2. Chapter Two

Chapter Two

Kit

So far so good, but it was only day one.

Foggy Basin was a sleepy little town, though I could feel a rumble beneath the surface like it called to me.

Belong.

Being in one place never satisfied the wanderer in me nor had it ever felt right. We were free thinkers, my family and me, free people meant to travel the world and live off the land. At least that's what our fathers believed. At eighteen most left the commune and rarely returned unless they felt the pull to raise a family or had reached the time in life when their weary bodies neared their final rest.

Our home was a bright, loving place sheltered from the rest of the world.

Now I often wonder if that was the best way to raise a family. Secluded, away from the world. Sure, you could play Devil's Advocate and write out a list of pros and cons. Both sides have positives and justifiable reasoning but as far as real-world experiences for ancestral lineage we grew up with none.

How far back did my lineage go? Once upon a time did we have last names?

All these questions we never thought to ask while tucked away in our controlled environment. Taught what our elders chose to teach us, reading only books that had been approved by them. So many questions came to mind that I'd likely never get answers for.

Was our commune more of a cult as others had claimed it was when I'd mentioned where I came from?

Never felt like that to me. Everyone always seemed happy. Adults were free to come and go, though most only did for the weekly errands ran to the next town over for the compound. Even today I would be welcomed back.

Being an avid reader, I dreamt of places far and wide, to experience other cultures and ways of life. Absorb and learn, immerse myself in their beliefs then take what they taught me and move along. Someday I'd write a book of my own. Most of what I carried with me were journals I'd kept notes in. Memories tucked inside those very pages itching to be let out as I had been when I left home. Once I settled down I'd take the time to research how to do that, turn my adventures into stories.

"Is there a local library? And is it easy to get a card there?"

"I think Brock over at Books, Beans and Buns may have a program like that. Otherwise, the closest library is in the next town over where the schools are. I'll give Brock a call and see if he does. You're welcome to any of the books on the bookshelves in the living room at my house. I like to read in my downtime, too. At least, I'm assuming you're asking because you like to read."

A nervous Nate was a cute Nate. I'd known the man a short while and already enjoyed his quirkiness. "Yes, that's why I asked. I love to read."

"Okay, give me a sec to double check. Don't want to send you off on a wild goose chase."

I watched as his fingers flew over his phone screen.

"Yup, looks like he does. Said to send you on over."

"Why don't you show him where Books and Beans is?" Merle said. "I'll keep an eye on things. "

"Don't touch the booze, old man," he side-eyed Merle. "Come on, Kit, follow me." Nate clicked his tongue and Princess Belle raised from her throne and trudged along behind us. We crossed Main Street, walked down past Nuts and Bolts and over to Brock's shop, Books, Beans, and Buns.

"Welcome to Books, Beans, and Buns," Brock greeted us as we stepped inside. "Nate, good to see you. This must be Kit."

"Yes, sir." We shook hands as I glanced around, feeling right at home. "I love your store." The smell of coffee and cinnamon filled the air. The armchair in the corner called to me. I pictured myself curled up in it, book in hand, completely relaxed and at ease.

"Kit here is a reader and was hoping to borrow some books while he's in town." Nate filled Brock in as I wandered around.

"Great, here's the form to fill out. I'll just need to get a copy of his driver's license."

Screech. There it was again.

"Is there a way to open an account for Pints ‘n Pool, that way when I have guests maybe they could check books out or I could check out a selection for them to read during their stay?" Nate was quick to reply without diving into the whole lack of license deal .

"That's a good idea." Nate handed Brock his license and he got busy entering the info into the computer.

"Want a coffee or anything while we're here?" Nate asked me.

I rolled into town on an empty wallet so unless he fed his employees for free or paid them daily, it was bread city for me. Speaking of which. "Is there a grocery store in town?"

"There is, at the end of Main Street. Do you need to grab a few things before we head back?" Was it possible that every person in town was as nice as Nate and Brock had been to me? Odds were against it but so far stopping in Foggy Basin was one of my better choices.

Let's not get into the ones that weren't…

"Oh, ya, um, maybe a few groceries."

