“What about me? The schedule says I’m doing all the baking.” The schedule trembled in Laura Kate’s thin hand. “Chloe, I’m not you. I-I can’t.”
“Yes, you can. And no, you’re not me. In some ways, you’re better. You know where my recipes are if you forget something. We’re a bakery, not saving lives.”
“That’s what you think,” Ruby said with a huff.
“If something doesn’t get done, no big deal. Well, except for the special orders.”
“And the Triple Chocolate Fudge Cookie. I tell you, I still hear rumblings of an insurrection.”
“Ruby,” Chloe said, “I’m beginning to think you’re the one starting the rumblings.”
“Oh, look at the time. I’d better get the coffee started.”
Yeah, just as she thought. Ruby was the sweetest kind of troublemaker.
“Are you sure I can do this?” Laura Kate said.
“I am. And oh, sad news. Eric broke up with Sophie.”
“What? I thought they were so in love.”
“Me too. Apparently, the wedding cake testing put the fear of commitment in him, and he said he wasn’t ready for the ole ‘ball and chain.’”
“I’d like to ball and chain him.” Laura Kate tacked the schedule to the bulletin board and punched the air with her chocolate-frosted fist.
“Get in line behind Sam. He asked Sophie if she wanted him to talk to Eric, but she said no. If he doesn’t want her, she doesn’t want him guilted into going through with it.”
Oh, love. Why was it so glorious yet so provoking and painful?
Chloe had known a great love with Jean-Marc. Could she have it again with Sam? And so soon?
“Chloe, do you mind if I work on the TCFC while you’re gone?”
“Please. Save us from Ruby the Rebel. Oh, Laura Kate, see if you can’t get Robin to come in on time for the next week. Early would be better, if you can talk her into it.”
“Will do, boss.”
By noon, she’d done all the banking and caught up on all the invoices and ordering. Chloe announced to Ruby and Laura Kate she was heading home. As she exited the kitchen door, she ran smack dab into Robin…coming into work…early.
I’ll be, there is a God.
Hardy Insurance was a spectacular office building. Modern with wide windows, concrete floors, and wood accents. Sam could see the appeal of Donut Heaven to a man like his dad.
Meredith greeted him as he approached the executive office. “Go on in. He’s expecting you.”
Sam hesitated, hand on the knob, then went in. He’d gone to his therapy appointment, which went well, then ate a bite of lunch with Chloe before she went home to pack. He was taking her to his place for dinner then to the airport for a departure just after midnight. He had a few hours to kill so he’d rung Frank. After all, he’d been wanting to talk. Besides, Chloe was right. Maybe his dad would have advice about the move to the Raiders.
“Come in, come in.” Frank led Sam to a lounge area that overlooked downtown Hearts Bend. The décor smacked of Janice’s taste. Sam liked it. “Coffee?”
“Sure, that’d be nice. Cream, no sugar.”
Frank returned to the couch with two cups and perched on the edge of the adjacent chair.
“I had wanted to give you a part of the Donut Heaven franchise. That’s why I kept calling. But I’m guessing that’s not why you’re here. I read sports news, Sam. Is it true? The Titans are letting you go?”
“They want Fields out of Ohio State. One injury and they’re looking to find a new franchise quarterback.”
“How’s your knee?”
