Forever in the Past and Forever in the Future

Chapter 28

Tessa’s POV

I sit quietly at a counter seat near the front of the 24-hour cafe, sipping the disgusting coffee and barely edible omelette while I scroll through the burner phone to catch up on the news.I watch out of the corners of my eyes as people queue up in a line to enter the store across the street.

They all seem very excited and happy to be there.

The window of the store has the silhouette of a wolf wearing a pointy witch's hat.

Above the image, in curly purple and white lettering, are the words ‘Patisseries de’ and below it are ‘ Loup Magique’ meaning ‘Magic Wolf Pastries’.

I roll my eyes at blatant call out to the owners of the little bakery.

The lights in the front of the store turn on, and a petite woman in a purple and white apron opens the door.

A security guard dressed in a purple shirt and black pants stands guard next to the front door, while another shoos away photographers from getting too close.

"Excuse me," I call to the waitress behind the counter.

"Yes, Miss? Would you like some more coffee?" she asks in her powdery voice that reminds me of a grandmother.

"Oh Goddess no...I mean...No thank you.I was just wondering, what is that place over there? Where all the people are standing,"I point to the little bakery, "Is it that good that people stand in line for it and why are there photographers?"

"Oh yes, Loup Magique is the best bakery in town.We get our pies and cakes from there.The owner is Bronx Mason’s wife," she wiggles her eyebrows at me as if that is supposed to be impressive news.

"Ohhbhh, how...ubh cool,"

I make my eyes a little bigger and emphasize the word cool, for effect.

in reality, I don’t give a shit that the owner is

Mrs.Kirby’s, right?" she asks with a tinge of sympathy

temporarily, until I can find something else," I responded without

back.Baking, decorating, cleaning, things like that.I can put in a friendly word for you if you’d like," I feel

fingers for touching me.I clear my throat and gently slide my hand away from hers,

her girls back on their feet, you know," her voice lowers as she thinks she

get a little nervous about people knowing my business," I give her a little

breakfast.Keep your money and pay it back once you have a steady job.Unfortunately, I'm fully staffed, but why don’t you go stand in the line across the street.The little lady with sparkly hair, that’s Kas.You can speak to her about a job.I also recommend the cookies with the caramel chips in them, even if you do chicken out on asking for a job," she gives me a little

really appreciate it.

sigh and a small smile, "Can I use the

time," she picks up my plate and cups and

contacts in my

and don’t see the overly friendly waitress.I quickly make my way out of the restaurant, conveniently dropping

front of me go on and on about which cupcakes they want to try.I try to ignore them as I

handguns, clearly visible for people

photographers seems to handle them

the paparazzi.I look at my watch, nine-thirty in

I know it; I'm at the register, looking at the smiling young woman with sparkly silver hair and violet irises.I take off the dark sunglasses and

slightly as she recognizes I have a wolf scent.She

a split second, I worry she remembers

be able to remember

many times she touched the door, resetting her memory while she was in

an internal sigh of

smile, "Can I interest you in our wolf spirit special? It’s a coffee with two cookies or a cupcake.I

board with flavors listed to the woman.She is stunning, with a sly smile on her face.I feel my breath catch in my throat,