Within fifteen minutes, we have Phoebe’s car loaded with stuff and are on the way to her condo.It’s only a few miles from the cottage, but it’s like returning to civilization.So far removed from traffic and people, the cottage feels like an entirely different world.I miss it.
I pull into a housing complex full of condos and townhouses surrounded by woods.It’s only a few miles from Finn’s house, but with all the people walking the trails throughout the complex and going into their homes from the parking lot, it feels like I’m on another planet.I know it’s across the street from the shopping village Phoebe’s bakery is in, but I can’t see it from here.I park in the spot Phoebe tells me to, then get out and grab a couple of boxes to take in.
“Hey, King!”
I turn my head and see Alvarez waving.I lift my chin in greeting.
“Hey,” I say in return.
“Moving in?”he asks as Andie comes from across the parking lot and is hugging Phoebe like it’s been four years since they’ve seen each other.
“Dropping some stuff off to get it out of my brother’s house,” I say.
Alvarez holds out his arms.“Give me those, I’ll give you a hand.”
“I’m okay, thanks.”
“King, we help each other.It’s the Devil Birds’ way.Give me a box.”
Ugh.They really do take thisteam is a familything seriously.“Thanks.Grab whatever you want.”
He follows me into Phoebe’s first-floor condo.
“Where should we put the boxes?”I ask Phoebe as we walk in.
“Your room is over there.”Phoebe points to an open door.I catch the glance Andie and Alvarez give each other.I know they heard the fiancé bit in the hospital, but they probably realized it was Phoebe being loopy on the pain meds.Whatever.It’s nobody’s business where I’m sleeping.
“Thanks,” I say and follow Alvarez.
“There’s an optional skate tomorrow.I can give you a ride if you need it,” Alvarez says as we join Phoebe and Andie in the living room.
I scratch the back of my neck and look away, my eyes naturally landing on Phoebe.She must recognize my discomfort.
“That’s so nice of you, Colby,” Phoebe says, jumping in to answer and rescue me.“Ollie can take my car.I can’t drive anyway.And we’re going to be at the cottage, so that’s out of the way for you.”
I nod.“And there’s a coffee shop and a bookstore, I think.My plan was to invite Phoebe along so she gets out and about while we’re at practice.”I turn to Phoebe.“We could have dinner at one of the restaurants.I still have the suite at Devil’s Den, so we can get ready there, stay over…”
“Ooh, yeah, I’d like that.I’ve never stayed there,” Phoebe says with a sweet smile.
“I wish I didn’t have to work tomorrow,” Andie says.“I’d come along so we can hang out during practice.”She flushes hotly.“Only practice!Not trying to crash your date or have a slumber party.”
We all laugh at that.
As the laughter dies, Colby says, “You two will be hanging out like always when we’re on our road trip next week.Planning for the Pastry Pro Championship.”
“Have you heard back yet?”I ask.
Andie shakes her head, “We’re waiting to hear if we’re selected.The filming will be in Atlantic City in three weeks, and the winner will get $10,000 and hopefully lots of publicity.They’re shooting it as a pilot and shopping it around.If it gets picked up and our episode airs, we’ll have nationwide exposure.We want to open our boutique bakery for specialty treats and high-end desserts.”
“You do?”I turn to Phoebe with questioning eyes.“I thought you were happy at the bakery?”
She flushes.“I am.But Jack only wants to do pies, pastries, and simple cakes.Regular everyday stuff.And he does that well.We all do.But Andie is an artist decorating cakes and cookies.I love experimenting with flavors and techniques, and that doesn’t fit in with what Jack wants for Half-Cocked.He supports us and lets us use the kitchen after hours, but we want our own space and to be independent.”
I’m surprised by that.I don’t know all the details, but I had the impression that Phoebe and Shelby had money from their parents and grandparents.I didn’t think $10,000 would make a difference.Hell, I’d give her the money to make her dream come true.I’d give her anything in my power to give.She already has my heart.Giving her everything else is simple.
“Do you want to come over and hang out?”Alvarez asks us.“I don’t have anything planned for the afternoon.”
“Thanks, Colby,” Phoebe says, “but we want to get back to the cottage before nightfall because it’s so dark out there.Another time?”Phoebe steps beside me and slips her arm around my waist.Immediately, I relax.I didn’t realize how tense and uncomfortable I was until she grounded me.I put my arm around her shoulder and rub my thumb back and forth along her upper arm.She gives a delicate shiver and snuggles closer.It’s like placing the saddle blanket on the horse’s back and letting them get used to the weight of it.
