I was in a trance. I had to be, right?
“About what?” I asked, my throat dry.
“About the truce.”
“But,” I started, my eyes looking over to the bag of flour then back to him, “you have me right where you want me.”
He hummed. “Not quite where I want you.”
I parted my lips, about to ask him where it was that he wanted meexactlywhen a sharp, harsh burnt smell filled the air, breaking me out of whatever haze I was in. “The chocolate peppermint loaf!” I exclaimed, slipping past him and quickly moving toward the oven.
I grabbed an oven mitt and pulled the door open, a plume of smoke exiting. The heat fanned my face as I pulled out the loaf. The top of it was burnt to a crisp. I set it on top of the stove, turned off the oven, and let out a sigh. Luckily, the fire alarm hadn’t gone off.
But what was I doing? That was the closest I’d gotten to Gabe, and I nearly burned the kitchen to the ground. Dramatic, maybe, but also true. It was a chocolate loaf this time, but what about next time I got caught up in the moment with him?
He likely had the same thought, because he was cleaning the flour off the counter.
“I’m going to get a broom,” I said and didn’t wait for his response before I darted to the supply closet.
I found the broom within seconds, but I took another minute to myself, letting out a heavy exhale.
What just happened? And why did I want it to happen again but without the interruption?
18
GABRIEL
Friday
I’d gotten usedto helping Lily and spending time at Purrfect Blend. As much as I enjoyed my office in Milwaukee with big windows, double monitors, and a large desk, I was more at ease sitting at the café.
In the office, I was usually glued to my desk, only taking a break for lunch. Here, I took a few short walks throughout the day while on the phone with current and prospective clients.
I glanced down at my phone when it started vibrating on the table.Ron Nelsonappeared on my screen, and I let out a heavy sigh. This was definitely a phone call I was going to step outside for.
I closed my laptop, picked up my phone, and threw on my coat. Lily was nice enough to keep an eye on my things whenever I stepped outside, so I didn’t have to pack everything up. I felt her gaze on me as I closed the distance to the door in a few quick strides.
“Hey, Dad,” I answered once I was outside.
“Where are you?” My father’s tone was always annoyed to some degree. Today, I could tell he was already fucking irritated.
“I’m in Golden Falls. Is everything?—”
“Still?”
I inhaled deeply through my nose, keeping my composure as I started to walk down the block. “Yeah, still. It’s been about two weeks. I imagine I’ll be here for a few more. I’m still taking calls and meetings and getting everything I need done. Did you need something?”
“I thought you’d be back by now. You haven’t purchased the building yet?”
“Not yet. That’s what I’m trying to do.”
“Make him an offer he can’t refuse. There has to be a dollar amount. Find out what it is.”
I didn’t want to admit to my father that I already tried throwing money at the problem. It had been my first instinct during the meeting with Hal and Lily, and I still felt ashamed about it.
“It’s not about the money. I don’t think thereisa dollar amount. It’s about more than that, which is why I’m taking my time here. I mean, you’re the one who said to not come back until I had things figured out.”
“Yeah, because I thought it would take you a week—two at most. You’re not wasting your time there, are you? That place is too small for you. There’s nothing there.”
