“Of course, I would’ve wanted you here,” he continued. “But I was never mad at you, and I knew you were beating yourself up enough about it.” He let out a heavy sigh. “What I was frustrated about was how your father handled it all by not telling you, by putting business first and not letting you make a choice. Your father and I…we don’t see eye to eye on a lot of things. I don’t like the way he treats people or the way he runs his business—and I’ve made that known over the years. He’s tried to cut me out of his life, and that’s his choice, but the main reason I haven’t let him do that is because of you. Because I never wanted you to feel alone. Maybe I could’ve done a better job at that.”
I wasn’t sure why my father was the way he was, and maybe I would never know. I’d spent years trying to please him—to live up to his expectations—but I was realizing I never had a chance. Because I wasn’t like him. I thought back to my earlier conversation with Hal, when he reminded me that I was my own person. It was time to start acting like it, time to start doing things for me. I’d finally gotten a chance to do that in Golden Falls and it had been great. Who knew a work-life balance would do wonders for my mental health?
“I think you did a great job,” I assured Hal. “I don’t think I was ready for it yet, but I am now. Being here in Golden Falls has reminded me that I’m not alone. That if I distance myself from him and set boundaries, that I’m not on an island. Honestly, some boundaries would probably do me good. With both him and my mom.”
“I’m proud of you, Gabe. I really am.”
“That—” I cleared my throat. “That means a lot.”
“Anytime you need a reminder, you know where to find me.”
I let out a laugh, reaching for my coffee. “You have a nice group of people here supporting you, Hal.”
“They’re your people now, too.”
44
LILY
As much asI loved my job, going back to work after a week off took some getting used to. But it was time to open the café, get back to baking, and do something productive with my days that wasn’t only spending time with Gabe…even if that had become one of my favorite pastimes.
Tiffany and I spent the first couple of days getting back into our routine and brainstorming new ideas that we wanted to try this year, and it was another reminder that I didn’t have to do any of this alone. Now, the fourth day back, I felt a rush of excitement about all the new drinks and treats we’d be able to try out, as well as the baking classes I’d signed up to start in the coming months.
A month ago, expanding Purrfect Blend and opening a second location felt like a pipe dream. Now? It all felt within reach, although I wasn’t going to rush it. I wanted to take my time getting there, building my team, and expanding on my skills. I had loyal customers in Golden Falls who I was confident were going to support me each step of the way.
And I had Gabe.
I loved telling him about my ideas and getting his input. He was always supportive but sometimes mentioned aspects I hadn’t even thought of, which helped me think more strategically and be more confident in my ideas. We were a good team.
Unfortunately, I hadn’t had much time with Gabe this week. While he still stopped by in the mornings, he was swamped with work at Nelson Group, more so than usual. I wasn’t sure if it was because he was catching up after the holidays or if his dad was giving him more work on purpose. Maybe both.
My eyes flicked to the table he normally sat at when he was here, which was empty again. My heart clenched. I couldn’t be thinking about that as Gabe’s table. What about in a year from now—in two years from now—would I still look at that goddamn table and think about him?
I let out a heavy sigh and returned to rearranging today’s pastries for the fifth time.
An embarrassing boost of serotonin coursed through my body when my phone vibrated in my apron pocket. I pulled it out, hoping for a text from Gabe but instead seeing it was from Grant, Jules’s older brother.
Grant
Hey, Lily. Sorry I missed your call earlier. I’m in meetings with clients all day today, but I can give you a call tomorrow morning, if that works? Happy to answer whatever questions you have as best I can.
I typed out a reply.
Me
Tomorrow morning works for me! Before 9 a.m. would be great, but if there’s a time that will work better for you, let me know. Looking forward to it! Thanks again for making the time to talk with me.
Grant
I’ll call you at 8 a.m. And it’s no problem at all. Talk to you soon.
Grant was one of the top lawyers in Chicago and specialized in labor and employment law. I’d asked Jules for his number, saying I had a couple of questions after hiring Tiffany and potentially bringing on another employee in the coming months. That was true…to an extent. It was more that I had some questions about non-compete agreements.
Being on my feet normally didn’t take such a toll on me. But being on my feet after a week of time off?
It was Friday afternoon, and I was both beat and energized. All I could think about was lying down on my couch, and I was nearly there. Tiffany was going to close up the café and take care of the cats, allowing me to head home earlier.
I climbed the stairs to my apartment and pushed the door open. Gabe had come by the café about half an hour ago, asking if he could get my key to wait for me at the apartment. He hadone more call to do and then said he’d be mine for the rest of the day. I couldn’t wait.
