Dreams Outgrow Rooms Built From Other Peoples Fears by Niro Mason 173

173 Into Town 

I changed into a clean shirt with a flannel jacket on top, paired with denim shorts and sneakers. 

I drove out of the farm into town. I couldn’t stop the smile taking over my lips as the nostalgia hit me. I have spent so much time in Midnight, I have forgotten how colorful and less noisy this town was. 

I parked at a spot, and when I got out, a woman called my name. 

“Catherine?” 

“Hey, Mrs. Fields.” 

“Oh my god, it’s you!” She came for a hug. “Look at you!” 

“I see the flower shop is as lovely as always.” 

She slapped my arm playfully? “Of course it is! I’m the best in town.” 

“It has gotten bigger, too.” 

“Yes! If you’re here, then does it mean you’re here for the reunion? You’re two days early, though.” 

“Reunion?” 

“Yes,” she said before pointing to the banner attached to her glass. 

Rosevale High School’s Seven–year reunion. 

“Oh my god!” 

“Seems like you forgot.” 

“I had no idea! Has it really been seven years already?” 

“Yes! I still can’t believe it, either!” 

Now that she mentioned it, I recalled seeing a poster of some kind on our group chat, 

but I didn’t check. 

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the rest of you!” 

I smiled. “Yeah.” 

173 Into Town 

I watched her leave, feeling stuck for a moment as I looked back at the poster. It really has been seven years. If I hadn’t been in Rosevale, I would have missed this, or Gramps would have surely used it as an excuse to make me come home. 

I turned to leave, but I froze. “Recd!” 

He smiled, strolling to me. “Hey…” he paused for a moment as his eyes took me in. 

“What? I’m in my farm girl era, don’t judge me.” 

“I can see that. You look beautiful anyway. Always” 

“Thanks.” I adjusted my glasses. “What are you doing out here?” 

I saw he was dressed to blend in, too. I was blessed lately with shirts too tight to fit. 

to take a stroll.” His eyes passed around. “Getting cooped up in the hotel, so I decided “It’s really a lovely town, and everyone’s friendly. I had samples for breakfast because the stores kept offering me one.” 

I giggled. “Always a full stomach on samples here. Now you’re here, wanna help me shop? The list is long.” 

“Sure!” 

We walked side by side, and some running kids passed us. 

“I noticed the decorations; it seems like something’s happening.” 

“Yes…. apparently it’s my high school seven–year reunion.” 

“Seven–year reunion? Not ten years?” 

“Well, before I graduated, my class made plans for seven years. We wanted to do it out of tradition.” 

“So are you going…?” 

“I’m here now, 

“This…” 

thank god! I could have missed…” I circled my finger on everything. 

“Then it’s an opportunity.” 

“I don’t know…” 

“You don’t wanna go?” 

“I’m just not feeling it.” 

173 Into Town 

“I think you should,” he urged. 

“Really?” 

He nodded. 

“And then there’s an issue with a plus one… I wouldn’t wanna go alone.” 

Reed narrowed his eyes. 

“I mean, Ares probably wouldn’t wanna attend that kinda function… so…” 

“I can go with you if you want.” 

“What?!” 

“I–I mean, as your bodyguard. Mr. King wouldn’t want you to attend something where he’s gonna not be there alone.” 

He has a point. 

Though for a minute there, I thought he wanted to go as partners. 

“That’s really sweet, but I’m still stuck so…” 

“Lemme know when you decide. I’ll wait.” 

We made our way to the stall, got some groceries, and I added in my own money for some livestock feeds I knew we didn’t have. Granny wouldn’t have told me otherwise, which was why I came myself. 

Reed helped load the feed, hoisting the sack on his shoulder and dropping it in the back of the truck. 

“You were planning to carry all these yourself?” he asked. 

“Um, yeah?” 

“Cat…” 

My heart skipped a beat when he said my name, no less shortened it. 

“G–Good thing I saw you! You helped so all fair,” I said, suddenly nervous. “Besides, the store owner always offered a hand.” 

“You shouldn’t have come alone still.” 

“She’s not alone.” 

173 Into Town 

At the sudden masculine voice, I whipped my head in speed and found Ares coming forward. 

“W–What are you doing here?” I asked with wide eyes. 

Did he follow me? 

“Mr. King” Reed said, straightening position. 

Ares doesn’t spare me a glance, keeping his icy glare focused on Reed like he wanted to strangle him. 2 

“You should be at the hotel.” 

“I’m on duty, sir.” 

“I didn’t give that order.” 

Shit. 

“I called him to help load the feeds,” I spoke up. “I couldn’t lift them myself.” 

о 

Ares flickered his eyes to me, but I looked away and smiled at Reed. 

“Thanks for coming to my rescue, and if it gets too boring at the hotel, stop by. Granny makes some mean meatloaves.” 

Reed forced a smile and simply nodded. 

“Get in,” Ares ordered, abruptly looking annoyed. 

“What? I’m not done. I still have more things to get.” 

Ares pinned me with his eyes, and I shivered. However, I didn’t let it get to me. If he 

thinks he can show up and order me around, then he thought wrong! 

“Shall we?” I said to Reed. “We still haven’t gotten the fertilizer.” 

“Reed, get back to the hotel.” 

I whipped my head to Ares. “No, he’s helping. He can’t leave yet.” 

“I’m here.” 

“Are you?” I interjected, folding my arms. “Last time I checked… I don’t need your help.” 

He passed a look at Reed, a lethal one that spoke more than words. 

“Mr. King. Mrs. King.” Reed left. 

173 Into Town 

“What’s wrong with you?!” I snapped, not caring who heard me. 

His jaw tightened. “You were entertaining a third party.” 

I scoffed in disbelief. “A third party? It’s fucking Reed! He’s my bodyguard, and he was doing his job!” 

“An order I didn’t give.” 

“You’re an asshole, you know that?” I said, boiling in anger. “And you’re… suffocating.” 

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