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Mrs. Santiago scoffs. “That’s an excuse, and you know it. You’ve been guarding your heart ever since that day you camehome from Michigan crying, and I had to take you to the hospital.”
The ache that I’ve been suppressing these past few years rises to the surface at her words, the memories of that day as alive as ever.
I look away, forcing them down, down, down.
A warm hand touches mine, making me realize I’ve been gripping the counter for dear life.
“I hate seeing you hurt, sweet girl.”
“I’ll be fine.” I don’t miss the skepticism on her face. “I will,” I insist. “He’s here for the wedding, and then he’ll be gone, and everything will be like it was before.”
She raises her hand, her raspy palm cupping my cheek. “I really hope so. Because if he breaks your heart again, he’ll hear from me.”
“That won’t happen.”
I wouldn’t let it happen.
Not again.
Miguel and I were over.
“Okay.”
Letting her hand fall, she swings her purse to the front of her chest. “There was actually a reason I came to see you. I was checking in on Kate, and she asked me to give you this.”
Mrs. Santiago pulls out a familiar light-yellow notebook from her bag. Kate’s wedding planner.
“How is she doing?”
“Slightly better. She was sleeping when I left her. That stomach bug sure did a number on her. The poor girl looked so pale.”
“That sucks. Hopefully, she’ll feel better soon. The last thing she needs is to be sick on her wedding day.”
“Let’s hope that’s the case. If nothing changes, I’ll make sure she goes to her doctor.”
“I don’t doubt it for a moment,” I let out a soft chuckle. Mrs. Santiago loved pampering her son’s friends, embracing Kate and her sister, Penelope, into her fold felt natural for the woman.
I flip through the pages until I find the notes about the cake, along with a few images from Pinterest that Kate found as inspiration.
“Do you need help with any of it?”
I shake my head. “I think I’m good, but thank you.”
“That’s good. I can’t believe the wedding is just around the corner.”
Neither could I. It felt like this last year passed in a blur of organization. Since Kate was at Blairwood, she relied on Mrs. Santiago, her Aunt Mabel, and me to help her organize some things, and we spent most of the winter break making decorations for the wedding.
“There is just so much that has to be done. I’m actually on my way to make sure the tent, tables, and chairs will be delivered on time, and they’re like we agreed.”
We chat for a bit longer about the wedding plans before Mrs. Santiago kisses me goodbye, leaving me with enough time to clean around the café and refill the display between customers before I have to go.
“I shouldn’t be too long,” I tell Jessica as I take off my apron. “But if you need anything, I have my phone.”
“I’ll be fine. Go, do your thing.”
I glance at the clock. “Shit, I’m already late.”
Grabbing my bag from the back room, I dash for the door. “I’ll be back soon.”
