Chapter 14 - THE MAN AT THE BAKERY DOOR
Years later, Vincent returned to the city without an entourage.
He carried one suitcase. He had a modest apartment arranged through lawful channels, a supervised employment plan, and obligations that would follow him for years.
He did not go to the old estate.
He went to Bell Family Pastries.
The shop smelled of butter and espresso. A little bell rang above the door. Behind the counter, Leo was arranging pastries in a glass case.
He looked up.
For a moment neither man spoke.
Then Leo said, “You're early. We don't open for another ten minutes.”
Vincent glanced at the clock. “I can wait outside.”
Leo studied him.
“You want coffee?”
Vincent nodded.
They sat at a small table near the window. Leo poured two cups and placed a plate of sfogliatelle between them.
“This place looks good,” Vincent said.
“It is good.”
“I heard business was strong.”
“Strong enough.”
Leo watched him take a bite.
“Well?”
Vincent smiled. “Better than anything the estate kitchen ever served.”
“That's because I make them myself.”
They sat quietly.
Finally, Leo said, “I don't forgive everything.”
Vincent set down the pastry.
“I don't expect you to.”
“But I don't want you walking around thinking everyone hates you forever.”
Vincent looked at him.
“That's generous.”
“No,” Leo said. “It's practical. Hate takes time. I've got a bakery to run.”
The door opened.
Tessa stepped inside wearing hospital scrubs beneath a wool coat.
She stopped when she saw Vincent.
He stood.
For a long moment, neither moved.
Then she smiled.
“Hello, Vincent.”
“Hello, Tessa.”
He looked older. There were new lines around his eyes, and his hair had begun turning silver at the temples. But the arrogance that once filled a room before he entered it was gone.
She looked older too. More confident. More settled.
“How was your shift?” he asked.
“Long. We had three admissions before breakfast.”
He smiled. “Sounds exhausting.”
“It was.”
She stepped closer.
“Would you like to take a walk?”
Vincent glanced toward Leo.
Leo waved them away. “Go. You're blocking my display.”
Outside, sunlight spilled across the street.
They walked without hurrying.
Vincent did not ask whether she had waited for him.
Tessa did not ask him to pretend the past was gone.
At the corner, she reached for his hand.
He looked down, surprised.
“Are you sure?” he asked.
She smiled.
May you like
“I'm sure about taking a walk.”
It was enough.
