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Verna’s shoulder jerks. “Not sure. But Max said we weren’t to serve you until he says so, and we look after our stockholders. If it weren’t for them, we’d never have opened this place.”
Tammy adds on a nod, “We owe them so much.”
My eyes narrow. “Who?”
Tammy and Verna look at each other a long moment before turning back to me. They say in unison, “The Leokovs.”
Sweet baby Jesus.
I’ll kill him.
I run back to the office, and panting, I sit at my desk and reach into my top drawer for my cell. The message is written so fast that I can’t help but be proud of my nimble fingers.
Me: Oh my God. You are dead. DEAD! Not just dead…dead meat! Don’t talk to me ever again. EVER!
I slam the phone down on my desk, fuming, and log back in to my computer. A few seconds pass before my cell chimes.
Max: Cupcake, don’t say things you can’t take back. I mean, ouch. You’re killing me with your words, babe.
Then,
Max: I’m guessing this has something to do with you being blacklisted at a certain bakery.
My eyes narrow at the screen. How dare he be cute? How dare he? I stomp my feet and whimper. Asshole!
Me: What do you want?
He must have been waiting by his phone, because only seconds later, my phone vibrates in my hand.
Max: For you to train with Ceecee.
I shake my head enthusiastically as I write.
Me: We’ve talked about this! I can’t! It would be a conflict of interest. Please understand, Max.
Max: You’re perfect.
I roll my eyes and growl, trying to ignore the fluttering in my stomach from that statement, then resume texting.
Me: I could get into a lot of trouble for training her. I could lose my job.
Max: No, you won’t. Besides, I can keep a secret. I won’t tell if you don’t.
I’m beginning to feel bad. The guy clearly wants to help his daughter. My gut coils in regret.
Me: Max, honey…I can’t do it.
Max: Name your price. I’ll pay anything. I’ll do anything, Lena. Name it and you got it.
He just won’t take no for an answer. I place my phone back in the top drawer and get ready to sit in on another session. It’s my last session of the day, as well as my last session assisting. Tomorrow, I’m on my own. I’m anxious, but eager.
From behind me, someone leans down to my ear and whispers, “I’ll do anything. Please.” My entire body jumps in fright. My hand flies up to my heaving chest and I turn to face a restless looking Max. “Please.”
Jesus C, he’s breaking my heart. I step closer to him and whisper, “I gave you my answer, Max. Give up.”
His eyes close. He shakes his head. “Never. I mean it. I won’t give up. I’ll wear you down. I won’t stop.”
My shoulders slump. “Max—”
