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“That’s not necessary.” I placed my glass on the coffee table and followed them to the door. “Thank you for stopping by. I really appreciate it.”
Dexter left, and Colton turned to talk to me. “I thought we talked about you hiring someone to work with you in the mornings.”
“I did. She doesn’t come in until four. I came in earlier this morning, remember?”
“It defeats the purpose if you don’t come in at the same time, doesn’t it?”
I nodded. I wasn’t sure it would have changed anything. Maybe I would have felt safer having someone by my side, but she couldn’t handle an attacker any easier than I could.
“You won’t be able to open today.”
I glanced at the time on my phone. It was seven. My customers would be wondering why the store was closed, but then the door was broken.
“You need to fix that door and get your security system up and running.”
“Right.” There were so many things to do. I couldn’t bake until everything was fixed.
Colton nodded. “Doesn’t Mark work for Morrison Brothers now?”
“He does.” I tensed, wondering why he was asking. Did everyone know that Mark and I were a thing again? If so, it was going to sting when they found out we weren’t anymore.
“Maybe he can help out with the repairs.”
“That would be nice.” I just wanted Colton to leave so I could have a few minutes to myself. I felt stupid for how I’d reacted to the break-in. I should have gotten out of there immediately.
Colton’s hand pressed lightly on my shoulder. “Don’t beat yourself up. It was an emergency situation. It’s normal to freeze. You did well.”
Relief flowed through me at his words. “Thanks, Colton.”
“Call someone. You shouldn’t be alone right now.” He turned to go.
“I’ll call Ellie,” I said to appease him.
“Good.” Then he was gone, and I pushed the door closed.
I was alone. I’d give myself a few minutes, then I needed to get to the bakery and sort things out. I splashed water on my face, wondering if my hands were ever going to stop trembling. Then I called Ellie. Word was going to get out soon. I didn’t want my family to find out from someone else.
“Are you okay? I just heard,” Ellie said as soon as she picked up.
“I’m fine.”
“Dad’s worried about you.”
“I’m okay.” Or at least, I would be. I hadn’t quite come down from the adrenaline high from yesterday with Kendall being missing, and now this? It was more than one person could handle.
“We’re coming to the store to help you clean up.” Ellie’s tone didn’t allow for any argument.
“That would be good.” I tightened my grip on my phone.
“We’ll meet you there.”
“Thanks, Ellie.”
“You’ve been there for me my entire life. It’s my turn to help you.” She hung up, and my heart clenched. I was there for my family, Mark, and Kendall, but it was time for me to let others return the favor.
I wouldn’t let myself think about Mark. He needed to focus on his family. I was a distraction.
Ever since I saw the front door to the bakery ajar, all I could think about was seeing Mark. Wishing he was meeting me this morning. Wanting to be safe and cared for. Would I ever have that feeling again? Or was I doomed to be alone?
