Page 116 of Rags's Awakening
“Let’s get inside and warm up,” Sarah said.
Jessica pushed open the door and stepped inside. Warm cinnamon and buttery sweetness wrapped around her. She scanned the glass cases, relief spreading through her when she spotted four Bismarcks, their tops dusted with glimmering granulated sugar.
“I found what I’m going to have.” She laughed and turned to her friends. “A Bismarck, of course.”
Abby smiled, her gaze fixed on the pastries behind the glass cases.
“I don’t see any éclairs,” Sarah said, her voice edged with disappointment.
“Try one of the fruit tarts,” Jessica said, moving forward in line. “I’ve heard they’re really good.”
“I think I’ll settle on two chocolate glazed donuts,” Sarah said, unzipping her purse and pulling out her wallet.
“I’m getting the same,” Abby said, eyes sparkling. “They have the best donuts in the county.”
Jessica swept her gaze over the crowded bakery, searching for the brown-haired guy who’d flirted with her and bought her a raspberry-filled Bismarck the week before. When she didn’t spot him among the customers, a small wave of disappointment washed over her, dulling her interest in her friends’ conversation.
She placed her order for one blueberry-filled Bismarck—she refused to order the raspberry—and handed the clerk her debit card. While she waited for her friends, she silently scolded herself for being foolish, for letting the absence of a man she didn’t even know dampen her mood. They’d had an early dinner at Little Pepina’s, seen the play at the Center Theatre, and now she was topping off the evening with a perfect donut. His absence shouldn’t matter.
After all, he hadn’t asked for her number or suggested meeting again. Expecting him to be there tonight was silly. Still… hehadflirted and had bought her the donut.
“Jessica, the guy’s trying to give you your debit card back.”
Abby’s voice cut through her thoughts. Jessica blinked, took the card, mumbled her thanks, and stepped aside to wait for her friends.
“I have to take just one bite,” Sarah said as they stepped back into the cold air.
Jessica and Abby laughed when Sarah polished off the entire donut.
She licked her fingers and shrugged. “Good thing I’ve got another one to enjoy when I get home.”
As the three women started toward Abby’s car, Jessica slowed. Then she stopped.
There was something in the air—something that made her feel energized, wistful, and strangely hopeful.
She hung back.
Sarah glanced over her shoulder. “Come on.”
“I’m going to walk home,” Jessica said.
Abby spun around. “Walk home? Are you crazy? Why would you do that?”
“Why not? I feel like walking, and I won’t feel so guilty about eating my dessert when I get home.”
“There’s a psycho in this town preying on women. You know that. We’ve talked about it a million times,” Abby said.
“Come with us, Jessica. I don’t want you to die.” Sarah’s voice hitched.
“For fuck’s sake, Sarah. I’m not going to die. I live four blocks away. There are people on the sidewalks walking their dogs. It’s not even nine o’clock.”
“You can walk off your donut in the morning. Let me take you home,” Abby said.
“You’re both being ridiculous and beyond paranoid. Anyway, the strangler only attacks women in their homes, not on the streets. So, I’m good, okay?”
“The victim in Henderson was killed on the street,” Abby muttered.
“Please come with us, Jessica,” Sarah said, her voice breaking.
