk, making our way to our familiar spot at the bus stop. It’s devoid of people, as is the norm, and we take a seat on the bench. Brianna wraps her arm around me, burying her face in the top of my head. She inhales shakily, and I can tell she’s nearing the verge of tears. Truth be told, I’m scarcely holding myself together as well.

“You know I’ll visit as often as I can. Not just the summer. And… you can always visit me, you know? My dad offered to help you pay off that car, right?” I murmur, wiping a tear from my eyes. She rumbles a laugh, refusing to move from her spot curled around me.

“He’s helping me enough by letting me work for him.” She retorted, brushing her hand through my hair. “I can’t help worrying… that something will happen to you. I know your dad is worried too, but…” Brianna trails off, drawing away. “We’re both really proud of you. I would never stop you from going back to school, so I just want you to promise that you’ll be safe.” She mutters, rubbing the back of her neck. I smile fondly at her obvious attempts to refrain from latching on to me, and as always, I’m ever enchanted by what a softie this supposed tough girl is.

“Brianna, you know that you and I are forever…” I purr, and she reddens, rubbing her cheeks in embarrassment. I lean in, capturing her lips in a kiss as the bus pulls up to the stop. The door opens, and the bus driver rolls his eyes upon seeing us.

“Don’t you two have any place better to hang out?” He grouses, and I offer him a polite smile.

“You won’t have to worry about me for a few months, Mitch. I’m headed back to college, so I’ll be out of state for a while. I’m trusting you and daddy to take care of my little Bri bear.” I grin, and his cross expression melts away, giving way to amusement.

“Ah, hell. You know I wouldn’t let anything happen to your schnookums.” He says, putting the bus in park for a moment and stepping out to sweep me into his arms. In the months previous, we’d come to know Mitch as a pretty nice guy, and he’s become one of Brianna’s best friends. I suppose it was inevitable, considering how many times he’s caught us making out at the bus stop. He knows it’s a special place for us, but never gives up on the chance to give us hell over it. I know he cares a lot about the two of us, and he jokes that we’re the purest example of true love he’s ever seen. It comforts me knowing that Brianna will have plenty of support while I’m in college, but still…

“Seriously. Take care of her.” I whisper in the grouchy man’s ear, and he chortles in response.

“Of course, Princess.” He grins. He draws away, stepping back up into the bus. He pauses, glancing towards Brianna. “If you’re not too busy moping tonight, me and the boys are playing poker at my place. You’re welcome to join.” He calls out. She quirks a watery smile, but nods, apparently not trusting herself to speak. As the bus pulls away, I retreat to her side, taking her hands in my own.

“What if you find someone… better. In college? Someone smarter? Or… prettier…” She mutters, and I bark out a laugh. I trace my finger along her bottom lip, snagging the new piercing in the middle. I grin, giving it a teasing little tug.

“Oh, there could be no one more beautiful. To think, I used to think piercings were tacky.” I grin, teasing her.

“And I used to think short skirts and heels were dumb.” She retorts, quirking a grin. My watch begins to beep, and I curse, looking at the alarm that signals it’s nearing time for me to leave. She looks pained for a moment, but shakes it off, gathering me in her arms and peppering kisses across my face.

“As much as I’ll miss you, you had better head out. Be safe, okay? If it starts raining or gets too dark to see or--” She rambles, but I cut her off with a chaste little kiss.

“It’s not that far a drive, baby.” I murmur. She reluctantly seems to accept that, releasing me and walking me back to the bakery, where my car is parked. As I slip into the driver’s seat, she leans in the window to steal one, final kiss.

“I love you, Kitten.” She murmurs, drawing away.

“I love you too!” I call out the window, turning the ignition and slowly backing out. As I drive away, I catch sight of my family and my newfound love in the rearview mirror. Though we have to be apart for now, I know that nothing will come between our love-- Not even murder allegations. Resolving to text her that little joke later, I draw my eyes away from my rearview mirror and look to the road ahead.

What a great summer.