Chapter 3
Chapter Three
Auburn
Inheriting everything my parents had to give had made it possible for me to catch up with my peers who had already gotten strong starts in life.
The remote job I accepted after college didn’t pay as much or offer the advancement that other positions might have, and I used those funds to pay the expenses at home.
Made sure my folks had everything they could need or want.
They never said they needed that, but I took over paying the bills slowly, brushing aside their arguments that they didn’t need my money, until I supported our home, leaving their retirement income to use as they pleased. It was my pleasure.
The sleuth cremated my father—not traditional for bears at all but necessary if we were to wait until the siblings could find it in their schedules to come for a memorial on the lands.
Then Mom was gone, and I refused to delay any further, setting up the gathering and sleuth run for a few days later.
There were others who cared for them, if their own children did not.
And I was sick of their selfish shit, to put it as politely as I was able.
I’d hoped to put it all behind me, but as I moved into the apartment above the shop and put my things away, made lists for the remodel, and started the work, the silence around me left lots of space for quiet contemplation.
The Realtor had offered to show me homes, but I rather liked the idea of living above my business. Having avoided even a small commute so far in life, I saw no reason to start now. And with so much to do before I could even open for business, living right upstairs was very convenient.
The apartment, unlike the shop itself, had been occupied recently and required little to be comfortably habitable.
Decorating…that could wait. But the plumbing and electrical worked, there was sufficient hot water, and it had been painted sometime in the last decade.
After spending a little time with a measuring tape, I got online and ordered the basic furnishings I required.
A couple of nights on an air mattress did me no harm at all.
But now that my love seat and small dining table, bed and dresser, and a few more pieces had arrived, along with a minimal amount of kitchen supplies and linens, I looked around at the very first place that had ever been mine and sent gratitude to my parents wherever they had reunited.
The reading of the will had been epic. Not because I inherited everything my parents had or because it was so much more than I’d realized they had, but because my brothers and sisters, who had not managed to arrive in time for the memorial, were so shocked.
They broke out in protest, insisting I must have exercised undue influence, maybe even coerced them in some way.
But the sleuth alpha set down the single sheet of paper and fixed them with a direct stare.
“Why so surprised? You’re lucky I did not summon you here long since for your neglect.
The only reasons I did not were because they asked me not to and they had such good care.
Instead of making demands for things you are unentitled to, you should be groveling at the feet of your younger brother and thanking him. ”
When they did not grovel at all, he rose and roared, “You are hereby expelled from this sleuth. Declared rogue. I yielded to your parents’ requests while they lived, but I feel no such compulsion now.
Betas, escort these worthless beings to the edge of our lands and make sure it is known far and wide why they were expelled.
They live among humans now—they can continue to do so. ”
To my shame, I didn’t stand up for them. My parents might have wanted me to, had indeed loved them, but like the alpha, I would not take their wishes into account now. I’d seen their pain for too many years.
I was not left wealthy, but I had enough to start my life again in this shop, with a good balance for future investments like that house. Just not yet. This apartment made for a lovely cozy space for one lone bear.
But standing here admiring my new couch was not going to get my shop ready to open in time for the summer heat.
Unlike the smoked meats on the dragon’s food truck I had dinner at the night before, homemade ice cream was not likely a year-round moneymaker.
My parents’ life savings would go toward something they could be proud of and would have enjoyed.
Painting the storeroom, I could see the first signs of improvement in the place, but after several hours of that, I needed a break.
My “office” in the front area consisted of a card table and single chair set approximately where the freezer would go.
After it was delivered. Which could not happen until it was ordered.
Along with a plethora of other equipment and supplies.
But before I got into that, I checked email and cursed softly.
The health department certificate would not be issued until I had actually put the shop together to meet standards.
I knew that. What I did not know was that the business license should be handled ASAP to be sure there was no delay when I was ready to open.
Hating to have anything hanging over my head and unsure how long the process would take—it seemed like a hint it might be a while—I hopped up from my chair and grabbed my wallet and keys from upstairs before starting for city hall.
Halfway there, I realized that changing clothes might have been a good idea.
The torn jeans and T-shirt I wore were paint splattered, and the sneakers I had deemed my working shoes had a hole in the toe.
Rather than a respectable businessman, I resembled a hobo traveling through town who might not be averse to a free sandwich if one were offered.
Still, the email had held that note of urgency, so I continued on. This late in the afternoon, the office likely would not be open much longer. And I would not sleep well if I didn’t know what I needed to do.
I entered city hall, a smaller, less formal building than a bigger city would have, but still filled with people in business casual or better clothes.
The clerk behind the desk who handed me the paperwork to fill out had been the one to send the email, and after I explained why I looked the way I did, she blushed and winced.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to say you had to do it today.
But we’ve had a couple of new restaurant owners who didn’t realize they needed both a health certificate and a business license, and I just wanted to make sure you didn’t have any surprises.
” She glanced down at my shoes and grinned. “You really did hurry, didn’t you?”
“Yes, but it’s not your fault. I probably didn’t read the email correctly.”
“Well, I am Jessie, and we can get everything done for you in plenty of time for the ice cream season. My twins will be your best customers. They are four and heard about you at preschool.”
“Wow. I haven’t even put up the coming-soon banner.”
“Small-town living.”
After Jessie went over the application to be sure I hadn’t missed anything, I said goodbye, promised that there would be coupons for the grand opening, and went back outside.
I took a different route back, in less of a hurry and not planning to do any more work for the day.
Rather, I chose to see more of my new hometown.
The nursery caught my eye right away. Not that I had a yard or anything but someday. I paused to admire the display in the front window and caught a glimpse of the omega I’d seen the day I arrived.
So, I went inside.