Chapter 23 Lissa #2
Cam wrapped his arms around her from behind, kissing the side of her neck. “I might want to show you off a little too.”
She blinked back annoying tears that threatened as her throat tightened. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt so cherished and special.
“Could we visit Robin sometime?” Lissa, needing to change the subject.
She liked the other woman, who was close to her age.
Robin was also feisty and fun. While Lissa hadn’t ever had many female friends, Robin was the kind of person she would like to get to know better.
Especially if there might not be the option of going home.
“She stopped me on my way home and suggested dinner out. With her baby due soon, she isn’t teaching. She might be free for a visit during the day too.” His lips tightened a little. “I hope you aren’t bored. We should set something up so you don’t have to be alone all day.”
Lissa leaned into Cam’s embrace, feeling his solid presence. “I’d like that, even though I don’t mind my own company.”
He kissed her neck again, sending tingles racing across her skin. “If we walk to the cafe, we can always leave early and hurry back.”
“Do they serve dessert?” She’d been craving something sweet since the hospital, when she’d been given a cookie. She’d always had a sweet tooth.
“Probably. I don’t go there often. Though, I’ve got my dessert chosen.” He gripped her chin lightly and kissed her again, leaving no doubt that they were on the same wavelength.
She smiled. “How about actual dessert?”
He paused. “I haven’t eaten out in years. It seemed a waste to go by myself.”
He was so easy to talk to and be around, she forgot he was quiet and didn’t claim many friends. “You could have gone alone. Or asked someone.”
He shook his head. “I’m excited to take you on a date.” His whispered words near her ear made her shiver. “I used to stay separate most of the time, but wintering at the Outpost helped. I got to know a few people, but they hang out with their families when we’re here.”
They collected light jackets in case it was cool when they walked home and headed out. Lissa left her sling behind since it would just be for a couple of hours. A few hundred yards from Cam’s, a neighboring bunker door opened, and a golden retriever bolted outside. Lissa caught her breath.
“Barkley,” a kid’s voice yelled. “Wait for me.” The dog circled back as a gangly teen of twelve or thirteen followed.
Tears sprang to her eyes at the thought of her cats at home alone. They were seldom far from her thoughts. She missed them.
Cam must have noticed because he planted a kiss on her forehead.
“There’re several cats and dogs around. I used to worry they’d all die out because good pet owners spayed and neutered their animals.
” He shook his head. “Turns out, not everyone did. Many of the families coming here also collected abandoned pets along the way. Others arrived with young animals. A few years ago, a group showed up with a litter of puppies and a basket of kittens.” He grinned. “They were claimed in under an hour.”
He took her hand, and they carried on. “We have mostly collies, goldens, pointers, and duck tollers. After the evacuation in ‘26, xTerra rounded up abandoned stock, like cows for both dairy and meat. The ranchers had to leave, and most couldn’t take all their animals.” He chuckled.
“Somehow, we ended up with just as many sheep and barn cats as cows. Nobody complains about milk, beef, and wool, but the cats and dogs are beloved.”
“I wouldn’t have to hide my cats.” Her eyes tracked the boy racing behind his dog, its ears flapping.
“If we have to leave your place, there’s no problem with having your cats here.” Cam shot her a sideways glance. “They’re as welcome in my bunker as you are. They’re your family.”
She smiled. While she’d prefer to live elsewhere, knowing Mira and Luna could come decreased her anxiety.
The air was warm, and the sky blue with a smattering of wispy white clouds as they strolled.
The sun had dipped below the wall, but it was still daylight and warmer than expected.
Lissa removed her sweater, draping it over her arm as they walked hand in hand.
Two other couples and a family of four joined them on the road, all walking toward the Community Hall.
As they reached the hub of the aboveground community, several people called out greetings to Cam.
He waved back but kept Lissa’s hand in his as they entered the hall.
The cafe tables had been arranged across the far side of the room.
It took them several minutes to make their way to them, with so many people stopping Cam to chat.
She received a few curious glances, but everyone seemed welcoming.
After the first few introductions, the names blurred together.
For someone who kept to himself, he seemed well-known.
At last, they reached the cafe section, with two rows of long tables down the middle and smaller ones along the edge. Several were occupied as Cam steered her toward a table for two.
