He smirks and sighs. “I think she would like that. You know her pretty damn well, don’t you?”
“I like to think so.”
It’s another way to give back, which means I like it, too. Making it a reality will take a few more steps—coming up with eligibility criteria, partnering with someone to manage the scholarship, and figuring out the legal side. I won’t be rushing any of it, but Evie has done the opposite of ruining my career.
She’s inspiring my future.
“Watch this for a minute,” he says. “You shouldn’t need to do anything. I think Evie needs my help.”
“Sure.” I stand by the grill dutifully. I’ve grilled before, but don’t know what I’m looking for, staring at the browning pieces of meat with disinterest.
If I mess this up, I won’t gain any more points with Everett. These days, I could use anything he’s willing to give. I may not have lost my best friend over my relationship with Evie, but it had been a close one…
And his walls are still up. I can’t blame him for that.
The sliding door opens, and Evie comes out. Even though Everett goes to help her, she carries the three-tier cake alone. Frosted flowers are etched across the cake, and there’s glitter, pearls…
Usually, when she bakes for her brother’s events, I can tell it’s all for him. The designs are simple, and the flavors are, too. This? This beautiful, flamboyant cake? This is for her.
I smile proudly, catching her eye as she sets the cake down.
“Hey!” Everett holds his beer in the air as if that’s enough to get everyone’s attention. “I know we do this every weekend, but don’t forget—this is for Evie.”
“Everett!” Evie whispers, tugging at his shirt.
The little crowd cheers politely, but I forget to, my gaze stuck on her.
Her blonde hair flows past her shoulders, perfectly framing the bubblegum pink dress that clings to her form and goes down to her ankles. The sunlight catches the fabric, making the glitter sparkle in the light, and I hold back a sigh.
Every time I see her, she’s more beautiful than the last.
“My sister got accepted into one of the best culinary schools in the state, so she’ll be sticking around. She also insisted on making her owncelebratorycake, so the rest of you get a treat.You may not know her well, but this isn’t anything new. She started making her own birthday cakes when she was twelve.”
I chuckle.
“Thank you, thank you.” Evie tugs at him again. “That’s enough. Thank you for coming, everyone!”
Damn the grill. I forget about the job entirely, crossing the patio to get closer to her. Everett’s eyes are still on us, but I ignore his sharp gaze. I bend low, pressing my lips to hers—so soft, but enough that she knows I care.
“I’m so proud of you,” I whisper.
Without answering, her fingers curl into my shirt. She drags me closer and kisses me hard.
“Thank you,” she says. “Thank you so, so much.”
“I would have done more if you let me.”
“How?” She shakes her head. “Howcould you have done more?”
“I don’t know.” I lift a shoulder. “Do you need an investor for your bakery?”
She presses my chest, playfully pushing me away. “That’s enough out of you. Will you help me cut the cake?”
“Yeah. Unless…”
When I turn to find Everett, he’s walking away—but I don’t miss the slight smile on his lips.
Everything will be okay after all. After years of telling myself I can’t have it all—love, friendship, and a career… perhaps I was wrong. Right now? It feels like I have the whole package. Or at least that I’m on the way to it.
