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Part of Eva wished she had handled things more gracefully. But a bigger part still felt some satisfaction at holding her ground for once instead of letting Liz back in. They'd broken up multiple times during their relationship, but this one was final. Liz had cheated on her. There was no coming back from that.
As she halfheartedly nibbled another cookie, Eva knew lingering attachment was natural after a serious relationship ending. But rehashing the past wouldn't change anything. With time and distance, she hoped the hurt would continue easing. She deserved to move forward and find someone who wanted her, and only her. Who valued her and loved her in a way Liz either couldn't, or simply wouldn't. She knew she deserved better than that.
Still unsettled and needing her best friend, Eva picked up her phone and opened her thread with Michael, typing out, You'll never guess who just stopped by. Liz showed up out of the blue to get some stuff she left here. It was so awkward and painful.
Michael replied right away, Ugh, I'm sorry! I hope you broke her heart right back for a little revenge.
Despite herself, Eva smiled slightly at his response. I wish, but I couldn't. She just made me realize how much I'm not over the hurt yet.
Michael wrote, You will be, give it time. And you know what they say - the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else.
Eva laughed out loud, trust her best friend to lighten the mood. You're too much. But thank you for the smile tonight, I needed that. I'll see you at the bakery in the morning. Goodnight!
Michael's reply was nearly instant. Anytime, that's what I'm here for! Sleep well, see you tomorrow.
Setting her phone down, Eva felt at least a little better. She would just have to keep pushing through the hurt a bit longer.
Chapter Nineteen
The bell above the door jingled brightly as Claire entered Sweet Delights. The aroma of freshly baked goods and roasted coffee enveloped her, immediately lifting her spirits.
"Good morning, Claire!" Eva called out from behind the counter, flashing her a cheerful smile. "I have your lemon strawberry scone all set aside for you."
"Thank you, Eva," said Claire, returning the smile as she approached the counter. The cozy bakery felt like a sanctuary after the irritating confrontation with Peter the previous night.
Eva slid the plate with the perfectly golden scone across to her. Claire's mouth watered just looking at the sugar-dusted pastry.
"This looks amazing," she said. "I'll take a latte to go with it too, please."
As Eva rang up her order, Claire greeted Michael who was wiping down tables nearby. His rainbow bracelet immediately caught her eye. Without drawing attention to it, she made sure to smile warmly at him in a subtle show of support.
After Eva handed the steaming latte over the counter, Claire brought her breakfast to a table by the window. The first bite of the scone was a burst of sweet, tangy perfection. She was going to have to start alternating between Eva's incredible pastries or she'd never fit into her clothes. Or, a better idea, and one that made her smile, was that she could just buy new clothes and keep eating everything Eva made.
Claire savored the scone and sipped her latte as she gazed out the bakery's front windows. The sleepy street was just starting to come to life with people opening shops and grabbing their morning coffee.
Eva and Michael chatted casually behind the counter while going through opening tasks. With no other customers at the moment, the cozy bakery was quiet and peaceful.
Finishing the last morsel of her scone, Claire debated whether to broach the subject on her mind. After a moment, she gathered her courage and turned to Michael.
"Hey Michael, do you have a minute to chat?" she asked.
He looked over, seeming surprised she had addressed him directly. "Sure, what's up?"
Claire twisted her napkin nervously. "I hope you don't mind me asking, but...is it difficult being openly yourself here in this small town?" She glanced deliberately at his bracelet.
Michael's shoulders tensed almost imperceptibly at the personal question. But he simply laughed wryly and said, "Let me guess - you've been talking to some of our less open-minded residents?"
His reaction told Claire all she needed to know. She felt sheepish bringing it up but pressed on. "I had a run-in with my neighbor Peter last night. He said some very backward things."
Michael's expression darkened at the name. "Ah, Peter. He's notorious for his outdated views around here." He shook his head. "But don't worry about me, Claire. I don't pay any attention to the bigots."
Claire smiled sadly. "I really admire your courage for living openly as yourself in this town. It can't be easy."
Michael waved a hand dismissively but gave her a grateful smile. "It is what it is. I try not to let the closed-minded folks get to me."
He leaned against the counter, glancing down at his rainbow bracelet. "I spent too many years hiding who I was. Now I refuse to pretend just to make bigots like Peter more comfortable."
Claire nodded. "Good for you. Everyone should be able to live as their true selves."
