Page 164 of How To Not Need You

“I’M NOT!”

She absolutely is. Jake catches her around the middle about half a second before impact.

“I was hugging her!”

“With a bit too much speed,” he says causing Natalie to laugh, and some of the panic disappears from her face.

“Come here.” She crouches and Jake releases Tilly into a much safer hug.

I hold up the coffees Jake bought on the way. “I brought drugs.”

Natalie straightens. “Please tell me that's mine.”

“Depends. Are there cinnamon rolls inside?”

“There are cinnamon rolls.” I hand it over.

“Congratulations on your terrible financial decision.”

She takes the coffee. “Thank you for your support.”

“Always.” That earns me a smile. Then Natalie looks at the bakery again. I follow her gaze. I have to admit, it looks good.

Really fucking good.

The new sign is up over the door. WHISK & WONDER, in the branding we spent far too many hours arguing about, because apparently choosing a font is easy when I’m being paid to do it and a personal attack when it’s for someone I love.

Yes. I said it.

So sue me.

Ever since I said it to Jake, it’s like I can’t stop the words from pouring out. I told Tilly last week. Harper two days later. Elsie after that. I even told Luca, which nearly gave him a heart attack.

I smile just thinking about it. That was a fun day.

The windows are full of cakes, pastries and little handwritten signs. Inside, I can see the tables we helped assemble, the counter Luca complained about carrying and the shelves Jake had to straighten because none of us could agree whether they were crooked.

They were crooked. I was right.

“Well?” Natalie asks.

I glance at her. “You want me to say something nice, don't you?”

“Yes.”

“That's unfortunate.”

“Liv.”

I grin. “It looks amazing.”

Her eyes immediately fill with tears.

“Nope.” I point at her. “Don't do that.”

“I'm not doing anything.”

“You're getting shiny.”