"Kit," Nate whispered, "when was the last time you ate?"

I scanned my brain, the granola bar I'd found in the bottom of my backpack was the only thing that came to mind. "Um, a granola bar. Yesterday."

Nate growled. "Did you want to grab a book or two while we're here or come back later?"

Was he mad at me?

Brock pretended not to overhear our conversation though his smirk said otherwise.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you. "

"Kit, I'm not upset, just concerned." Nate cleared his throat. "You're of no use to me if you're passed out cold from not eating. Come on, let's get back to the bar and make lunch. Brock, I'll send Kit back later to pick out some books if that works for you?"

Brock handed Nate his license. "Your account is set up so Kit can come back anytime he likes."

"Great, thanks. I'll add this to the info sheets in the rooms. See ya." Nate gave a wave as we left. I followed behind like a diligent dog who secretly enjoyed being in another's care.

Who was I and what had happened to Kit? The free spirited, own nothing, owe nothing soul?

Well, like any other wave life threw at me, I'd ride it until the newness wore off then move on.

"I'll put in a delivery grocery order when we get back if you tell me what you like. Hamburgers work for you for lunch?" I nodded like a bobble head and Nate smiled. "Burgers it is then."

When we walked inside, Merle was in the same seat, though another man sat beside him. Both with fresh beers in front of them.

"You looking for a job, old man?" Nate teased him.

"Nah, I'd run circles around you and make you cry like a baby. "

That old man was funny, took what Nate dished out and served it right back. "I wouldn't doubt that." Nate patted his shoulder as we passed. "Anything from the kitchen for you guys?"

"I'll take a BLT," Merle replied.

"Burger and fries for me," the other guy said.

"All right, gonna show Kit around the kitchen."

As soon as we walked through the swinging doors to the kitchen, Nate began pointing out the equipment. "Here's the grill, microwave, dishwasher, and deep fryer. You can do two baskets at once at opposing temps. It's not a big set up, but so far it's suited our needs. The only time we experience a backup is during the busy summer months. I've considered expanding the kitchen, but just couldn't justify the costs. Come winter, we pretty much only see locals and honestly it's quite dead." I nodded so he knew I had been listening and understood. "Have you ever operated any of this equipment before?"

"Only the dishwasher because I didn't have a food handlers' card."

"I think we can find a way to fix that. We can get you a California ID card which will work to get one. That is, if you're interested."

It was easier to read more into this than there likely was. From his possessive growls to the attention and way he doted on me. The man knew me less than eight hours so there was no way he was interested in me sexually. Probably more annoyed with the fact I couldn't perform all the duties he needed help with.

"That's not a bad idea. Is there a local place to go to for that? Or would I have to hitchhike over to Sacramento?"

"Hitchhike?" Nate struggled with the word. "I don't know what it is about you, boy, but you definitely push my protective buttons. Let me see what I can do and maybe one morning I could drive you over to the next town. We don't have to go all the way to Sacramento, but the town where the schools are. They've got a motor vehicle office over there. I just need to figure out what kind of paperwork is required to prove who you are. There has to be a way to get a birth certificate issued for you." I could see the wheels turning as he leaned against the stove, deep in thought. If there was a way I had no doubt Nate would find it.

"In the meantime, I can unload and put stock away as it gets delivered. I can do the dishes, sweep, mop. All the usual cleaning chores. Laundry, make the beds and clean the rooms." I hoped Nate didn't regret hiring me due to my limitations. Honestly, this was the first time it had been an issue.

"We'll get it figured out. In the meantime, let's make lunch." I watched as he moved around the kitchen with the finesse of a man who knew the space intimately. "The rooms upstairs I reset after the guests check out. Once a week I run a mop over the floors and dust the furniture. Doesn't take long, the rooms aren't very big. The laundry is in the storage room next to the kitchen. I pretty much work open to close, but weeknights are light so sometimes I close an hour or two early."

"Okay. Um, is there paperwork I need to fill out or an hourly wage you pay? I don't have a bank account." Of course you don't, no license, no accounts. Always been paid under the table in cash and it worked thus far. Since I entered Pints ‘n Pool, I second guessed every aspect of my life.

