Chapter 5

Willow

Saying I was shocked to see the three handsome guys from the bar was a surprise is an understatement. It seemed like they were just passing through and yet there they were enjoying one of the towns very popular bachelor breakfast. Its like speed dating but with tea and scones and proper etiquette. It’s not the first time I’ve witnessed this little town trying to match people up. They don’t have much in way of entertainment so I can’t really blame them.

I was a victim of the same set up once but I couldn’t do it. Being close to someone again was not an option then. There was still too much fear and looking over my shoulder for that. I broke out crying and ran out of the bed and breakfast so fast that I nearly knocked a few people down on the side walk. After I came up with a story to cover the real reason I didn’t want to date I was left alone. Now I can watch from a far and let my self enjoy the view of this sort of thing.

Although this time I wasn’t a fan. Yeah I found it hilarious seeing those three guys sitting at a table drinking tea and eating scones but there was also a small ache at the sight of all those women fawning over them. I’m not sure why since they are just strangers and I have no right to be bothered by it. Still I stopped outside of one of the windows to watch a little longer. They suddenly got up and left so I did too. I’m walking down the street back to the bakery when I hear several car doors close. When I look in the direction of the noise is see the guys walking my way.

Shy guy…I think his name was Tate stays behind the others and looks more distant while Han leads the way. He smiles at me and my heart picks up at the sight. I can’t get over how handsome he is, and how his smile makes me feel all fuzzy inside. I know I’m a little weird for having a k-pop and k-drama obsession but he looks like he just stepped out of one of those films and now I have some weird crush on him or something.

“Good morning Willow. It’s good to see you again.” He says stopping a couple of feet away.

“Good to see you too. I figured you guys would be gone already.”

The big guy uh…Ash! He rubs the back of his neck and chuckles. “We needed a place to crash and apparently ran right into a trap.”

I can’t help but smile at his words. That’s the same thing I thought when I was in his place.

“Where are you headed? Can we give you a ride?” Han asks.

I quickly shake my head. “I’m only going down the street so there is no need. Thank you though.”

“You work in the bakery right? What else do you guys serve there?” Ash asks with a hint of excitement in his voice.

He’s sort of bouncing in place and reminds me a lot of an excited puppy. It’s cute.

“It’s more of a bakery slash restaurant.” I tell him.

“I think its only right that we walk you to work, and while we’re there maybe grab something other than scones. What do you think guys?”

Han smiles at his friend. “I think that’s a great idea, Tate?”

Tate looks between his friends and then his eyes move to me. There’s uncertainty in his eyes when he looks at me like he’s not sure if he can trust me. That makes both of us because he’s so quiet and distant. I can’t get a good read on him which makes me wary of him.

“Sure.” He says on a sigh. “Lead the way.”

I nod and start walking. Ash moves to walk next to me and it feels as if he energy is vibrating around us. I don’t think I’ve met anyone who radiates happiness like that.

“So you work at a bar and a bakery. Those seem like total opposites.” He says.

“I guess they are.”

“If you work days at the bakery and nights at the bar when do you sleep?”

It’s an innocent enough question and he’s asking to make casual conversation but the answer to his question isn’t that simple. I can’t tell him the truth that I barely sleep anymore or that every sound I hear when I close my eyes has me jolting awake in fear. So I tell him what I tell everyone else.

“I sleep when I’m off between jobs but I don’t need very much, I guess I’m blessed that way.” Okay it’s the not the best answer but it works well enough.

“Sleep is important even for people who have a lot of energy.” Tate says from behind me.

I don’t look back at him because I don’t want him to see my panic, and something tells me that he sees everything.

“You’re right. I need to take better care of myself, but then I would have never met you charming guys.” I wink at Ash making him laugh.

“She had a point there brother.” He throws over his shoulder.

“She does.” Han adds before moving to stand on my other side.

We walk along together and I point out a few places on the main street that they might be interested in. By the time we reach the bakery we’re laughing and smiling, all except Tate. I don’t think he likes me very much but I don’t mind too much. It’s not like I’ll be seeing them long and he’ll never have to see me again, although I’ve enjoyed being around them. Han is a gentleman and Ash is playful and cute despite his size. Last night I had felt that old fear creep up but now that I’ve spent a little more time with them I can see they’re really nice guys.

Once I left my ex I realized all the hints he gave off early on in our relationship that should have warned me that he was not a good guy. I was too distracted by the nice things he did and how much he told me he love me that I was willing to ignore all the bad. These guys don’t seem like they’re putting on an act or acting overly flirtatious in any way. They’re simply…nice.

“Willow! There you are I was about to send out a rescue party.” Billy my coworker says.

His smile falters when he sees the guys behind me. “Who do we have here?”

“This is Han, Ash and Tate. They’re stopping through and needed a place to eat.”

“Well we sell the best country fried steak in the city! I’ll show you to your table.” He grabs a few menus and waves to the guys to follow him.

The hesitate at first and look my way as if asking my permission to go. Not sure what that’s about.

“I have to take some of the pies out of the oven. Enjoy your food guys!” I wave to them and make a smooth escape, but when I am in the kitchen I peek through the door to watch.

Billy is friendly but the guys aren’t smiling as much and I’m ashamed to say I’m happy about that. Which I shouldn’t be because they are just passing through and getting attached even a little bit is a big mistake. God, what am I doing? I shake my head and move over to the ovens only to find them empty.

“Where is your head girl?” I startle at the sound of Miss Melody’s voice.

“Sorry, I was looking for the pies.” I close the oven and turn to face her fully.

She narrows her eyes on me like she knows exactly what’s going on in my head. It’s kind of unnerving but she has yet to figure out my secret so it might just be an intimidation tactic.

“Something is off with you. Does it have anything to do with those young men you came in with?” She rests her hand on her hips and looks at me expectantly.

“It’s nothing Miss Melody. What do need me to get done before I’m off for the day?” She eyes me for a second longer but sighs and lets it go…for now.

“The two tables by the window need cleaning up and since I don’t discriminate over woman doing manual labor you can throw out the trash as well. Besides I’m not dealing with them stray cats you’re always feeding.” She moves back over to the counter and continues working on a few pastries.

Happy for the distraction, I grab a towel and the cleaning spray to take care of the tables first. I’m good at staying focused on the task I’m doing, sometimes too well so I don’t notice when someone is standing behind me. It isn’t until I turn around that I realize someone is there. I squeak and flinch away from the large figure.

“I’m sorry. I seem to have a knack for scaring you.” Ash says.

I let out a breath and relax. “It’ my fault. I was too focused on what I was doing. What can I do for you?”

“I was wondering when you’ll be on break. We would like to check out that park you told us about.”

“And you want me to…come with you?”

He laughs. “Yeah! What do you say?”

I look at him for a long moment and try to imagine what it would be like to spend a long period of time with him.