Chapter 2

“Cara, you are twenty-five minutes late for you shift.” The chastising voice of my father could be heard as soon as I walked through the door of Lorenzos. The convenience store and local market had been in my family for three generations now. The business had slowly been decreasing in the last twelve years. My father was not worried however, Clintons Port was a small town but my papa had always said that, someday, small business would make a comeback. I just prayed that the family could hold out till then.

 “Pappa, there is no one even here.” As was the usual for everyday lately. Especially today, as everyone was getting ready for the festival. I had begged father to close the store for today. Refusing saying, someone may need something at the last minute and we would be the ones to the rescue. 

“Well, there could have been.” Scolded my father, forever the optimist. My father was the sweetest man and loved me fiercely. I was the only child my parents were blessed with. My mother has always doted on me and my father has always been a superhero. Chasing away the dark skies, he was my protector. 

“Okay Pappa, it won’t happen again.” I promised and it wouldn’t if I could just figure out what is going on. This was very unlike me and I needed to pull my shit together. 

"Is Luka coming over this evening?" questioned my father. My only reply was a side eye glance. Sighing my father continued, "I am just concerned, it is not that I do not like him, there is just something." 

"Pappa please, you have not even given him a chance." I argued back. Holding up his hand halting me he continued on. "I will Cara, for you." I smiled big and hugged him. "Thank you, Pappa." 

"Alright, alright let's get to work." With that my father turned shaking his head, but not before I saw the smile on his face. 

The day passed by smoothly, with the regulars coming in and out. Everyone was looking forward to the annual block party that would take place this evening. My parents always hosted and generally it was the event of the year. I had seen all the decorations being put up for the last four days. This year was not going to be any different. The firework display was always my favorite part.

Staring off into space, I felt arms wrap around me and squeeze. “What are you doing?” I squalled, quickly spinning around in the arms of my captor. Fear quickly changed to longing when I stared into the chocolate brown eyes, that held so much love. 

“Coming to see my favorite girl.” My boyfriend Luka supplied. “I thought I would come and see if I could help your Father out with any preparations.” Luka has been trying to win over my father for the last six months, as my boyfriend. We have been friends for so long that he is a regular in my life. It is just trying to get him to adjust to this new role that is harder. 

“Sucking up you mean?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. I secretly loved how hard he was trying. Everyday he showed me how much he loved me by just showing up and trying. 

His response was cut off by my fathers’ booming voice. “Okay Cara, I am heading out. See you in about an hour?” My father questioned, with an eyebrow raised in Lukas' direction. 

“Yeah, and Luka was wondering if you needed any help?” I offered while glancing my boyfriend's way. 

“Oh yeah?” My fathers stern look, directed at my boyfriend was comical. I had to bite my cheek to keep from laughing. It couldn’t help the grin that snuck out though.

“Yes sir, I was wondering if you needed any help with anything.” Luka said confidently. Maybe a bit too confidently. 

“Sure, I could use some help.” My father said and I thanked the heavens above that he let it go at that. Maybe he was trying because I know he didn’t really need help but was thankful anyways, for the olive branch. 

“Bye now,” I said as they left the store. With a little wave in their direction. 

“Bye Cara” they said in unison, making me smile. As they walked through the store doors, shoulder to shoulder.