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“What did he tell you?” I ask, ready for the blow.
“That you lied about your past and that he couldn’t be with someone who couldn’t be truthful.” She flinches. “But I’m guessing he’s still seeing red and isn’t ready to look at the big picture. I know my brother. Stubborn is his middle name. If you are willing, I’d love to have the whole picture.”
I nod and sigh. Last time I explained what happened with Theo a few days ago, I had a glass of wine and a tissue in my hands. I’ll have to fly solo this time. I won’t cry, though. I’m done with giving him all my tears. I cried more than I expected.
I’m not a crier.
I’m a smiler. I smile through the tough times. It’s always been my way. But Theo, he got under my skin in a way I didn’t expect.
I give her a short and simple rundown. Theo made a surprise visit, met my family, charmed my family, which of course gave Nora pause. Then shared that my mother, so charmed by Theo, thought it was appropriate to spew her twisted tale of my last serious relationship.
“Theo was so mad that he refused to really listen to the truth. I think we both said things we will regret, but in the end, we ended things.”
Nora sighs.
“It’s for the best.” I urge.
“Do you love him?” Her question is barely a whisper.
I look her in the eyes, steadying my breath, the rush of blood in my ears loud. A choked “yes” is all I can muster.
She smiles thoughtfully and nods.
“I want to make it clear that I hear you and the way your relationship with the cheater ended is legit and I would have done the same thing. Maybe not with as much grace as you, but you should have been the one to tell him. Before things got serious,” she says, wincing.
“I know,” I reply softly.
“Why didn’t you tell him?” Her tone is small, hesitant.
“Honestly, I didn’t see the end of my engagement as something even remotely similar to the end of his.” I shake my head and dig a finger into my chest. “I should have, though. That’s on me.”
Her shoulders sag. “Hindsight is always 20/20, isn’t it?”
I chuckle a humorless laugh. “Ain’t it, though?”
“I just wanted him to be happy. To find love. If anyone was going to break through that icy heart, it was going to be someone as sunny as you, Cassie.”
My eyes burn. “I’m sorry it wasn’t me, Nora.”
She swipes at a tear but nods. “I wanted to tell you I decided on the cake flavor. I know I wasn’t able to get to the baker to taste the flavors.”
The change in subject is appreciated. I mentally shake myself out of all my feels and switch into planner mode.
“No biggie, the baker felt bad that she had to limit you on the flavors to begin with,” I tell her. Our go-to baker was overbooked, but she owed me a favor and was able to add in Nora’s cake. She could get an amazing cake made for her, but within a few parameters. Such as style and flavor. But with Nora being so laid back, I took the opportunity.
“I talked to Lori. She said she could swing it, but I’m going with a hummingbird flavor. Since she was already offering spice cake as an option, she said the added banana and pineapple wouldn’t be a big deal,” she tells me.
“Yum, it’s been ages since I had a bride order that flavor,” I tell her.
“I found some old journal that belonged to my mother as I was looking for something old, and I found that she and my dad had a hummingbird cake. Which makes sense as to why she always baked one every year for their anniversary.” She sniffs and clearly her recent walk down memory lane is causing some emotional distress. Add in her fear that she was losing my help and friendship, it all makes my heart heavy.
We chat for a bit longer about the wedding, less emotional topics, and I make sure to embrace her in the biggest hug before she leaves.
While my heart remains heavy, my shoulders feel lighter knowing I won’t lose a client or friend because of my fallout with Theo.
Chapter 17
FINE WITH A CAPITAL F
