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.

a shit that

she asks with

yeah, temporarily, until I can find something else," I responded without looking at

cleaning, things like that.I can put in a friendly word for you if you’d like," I feel her touch my wrist of the hand holding

my throat and gently slide my hand away from hers, looking

you know," her voice lowers as she

about people knowing my business," I give her a

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

appreciate

sigh and a small smile, "Can I use the restroom before

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

lock the door behind me.I put blue contacts in my eyes,

the restaurant, conveniently dropping a couple of one hundred-dollar bills on the floor,

want to try.I try to ignore them as I assess security and escape

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

one controlling the photographers seems to handle them

good relations with the paparazzi.I look at

at the register, looking at the smiling young woman with sparkly silver hair and violet irises.I take off the dark

I have a wolf scent.She looks at me

a split second, I worry she

remember that isn't possible.She wouldn't be able to

she touched the door, resetting her memory while she

breathe an internal sigh of

spirit special? It’s a coffee with two cookies

is stunning, with a sly smile on her face.I feel