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Dominic stammers. “Sir, I can explain.”
“How many?” I ask him again.
“Piper, is this what you pay?” My grandfather asks, holding out a paper to her.
“Listen, it’s not appropriate for a tenant to see that—” Dominic starts reaching for the paper but Piper beats him to it.
“No, I pay a thousand dollars more than that per month,” she says. “I have all my receipts to prove it.”
“I believe you, my dear,” my grandfather says, turning to look at me with a knowing expression. His keen business sense and values were passed down to me by him, and dishonesty is not tolerated.
“Your father was a good man,” he says, holding his hand out to Dominic. “But you, you’re fired. And before you try to argue about a contract, read section five carefully before you challenge me. I’ll be in your office tomorrow morning to collect all necessary materials—leases, keys, and anything else related to my properties. If you try to hide or hold onto any information, I will take legal action for fraud,” he declares as he opens the door for Dominic to leave.
“You—” Dominic moves toward Piper in a fit of anger, but I quickly position myself between them. I stare him down until he storms out the bakery.
Grandad turns to us and says, “Now, how about we have some dessert and coffee. I need to get to know my grandson’s new girlfriend.”
“I’m so sorry—” Piper begins, covering her face with her hands. “I didn’t mean—”
“You might as well get that coffee and dessert,” I nudge her shoulder, “I think this conversation could take a while.”
Piper disappears into the back of the shop. “You need to behave,” I whisper to my grandfather.
“This might be my favorite road trip ever,” he gleefully says as he buries his nose in Gizmos’ fur and turns to find a table.
I roll my eyes and hope this doesn’t turn into a major drama or anything. I need to get back to the office, but now, it seems we need to find someone to manage my grandfather’s real estate holdings here. Even worse, I need to break up with my “fake girlfriend” before things truly spiral out of control.
4
Piper
I’m still trying to process the whirlwind of events from today. It began like any normal day—serving Linda her usual croissant and coffee, followed by Leonard’s favorite glazed doughnut with sprinkles. Then, what was supposed to be a simple wedding cake tasting for Missy turned into Mom wanting to set me up and then claiming a random stranger as my boyfriend who turned out to be my landlord’s grandson. And then there’s the whole Dominic situation, which deserves its own category. And now, here I am, sitting with my boyfriend—err, fake boyfriend—and his grandfather. Yep, just your typical Tuesday.
I grab the coffee and a tray filled with creamers and sugar, setting it on the table in front of Gene and Caleb. I walk back behind the counter to choose some desserts. My fingers dance over the glass display, selecting a few different desserts for them to choose from.
“Do you normally claim random men as boyfriends and get your property manager fired on the same day?” Caleb’s questions as a knot forms in my stomach.
I glance up at him as his warm, green eyes lock onto mine, momentarily distracting me. Focus, Piper. I begin to arrange the pastries and cookies on another tray.
“My mother and sisters have chosen the traditional path of being stay-at-home wives and mothers. They believe I should follow suit and find a man to join the stay-at-home club,” I explain, grabbing the tray and finally taking a seat. “But instead, I chose culinary school and started my bakery. And now I’m even working to expand it with this cookie subscription box service. Unfortunately, they constantly remind me of their disapproval. Today, while we were sampling wedding cakes for my sister, who’s getting married in a few weeks, they decided that finding me a date for the wedding is their top priority,” I finish, my voice rising with frustration.
Gizmo suddenly barks, launching himself at me.
“I think he senses your unease,” Gene observes. “I must say, Piper, I think you’re quite remarkable. Look at what you’ve accomplished.”
This man has only known me for ten minutes and is already impressed by me. My own family can’t even acknowledge my achievements. “Thank you, Mr. Mercer,” I reply politely.
“Please, call me Gene,” he insists. “And choosing my grandson for your wedding date and boyfriend to keep them all at bay is rather clever.”
“I’m sitting right here, and I’m single for a reason,” Caleb growls, but I can tell that he is all bark and no bite.
“Oh really? Let me guess—you have webbed feet? No, you chew with your mouth open?” I tease the man as I pet Gizmo to calm my nerves.
“No, why would you ask that?” Caleb questions, giving me a half smile with squinted eyes.
“Have you looked in the mirror? Your looks definitely aren’t the issue. So I’m just wondering what’s so wrong with you that you’re still single,” I say with a playful smirk on my lips.
“I’m rich,” he mutters. “But not the good kind of rich.”
