Redemption Crash Series Book Three

Little Dude

Aria

“Can I have two cherry chip doughnuts and two smiley face cookies please?”

Smiling I say, “Sure can!” Snapping on a new pair of gloves I grab for a fresh white bag before walking over to the display case grabbing the doughnuts first the yellow frosted cookies with chocolate frosted smiling face second.

“Thanks! I’d also like to donate to the homeless center foundation.” My smile grows wider, I love when people donate to the cause every penny helps someone directly. I personally wish I could do more, when all this s**t with Stasevich and the aftermath is over I need to get serious about the committee meetings and growing the foundation.

“Wonderful! Do you know much about it? There's some info over there. They’re always looking for volunteers!” Another thing I haven’t been able to do as much as I wish I could be. As much as I’d like to be. I do have to say my mornings with the group are pretty amazing.

Pual’s seen a decrease in people in the morning which helps him fund a bigger lunch and dinner program. I’ve been sure to hand out cards and pamphlets to everyone that comes hoping to spread the word, it seems like it's working every day the place fills up with more and more people. People that are in serious need of a good homecooked baked good during their stormiest time of their lives.

“You may know Sam Fredrick?” She brushes her hair away from her face, before looking down into her purse for her wallet.

“Yes! She goes to the food bank Paul runs!” She’s an eighteen-year-old girl straight out of foster care, no guidance nowhere to stay just a good luck and a pat on the back before she was off on her own. She failed as everyone expected her to and ended up at the shelter and Paul’s kitchen.

“She stopped going actually! She found a job and a place to stay through the charity. She told me about you and how great your baked goods are. She also said you helped out a lot at the food bank plus you ran a breakfast here in the mornings?” Tugging on the bottom of my apron I smile bigger glad to know Sam’s spreading the word.

“I do yes!” Biting my lip I start ringing in her order on the tablet we use as our cashier system.

“That’s really cool. Totally different than what they say about you on the news,” She hedges. My stomach churns and rumbles with unease wondering if maybe she’s a report after all or just another random person wanting the latest information on the bloody freakshow killer.

That’s what I am a killer. I know that now as does the rest of the world. They got it on f*****g video the guy I stabbed taking his last gurgling breath while I stood before them dripping in their blood.

“Mmhmm. I’m really happy to hear about Sam. Tell her to stop by sometime,” I mumble my smile forgotten while the door chimes.

“ARIA!!!” A little voice squeaks out.

“Jude! Dude, it’s been way too long, how are you?” Walking around the counter I smile at the lady before crashing into a not-so-little Jude. He’s gone through a growth spurt on his way to six years old making his weight a tad harder to take but thankfully I’ve learned to brace myself when it comes to his giant hugs.

“That’ll be $4.60,” Grace says, cashing out the customer behind us.

“That’s what I told Dad and Olivia. Do you have the cherry chip chocolate-dipped doughnuts?” Rocking on the balls of his feet he looks up at me with bright wide eyes.

“I stocked up just for you!” Reaching down I ruffle his hair giving him a big smile. I’ve missed him with everything that’s happened this last week I haven’t had the time to see the little dude.

“YES!!!” He jumps up and down clapping while he giggles. I giggle with him my mood lightening more than it's been all morning since we woke up to more horrible news. Speaking of I wonder what Mason is up to and if there have been any updates. Most importantly I hope he’s safe. I haven’t heard from him since he left despite his promise to keep me informed, so far, I received all my news via Wyatt and Connor.

“Sit down and I’ll get you one!” The door chimes once more as Sean and Olivia catch up to Jude. “Hey, Sean! Hey, Olivia! Take a look and let me know what you want!” He’s walking better every day, still, he needs a cane to get around, his other hand wrapped around Olivia. She’s stayed on as his nurse even after their relationship progressed too more. It works for them which makes me extremely happy. Sean deserves the best after everything he’s gone through.

Tenderly walking back behind the counter, I grip my side for a moment before biting my lip and pulling it back together. Jude knocked into me a little bit too hard in the wrong spot. I’ve been better but being stabbed takes time to heal, longer than I’d like.

“Are you alright?” Connor asks.

“Fine thanks!” He isn’t like Wyatt, he doesn’t allow me to hide in the shadows of forced ignorance. He points it out, and checks in, he doesn’t let me pretend which is why I need to shape up. Get my game face back on. Checking in on my weakness makes me uncomfortable. My skin gets itchy and my face scrunches up as my stomach tosses. Leftovers from my time with Brian I’m positive.

Tossing it all away I grab Jude's doughnut platting it, determined to take a moment out of this horrible time to have a good time with some really good people.