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“You could have never known. He’s a slime ball. He preys on innocent people and strikes when he sees an opportunity that fits his agenda.”
“If I had been around more, maybe I would have known and none of this would have happened.”
“It’s not your fault. Don’t blame yourself.” I sigh. “Everything is fine. We’ll figure it out.” Maybe if I keep repeating it, I’ll believe it myself. “I’m exhausted. Can we go home?”
“Sure. Anything you want.” Van clasps his hand in mine.
TWENTY-SIX
IT’S NEVER FINE
Van
The early morning sun shines through the window, stirring me awake. I roll to my side. Auburn strands of hair contrast against the white pillowcase. It’s been two days of wracking my brain, trying to figure out how to make this right. Not for me, but for Hollyn. She says everything is fine, but I know that’s far from the truth. Her hazel eyes have lost their sparkle, and it hasn’t been there since I told her I sold the bakery. She deserves everything and I want to be the one to give it to her, not take it away. Sitting up, I bend over and brush a strand of hair off her cheek. I press a kiss to her temple. She stirs but doesn’t wake.
Slowly, I slide out of bed and grab my jeans. I tug them on and fasten the button. Bending over, I pluck my shirt off the floor and pull it over my head. With one last glance back, I exit her bedroom and head downstairs and out the front door. I need to figure out a way to get the bakery back. On the drive to my apartment, the roads are quiet, but my mind isn’t. Once I’m almost to my place, I get an idea. It’s crazy and I don’t know if it will work, but there’s only one way to find out. I step on the gas and get home as soon as possible.
* * *
Two hours later, I’m showered and dressed in slacks and a dress shirt. I pull the door open to Cake and Crumbs and sugar and caramel waft into my nose. The dining area is light and airy with white walls and splashes of color splatter the walls, as if someone took a bucket of paint and threw it. The left side is full of bakery cases that wrap around to an L shape with a check out at the end. Small, two person tables fill the rest of the area and right now, most of them are occupied. People mill around as they collect their muffins, pastries, and scones for the morning. I can see why he wants a second location. I move to the end of the line that’s ten people deep and wait until I reach the front counter. When it’s my turn, I ask to see Mr. Jasper. Another employee sticks their head into the kitchen. A few moments later, Elliot exits.
“Hello Mr. Bailey. What can I do for you?” He brushes his hand on his chef’s coat before extending it out.
I grip his and give it a shake. “I was hoping I could have a few minutes to talk to you.”
“As you can see, we’re a little busy.” He turns his attention to the girl behind the counter. “Sara, I told you to fold the corners in first when you wrap the pastries.” Sara’s cheeks redden with embarrassment from the scolding.
“It will only take a minute, sir. Please.”
Annoyed, he glances around before turning back to me with a huff. “Give me a minute.” He storms off into the kitchen.
I stand off to the side as I wait. A few seconds later, he steps out of the kitchen and directs me to follow him down a hallway and into an office. He steps to the side to allow me to enter, then shuts the door.
“Have a seat. How are you doing? Enjoying your new found fortune?” He takes a seat and leans back in his leather office chair.
“I wish I could say I was, but unfortunately, I can’t. See, Mr. Jasper, I made a big mistake. When I sold the bakery to you, I wasn’t in the right headspace. I made the decision while I was in distress. My girlfriend told me she’s pregnant and the only solution I could come up with to provide for my family was to sell the bakery.” He leans forward, resting his elbows on his desk, and I keep going. “Then I found out the bakery means more to her than either of us could ever know. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize it until it was too late. I beg you, please allow me to cancel the sale or buy it back. Whatever I gotta do. I need the bakery. I’ll do anything.” Silence fills the room, except for the thumping of my heartbeat in my ears.
Elliot leans back in his chair and crosses his arms over his chest. “I admire your determination Mr. Bailey, and your dedication to supporting your family is very admirable. But the deal is done. You’ve signed on the dotted line.”
“There has to be something I can do. This can’t be the end all be all.”
Leaning forward he rests his elbow on his desk. “I assure you Mr. Bailey, if you attempt to back out of the deal, you’ll be hearing from my lawyer and going to court will cost you more money than it’s worth. You should consider yourself very lucky. I’ve paid you twenty percent over market value. Now, take the money and provide for your family.” He rises to his feet. His large frame towers over me from the other side of the desk.
I stand, a giant pit sits in the bottom of my gut as I realize this is it. One moment in time can change everything. One wrong move and the carefully crafted foundation you’ve built comes crashing down. That moment is right now. The bakery and possibly Hollyn are gone.
* * *
I tip back the pint glass of beer, taking a giant gulp. When it’s empty, I set the glass on the bar top and push it away. The beer does nothing to ease my conscience. My stomach turns each time I picture her expression. The hurt in her eyes. The sadness. And I caused it. All of it.
A moment later, Trey, Bennett, and Seth stroll into Porter's and find my sorry ass sitting at the bar. Bennett and Seth take the empty seats on my right, and Trey takes the seat on the left. As soon as I realized my mistake, I made some phone calls. These guys have become my friends and they’ve known Hollyn longer than I have, so hopefully they’ll know how I can fix this.
The bartender takes their order and sets a new beer in front of me. No one says anything for a few moments until I break the silence. “I fucked up with Hollyn. Like really fucked up. And I don’t know how to fix it.”
Seth clasps my shoulder. “We’ve all been there. Bennett unknowingly catfished Charlie on a dating app, but once he found out who she was, he continued with the ruse. I pushed Parisa away and kept her away after accusing her of making me her dirty little secret. And Trey is just…Trey.”
“Moral of the story. Don’t get yourself emotionally involved,” Trey deadpans.
Bennett leans in. “Don’t listen to him. We’re waiting for the day a woman makes him forget his own name. But first we need to know what you did before we can determine if this fuck up will require flowers, chocolate, or jewelry.”
