I hear you’re done playing hard to get.
Me
I really don’t know what you mean.
Fletcher
Don’t play dumb. I spoke to Julius. You’re moving to Stillwater?
Time to ripoff the Band-Aid.
Me
Already here.
Fletcher
Dude, wtf! Why didn’t you say?
Damn, we have a house full of kids. I want to catch up and do dumb shit.
Me
What, like raise your son alone before you get married to the first hot dude immune to your charm?
Fletcher
He wasn’t the first. You didn’t bite either.
Me
Which is why we’re still friends.
Fletcher
Fuck, I missed you. I’ve still not forgiven you for not coming to the wedding. A Victoria Sponge Cake would go a long way to getting back in my good graces. Just sayin’…
Me
We’ll see…
I put my phone away and let him stew. Predictably, the messages keep coming, but I ignore them. The last time I saw Fletcher, his son, George, was only two. Now, he’s married and a stepdad to Harrison’s daughter, Megan.
He’s not earned just his favorite cake. He’s earned a visit.
And since Julius gave me the weekend off to settle in, and Bittersweet is closed, getting familiar with his kitchen is just what my antsy hands need right now.
The kitchen in Julius’s apartment is small and functional. Perfect for most people.
Unfortunately, I’m not most people.
Fortunately, Julius said I can use his fully equipped kitchen for my personal needs at any time. I placed a grocery order yesterday, so I have everything I need.
Even though the apartment is above Bittersweet and technically part of the premises, access is through an external staircase outside the back door.
The chill outside hits my face just as Leo comes out of the bedroom. I close the door again to keep the heat inside.
“I’m sorry,” Leo says, stopping a few steps away, his blond hair all over the place because he hasn’t brushed it.
