Her Broken Wings by D.K. Hood
Fifteen
Head bowed against the weather, Atohi increased his stride to catch up with Brad. The penetrating cold seeped through his already damp coat, and the wind blew icy rain into his face sending dribbles of cold water down his neck. He leaped to one side of the sidewalk to avoid two bulldogs dragging a huge woman behind them. With only her eyes showing from beneath the hood of her coat, she resembled a huge ball of red wool in rubber boots. He dashed on, and looking ahead, caught sight of Brad heading inside Aunt Betty’s Café. He slipped inside the café’s door and inhaled the food-infused warmth. He removed his hat and smiled at Susie Hartwig behind the counter. “Seems you can’t keep us away today.”
“I’ve just taken a batch of cherry pies from the oven.” Susie chuckled. “Did the smell of them lure you back?”
“No.” Brad gave Susie an agitated stare. “We’re cold and wet and this seemed like a good place to dry out. I’ll have the chili and apple pie.”
“Sure, and what about you, Atohi?”
“The chili sounds good but I can’t resist the cherry pies.” Atohi grinned. “I’m surprised you have any left, with Dave Kane in town.”
“We made extra.” She called out the order and turned back to him. “Ruby will bring it out for you—and be nice, she’s having a bad day. Poor girl has been spilling drinks all day.”
Atohi nodded. “Okay.” He waved Brad to a table and they removed their wet coats. “Do you have to be so rude? These are good people.” Atohi hung his coat on the back of his seat before sitting.
“Are they?” Brad mimicked him and dropped into a chair. “We’ll see.” His mouth curled into a grin as Ruby, the waitress, headed toward them with a pot of coffee and two cups.
“Back again?” She smiled at Brad as she poured the coffee. “Your order will be right out.”
“I hear you’re having a bad day, spillin’ drinks and all?” Brad leaned back in his chair and looked up at her. “Maybe I can make it better. Can we go out for a coffee sometime?”
“Oh…” Ruby looked at him and her cheeks pinked. “That would be nice. I don’t know many people in town.”
“Where do you live?” Brad gave her a slow smile. “I’m out on the res.”
“Oh, I’m out on Elk Creek.” She rolled her eyes. “It’s my aunt’s house. I’m staying with her until I can get a place of my own. It’s a pain. I take the bus and it stops at the end of the road. I’ll be wet through by the time I get home.”
“I can come by Friday night; we could have that coffee and I’ll drop you home.” Brad flicked a glance at Atohi and his eyes danced with mischief.
“Yeah, sure.” Ruby jumped when a bell sounded at the counter. “That will be your meal.” She turned and hurried away.
Atohi stared at him. “Are you trying to prove a point or something?”
“I guess.” Brad shrugged. “I was sure she’d refuse.” He gave him a long look. “So, where do I take her for a coffee and maybe a meal around here?”
“There’s a new pizza place, just opened up the other end of town.” Atohi added cream and sugar to his coffee and stirred slowly. “I don’t figure you for the Cattleman’s Hotel.”
“Nope, the pizza place sounds fine.” Brad sighed. “I guess I have a few days to clean out my truck.”
“You’d better take my ride.” Atohi chuckled. “That’s if you’re planning on making a good impression. I’m surprised that old thing you’re driving is running.”
“It runs fine, and I’ll fix up the body soon.” Brad drummed his fingers on the table. “Finding my mom takes priority.” He gave him a long look as if considering his offer. “I will take your ride. Thanks.”
“What are your plans for after the melt?” Atohi leaned back as Ruby arrived with the plates of food. “With the influx of tourists, we have now, I make a good living from the tour guide business. People like to hear the old stories about the forest, and it makes them respect the land.”
“I’ve never been a people person.” Brad scooped up a spoonful of chili. “I’ll find work. I’ve survived this long on my own.”
Unease rolled over Atohi and he flicked his gaze over him. What had happened to Brad in Alaska to change the friend he’d known so well? His frequent and varied mood swings concerned him. The angry man before him had switched in an instant, in front of Ruby, into a laidback, nonchalant Romeo to convince her to go on a date with him. Moments later, the sarcastic Brad had returned, and Atohi wondered which of Brad’s personas was the real deal.