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“I'm going to be there for them. I care about them too much to let this tear us apart.”
Scarlett's voice softens, and there is a hint of a smile in her tone. “Fin, I'm so happy you've found a guy who treats you right. Every relationship has obstacles, but with open communication, trust, and a united front, you and Jake can weather this storm together.”
Her words wash over me like a soothing balm, dissolving the knots of anxiety in my chest.
Knowing that Scarlett supports me and believes in the strength of my relationship with Jake means more than I can express.
A genuine smile plays at the corners of my lips, gratitude swelling in my heart. “I don't know what I'd do without you.”
“That's what best friends are for,” Scarlett reminds me, her voice warm with affection. “I'm always here for you, Fin. You can talk to me about anything.”
“Hey, Scarlett, I'm sorry. It feels like it's been all about me lately, and I feel terrible about that. Tell me what's happening with your brother's wedding. You must be so excited!”
Scarlett groans on the other end of the line. “Don't remind me. I'd much rather keep talking about the Soul Obsession concert we just went to. That's way more fun.”
I frown, surprised by her reaction. That's odd. Scarlett's been gushing about this wedding for months.
“Why? I thought you were happy your brother was getting married.”
“Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled about the wedding. It's just—” She hesitates, and I can practically see her biting her lip in frustration.
I lean against the counter, the phone pressed to my ear, sensing more to the story. “Just what?”
“My dear brother arranged for me to catch a ride with his best friend, Jett.”
“Isn't Jett your brother's best friend? The one who gets on your nerves.”
“The very same,” Scarlett confirms, her tone laced with annoyance. “I don't know what my brother was thinking, pairing me up with him for the long drive to the wedding venue.”
I offer some encouragement. “It might not be as bad as you think. Maybe the long drive will do you good, and you and Jett will finally find some common ground.”
Scarlett scoffs. “I highly doubt that. We’re like oil and water.”
I realize she's really dreading this. “I'm sorry, Scarlett. That does sound like a tough situation. But try to focus on the positive—your brother's wedding.”
Scarlett sighs. “I shouldn't let him get to me. But if he pulls any stunts, I'll hitchhike to the wedding.”
I laugh, picturing Scarlett standing on the side of the road in her bridesmaid dress, thumb outstretched.
The tinkling of the bell above the door pulls me out of my conversation with Scarlett.
I frown, glancing at the clock. The bakery is closed. Who could possibly be coming in at this hour?
“Someone’s at the door. I'll call you back,” I tell Scarlett.
I set my phone on the counter when we end the call.
As I round the corner, my eyes widen in surprise. Jake is standing in the doorway, his toolbox in hand. His unexpected appearance catches me off guard.
I've been avoiding his attempts to reach me, letting his calls go to voicemail to give myself space to process the morning's events.
Jake's vulnerable gaze meets mine, signaling an urgent need to talk. I can practically see the wheels turning in his mind.
I nod, gesturing for him to come in. We stand facing each other, the silence stretching like a taut wire. The familiar scent of his cologne makes my pulse race.
“I couldn't leave things the way they were this morning. I needed to see you to explain.”
I swallow hard, trying to keep my emotions in check. “Jake, I care about you and Amber. I want to be there for you both, but I need to know where I stand.”
