Chapter Six
Joaquin
My tiger ran alone. At least he had since our streak dissolved under the pressure of rival alphas, each unwilling to either step back or have an honorable challenge.
After months of simmering resentment, it was over, assets divided among the splintering factions and those of us who’d refused to participate or pick a side left to pick up the pieces of our lives however that looked.
Most actually did go one way or the other in the end, but I held my ground. I’d never known anything that grieved me more than seeing our family torn apart. And I couldn’t stay and watch the aftermath, so I left with whatever I had managed to accumulate.
Tigers had a reputation for being fierce, and I supposed it was earned by many, but I’d never attributed it to myself. I didn’t like confrontation and truly hated people who argued for argument’s sake.
Thus, I sought a business that allowed me to bring joy to people, and what better than popcorn.
Anyone who approached my cart did so with the intention of enjoying a treat, and it was my pleasure to invent new flavors and, in some cases, colors to assist with their fun.
I’d gotten to the point where my first thoughts in the morning weren’t of my streak’s tragic breakup.
People sent tourists my way, and I’d even gotten some great online reviews.
But I didn’t think there was any way I could survive the loss of my location. It had made such a difference in sales.
I couldn’t give up without trying one more time.
But what could I do that I hadn’t already?
I asked, he said no. End of story. I should accept my fate and look for another way to earn my living.
Or possibly move on to another town and see if I couldn’t find a perfect place for my cart.
It was so confusing to go from feeling so good and so settled to possibly being uprooted again.
The wolf who appeared the previous night had made me less of a loner, even if it was only for a short time. And it made me that much more determined to stay here in Oliver Creek.
Leaving my cart at home, I walked back toward the theater, hoping to have another conversation before I got set up for the day.
Before I’d gotten into popcorn, I’d done various types of construction work, mostly painting, and there was always work of that kind to pick up, but it wasn’t my first choice.
I liked my cart.
And I liked the creativity that came with it.
Why did things have to go south just when they looked so good?
And when I’d run into that wolf who my tiger was just crazy about.
Walking along the street, I noticed a couple of new businesses had taken over empty storefronts.
When I first came to town, although it was on the upswing, there were still quite a few places for rent, and I regretted not having the funds to lease one of them myself.
I’d had an old-fashioned candy store in mind, and maybe one day that would happen.
But not if I got driven out of business by a guy who refused to work with me at all.
I came around the corner where a newer café stood. They were always busy on nice days because they had an outdoor area with tables topped with colorful umbrellas. I rarely stopped there because I wanted to save every penny possible, but the few times I had, I’d been pleased with my meal.
Almost past the restaurant, I spotted the theater guy seated right by the sidewalk. He was studying a menu, but I slowed and stopped. Waited.
Finally, he looked up and arched a brow in inquiry.
“Hi.” I stood very straight, trying to seem more composed than I was. “Would you mind if I joined you for a moment?”
He set the menu down and gave a nod. “Yes, but I haven’t changed my mind.”