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.

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

with a

something else,"

are always looking for people to work in the back.Baking, decorating, cleaning, things like that.I can put in a friendly word for you if

me.I clear my throat and gently slide my hand

and I are friends.Anything I can do to help get her girls back on their feet, you know," her voice lowers as

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

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

really appreciate it.

a relieved sigh and a small smile, "Can I

child.Take your time," she picks up my plate and cups and walks

my bag, head to the bathroom, and lock the door behind me.I put blue contacts in my eyes, then French braid my hair, pinning it up,

looks more natural, and decide to put a baseball cap and sunglasses over just to be safe.I peek out of the bathroom and don’t see the overly friendly waitress.I quickly make my way out of the restaurant, conveniently dropping a

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

guards are all carrying semi-automatic handguns, clearly visible for

controlling the photographers seems to handle

keeping good relations with the paparazzi.I look at my

at the smiling young woman with sparkly silver hair

slightly as she recognizes I have a wolf scent.She looks at me for a moment and

second, I

be able to remember anything from

she touched the door, resetting

an internal

to Patisseries de Loup Magique," she says with a smile, "Can I interest you in our wolf spirit special? It’s a

with a sly