An older woman with soft-looking shoulder-length gray hair approached their table. She wore a pink apron covered in daisies. “Cam Montgomery. You haven’t come out to eat in ages.” Smile lines crinkled beside her eyes.
Cam took Lissa’s hand from across the table. “I thought I’d bring my girlfriend. Lissa, this is Rose. She used to work at the admittance desk. I’ve known her my whole life.”
Nothing about Rose seemed like how Lissa had imagined the original survivalists.
Maybe she knew nothing about preppers. She’d expected someone who’d lived here for years to dress in camo and carry a gun.
Instead, Rose was a regular-looking sweet grandma type with a soft voice—like someone who might bake terrific pie.
“It’s nice to see you smiling.” Rose looked around and leaned in, her voice dropping. “Nobody believes half the things your mother said while you were gone. We know you’re a nice young man. I hope you know you have friends here.”
“I appreciate that.” Cam shifted in his chair and looked down, studying the gingham tablecloth. “What delicious food are you serving tonight?”
At the mention of his mother, some of his happiness disappeared. It was subtle, but Lissa was hyperatuned to his feelings, his smile now flat. A change of subject was a good idea.
Rose winked, perhaps not noticing his discomfort. “We have homemade linguine with a rosé sauce, salad with fresh baby greens and new cheese, and for dessert, peach ice cream.”
“You used to name the ice cream flavors,” said Cam with a smile, this one reaching his eyes. He must have fond memories. “What do you call this one?”
Rose laughed. “I know you’re making fun of me, but this one is Peachy Peach. It’s fantastic. We froze the fruit last fall. With all the sun we had, the peaches were so sweet and flavorful, the ice cream is perfection.” She made a chef’s kiss motion.
“Sounds great,” said Cam. “Bring us two of everything.”
To Lissa’s surprise, she liked the relaxed atmosphere of the cafe. In the background, a low murmur of talking, the scraping of dishes, and laughter reminded her of eating at restaurants in the old days. She hadn’t thought to have an experience like this again.
Rose delivered their dinners a few minutes later, the delicious scent making Lissa’s mouth water, and the first bites nearly made her swoon. Fresh food was an amazing treat. She’d need to find out how it was paid for. Maybe a credit system.
Throughout their meal, she and Cam kept up easy conversation, though she looked up to see him staring at her again.
She’d blush and carry on eating. One of her favorite things about Cam was that he didn’t always feel the need to speak, which made talking with him effortless, even if they were both prone to being quiet with others.
She didn’t have to worry about saying things wrong or oversharing. She could just be herself.
They’d eaten their crispy salads and fresh pasta, and were waiting for their ice cream, when Rose returned, wringing her hands.
“I hate to bother you, Cam. I know you’re on a date, but it seems providential that you’re here this evening.
There’s something wrong with the main refrigerator.
I was hoping you could take a quick look. ”
“You fix refrigerators?” said Lissa, lifting an eyebrow. This was new information.
Rose beamed, as though proud of Cam. “He’s probably all modest and just mentioned the Watch, but this boy can repair or make anything. My friend Lewis was an engineer and taught Cam everything, like his apprentice.”
Cam set his napkin on the table, checking with Lissa. “You okay for a few minutes? If it’s a quick fix, I’ll take care of it. If it’s bigger, I’ll come back first thing in the morning.” He waited for her answer.
“Of course. I’m happy to let my dinner settle before ice cream.” She would be content to people-watch while he was busy. The cafe was strangely peaceful instead of being stressful.
Lissa listened to nearby conversations about canning, weaving, and crocheting. She wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but few people had as much experience or had canned as many varieties of food as she had. Sometimes they sounded frustrated.
When the woman behind her complained about the scarcity of new lids for her mason jars, Lissa turned around.
“If you’re careful when you remove the lids, and then boil them well before using them again, you can get several uses out of the same lids.
Still, you risk unsealed jars and bacteria with warped lids.
Best if you can find reuseable lids or the old jars with a bail and gasket. ”
“Thanks,” said the woman with a smile. “I wasn’t sure if it was safe.”
Her friend turned to face Lissa as well. “What would use since we’re low on refined sugar? I don’t want my preserves to be sour.”