Nate loaded up two trays with the food and we each carried one back out to the floor. "Take a seat," Nate gestured to the bar and sat behind it on a stool he kept then and the four of us dug in.

I hadn't meant to inhale it as I had but as soon as I took that first bite, I was lost. How long had it been since I'd had a full meal? Days? Weeks? I'd literally snacked as I moved from town to town. Probably not good for me health wise, but it was enough to sustain me at that time.

"Three meals a day, Kit," Nate said. "I won't accept anything less."

"Yes, sir. "

His heated gaze and wide eyes said he was just as surprised by my response as I was. Sure, I had manners, I wasn't a heathen but…yeah.

Merle laughed and my face heated, I was beyond embarrassed. Completely out of character for me to utter such words. Nate stared at me, an undecipherable look on his face. Was he pleased? Angered? It was hard to read him, even though his grouchy side amused me. I still had a hard time deciphering whether or not he was mad, though.

Past towns I'd traveled through I pretty much kept to myself. It was safer that way. Sure, there was the occasional hookup, though not many. Sex was never at the top of my to do list. I'd wander around when I wasn't working and take in the sights. Locals would pass me by, some would say hi, though I was mostly ignored. That was fine, they saw me as transient and if that's the way they'd treat those in need then they weren't the people for me. Foggy Basin I'd been in less than a day and I'd already met many folks who not only took the time to learn my name but to chat with me. Nice change of pace.

"Thanks for lunch. I'll clean up." Hurriedly, I gathered everyone's dishes and scurried off to the sanctity of the kitchen to gather myself. Why had I said that? I took my time, straightening up and wiping everything down. By the time I resurfaced, Nate was the only one out there .

"What would you like me to do next? Do the floors upstairs need to be done? Or did you already do them for this week?" Glad I had the natural ability to commit things to memory the first time around. Everything Nate had explained to me earlier was saved in the human database inside my head. What was needed now was the schedule he kept these tasks to.

"I generally do them on Mondays. That's the lightest day of the week here."

"Noted. What about at the house? I can keep things going there, too. Do the laundry, clean. I do know how to cook, too." One thing Mom insisted upon was that we each not only knew how to cook but how to cultivate and maintain sustainable gardens. Until now, I'd not thought much about that, though I suddenly pictured a garden in the yard between the bar and Nate's house.

What the hell was wrong with me?

"Most of my meals are eaten here. There's not much at home except for some breakfast fixings. Kit," Nate wrung his hands and glanced up. "I was serious about you eating. Meals are included for the duration of your stay and knowing the challenges of you not having a bank account, I'll ensure you're paid in cash, though I can only offer minimum wage plus free food and board. "

"Thank you, I appreciate that." Was he this nice to everyone he employed or was this pity for the wayward waif, unable to properly care for himself?

"Well, come on. I'll show you the laundry room and how everything runs. I generally start a load each night when I lock the door. Then by the time I'm done cleaning, it's ready for the dryer. The next morning, I fold it and put it away. Trust me, there's a method to my anally retentive madness." Nate's smile was genuine and it lit up his handsome face.

Don't fall for your boss. Don't fall for your boss. Don't…

Ugh.

Throughout the remainder of the evening, Nate showed me different tasks as they'd come up or pop into his mind. The manual inventory system consisted of a clipboard attached to the storage room shelving. As I retrieved bottles of liquor or paper supplies, I'd note it accordingly. In my opinion, we worked together like we'd been doing it for years. I didn't break anything which was nice, and Nate hadn't once seemed angry, nor had I been scolded for screwing something up. Yeah, I'd met some assholes along the way. All in all, I'd say it had been a productive first day.

"Why don't you finish mopping and I'll wipe down the tables." Nate closed the gate that led to the upstairs and got to work wiping everything down. "Time to go home. Ready, Belle?" She hopped up and followed us out.

"Still, it's so cool how close your house is to work."

"Not too bad. If you want anything to snack on, there's a few things in the kitchen. Otherwise, help yourself to books or the TV. There's a couple of streaming services I have. Most nights as soon as I get home, I shower and go to bed. Such an exciting life I live."

