I miss the strange goodies from Finland more than I thought I would. Oh, that’s not what I’m really missing. It’s Theo. I miss him enough that the stranger who enters looks like him—the same curls, same rich brown eyes, same stubble across his face, same…
Same jacket. That’s the jacket he would wear whenever it was raining. It’s tough and brown, a worker’s jacket, and I feel like it lives in the back of my mind. I know how it looks when he throws it on the bedroom floor or hangs it on a coat rack, and I know exactly how it looks draped over his strong frame.
“Can I help you?” My heart races, but my tone is surprisingly calm. I’ll treat him like any other customer. That’s all he is now.
Someday, I may even be able to look at him like he didn’t hang every star for me. That day isn’t today. There’s still a pull in my chest as if my heart wants me to leap across the baby-blue countertop and into his strong arms.
I squash the part of me that hopes he’s begging for me back. It doesn’t matter that I’m not working for him anymore—I was at one point, and being with me will still ruin his image. He has a perfect image because he’s a good person. He cares, and the world knows that about him. I won’t taint how they look at him.
“Yes.” Theo steps closer. “I’m here to give you your job back.”
That’s what he’s here for? My stomach drops. What else was I expecting? All Theo cares about is work.
I narrow my eyes. “Bold of you to do that at my new place of employment.”
He shakes his head. “What are they paying you? I’ll double it.”
“You already doubled it,” I hiss. “This isn’t about the money.”
“I know you’re staying in San Diego now. You don’t have to leave at the end of the summer—and you were such a great assistant.”
It’s insulting. Was that all I ever was to him? Just a great assistant?
“That’s not what I want to do with my life, Theo. You know that.”
“I do.” He smiles sheepishly. “I wasn’t expecting you to say yes, but… I had to try.”
“You really didn’t have to.” My eyes narrow. “That’s what you came here for? To try and hire me?”
“No.” His expression is somber. “There are two choices. Multiple choice, if you will. You can have the job if you want, or…”
Maybe he isn’t here about the job. For the first time since I met him, it feels like Theo is playing mind games. At least he finally has some imperfections.
I cross my arms. “Orwhat?”
He slips a white rectangle onto the counter. I stare down at it, my eyes widening when I realize what it is. A check—it’s made out to me, and it’s far more than I could ever hope to get for a paycheck.
“I don’t understand.” I press a hand against my chest.
“This is for school. And before you ask—it’s a gift. I don’t want you to pay me back.”
“You can’t do this.” I slide the check back in his direction, but he ignores it. “I can’t take this. Theo?—”
“I love you.” He leans in, his hands pressing against the counter. “I’m investing in your future—in our future if you’ll still have me.”
Everett warned me at the beginning that Theo is far too generous, but I never thought it would reach this point. What am I supposed to do? To say?
My lips part, and only air comes out for several moments. “No. This is too much.”
“I know you said you won’t choose anyone over your work, and I don’t want you to. But I want you to stay. I want you to go to school here because I know it would be good for you, and I want you to be with me. Choose your career. I choose you.”
My body is frozen. I glance at the back—where the bakers are working hard, decorating their cakes. This little piece of paper in front of me will get me back there with them…
Or in a restaurant. Or in my bakery. My dreams. They’re in my reach. For the first time in my life, I don’t need to struggle to get them. They’reright here.
My fingers brush against the paper. I stare down at the check and then at Theo.
“It’s yours,” he says. “Even if you don’t choose me.”
