He takes a breath in, like this is a conversation they've had a million times before and he's being overly patient. Shakes his head and looks at the papers in his hands, like she's a lost cause. "Gonna take time."


From anyone else in this town, it might not be teasing. Parker getting one thing right isn't enough to make her a local yet, and they're happy enough to let her know it. Writing on her car. Saying nothing, but saying it loudly, at her choice of pastries.

She's still an outsider. To them.


Maybe still to him, too.

The difference is, he sees her trying. It's not a joke to her. Not really.

Even if it's one between them, now. It just means she's starting to trust him. That they're starting to trust each other.

Maybe even getting towards being friends.

(It's not like people are lining up for that opportunity for either of them.)