"Do you ever go out and do anything? What is there to do here? I love getting lost sightseeing. I'm a big fan of the outdoors. Pretty much game for trying anything once." Desperate much, Kit. For the first time I longed to have someone to do things with. It's like stepping foot inside this town propelled me forward twenty years to a Kit who was ready to settle down.

What the ever-loving fuck.

"Well, there's the lake I mentioned at the edge of town. I used to go fishing religiously at the butt crack of dawn every Sunday morning with my dad and my granddad. Haven't been since Granddad passed. We'd catch our fill and have family fish fries the same night. There's just something about fresh caught that's better than store bought, even if they claim theirs was same day. Catching it with your own two hands, or in this case, your own pole. Nothing beats it." Nate smiled as he recollected fond memories. "I don't know," he shrugged. "Maybe it's just me that feels that way."

"Sounds like your granddad shared that feeling."

"Yeah. And my father, too, even though for some reason I always felt closer to Granddad. Don't get me wrong, my dad's a good man and a great father. We got along just fine, but the connection Granddad and I had was unbeatable. Listen to me, going on like I am."

"Well, I'm game for going out and checking out your favorite places. I know the bar opens at ten and we'd have to get up early to go fishing. I have no qualms about that. Never been much of a sleeper as it is." I neglected to tell him that most times I slept outside, beneath the stars when I was on the road. One with nature, though I had to watch out for wild animals which at times were wild humans. I'd take a bear in the woods over them any day.

"I'm gonna shower and call it a night. Feel free to stay up as late as you want. Thanks for the help today. You're a good worker, Kit."

"Thank you. I just wish I could do more to help you."

"No worries, we'll get there. That I have no doubt about. Sleep well. If you need anything, feel free to go through the cupboards and find it. I'll see you in the morning."

"Goodnight, Nate. "

TV wasn't really my thing, never had one growing up. There was one in the common room the elders watched the news on, checking for any updates on the outside world. Instead, I strolled along the wall of shelves, eyeing the books Nate had. Appeared he was a fan of horror and sci-fi. Not a romance novel to be found. I pulled a Stephen King novel from the shelf and dove in. I was a few pages in when I realized reading this before bed was probably not a wise idea and put it back. Maybe I'd visit Books and Beans sooner rather than later.

"Hey, Kit." Nate wandered down the hall wearing nothing but a pair of tight-fitting boxers. Very tight. My gaze raked over his body, head to toe, before settling back on the boxers. "Kit. Kit." I heard my name, but it was so far away. My eyes were glued to the bulge behind the blue cotton. "Kit, are you okay?"

"Huh…what?" I shook the wayward cobwebs from my mind, finally having realized what I had just done and how absolutely humiliating it was. "Yeah, sorry. I'm fine. What did you ask me?" The smirk on Nate's face said all I needed to know. My reaction wasn't missed by him. Great, I'd likely be fired and shown the door tomorrow if not now, though I really couldn't see him throwing me out at in the dead of night. At least, I hoped he wouldn't .

"I forgot to get your cell phone number and give you mine."

Hadn't seen the phone in his hand. I was a bit too preoccupied with the other accessory. "Oh, um, I don't have one."

Arms crossed over his chest, the growly Daddy resurfaced. Holy shit, that was twice today I caught myself thinking Daddy about Nate.

This is so not good, for more reasons than I cared to admit.

"You mean to tell me you've been on the road all this time without a cell phone? What if something had happened to you? How would you be able to get ahold of the authorities or call for help? What if you'd been hurt?" Nate shook his head. "We will remedy this tomorrow and get you a cell phone."

"I appreciate that, Nate, but I can't afford it. I don't even know how long I'll be here for. I don't think it's a good idea. I rarely have enough money to feed myself, let alone pay a cell phone bill." Shit. Based upon his reaction I shouldn't have admitted that.

"We will worry about that later. I just need to be able to get ahold of you or you likewise, or whoever you need to. Or, you know, whatever." His face reddened as he rambled on. "Okay, goodnight." He nearly sprinted down the hall and slammed the bedroom door behind him.

The single thought in my mind was what the fuck just happened?