His brows rose. Then his expression pinched. He seemed to debate something before finally speaking again. “Virginia Bonnie Black,” he said.
I froze. “And?”
“I don’t understand her interest in the Invisible Baker,” he said. “So I looked that up too.”
Is that why he was here?He found out I lied, and he came to fire me, quietly,I thought. A kindness, so I could preserve my dignity. Maybe he even planned to keep my secret, but he couldn’t trust me anymore, so he had to let me go. “And?” I asked again.
Lucas watched me closely, still debating something, it seemed. “I think it’s a good story, but it’s not hers to tell,” he said.
I sucked in a short, shaky breath. “You think it’s the older man’s place to tell,” I said. “The one you told her about?”
He rubbed long fingers against his right eye, then dropped his hand back to his lap. “I guess,” he said. “I stopped by tonight because I have a business opportunity.”
I wanted to talk more about the Invisible Baker. Perhaps long enough for me to collect my nerve and confess, but a business opportunity with Lucas wasn’t something I could easily ignore. “Tell me more.”
Lucas picked invisible lint from his pant leg, looking more nervous than I’d ever seen him. “I’ve secured the loan I need to expand the menu and change my business’s evening model. A new position comes with that change.”
I sat up straighter and let his words sink in. “You got the loan.”
He nodded, and the edges of his mouth slanted upward. “Yeah.”
A burst of excitement rocketed through me, and I leaned forward, careful not to spill my wine as I set it on the coffee table. “That’s amazing! Congratulations!” I scooted over and my arms went around his shoulders in an instant embrace. This was the kind of news I needed. Good things still happened to kind people. “You deserve this,” I said, giving one final squeeze before setting him free.
No wonder he’d been so distracted today. His dream was coming true.
Lucas’s expression was cautious but slightly amused.
“Too much?” I asked, sitting back on my side of the sofa. “I’ve recently learned that I’m a hugger,” I said, smile growing. “I hug everyone these days, and I’ve had a rough one, so I think I needed this news as much as you.”
He smiled back, and we stared at one another for several long moments.
The air grew warm. This thing between us felt cozy and nice. Not the angsty nervousness of romance books, but the comfortable connection of two people sharing a wavelength. I relaxed more fully asI basked in the moment. And I allowed myself the time to examine his handsome face.
Lucas and I didn’t spend as much time together at work these days. I’d found my comfort zone in the kitchen, and he’d been busy making his dreams come true. But when we stole a few minutes to chat, I always left with a smile. His kindness and patience meant everything to me. I had no doubt I’d grown as a baker under his tutelage. I’d become confident and made a dozen new friends with the kitchen staff. He had no idea how much he’d brought to my new life.
“I’m glad I could help,” he said. “I’m elated, and I can’t wait to get started on the changes.” His lips parted, and I suspected he wanted to say more, but he looked quickly away.
“What?” I asked.
“I was thinking you remind me of Margot.”
I grinned. Her photo sat atop the welcome desk. I knew for a fact we looked nothing alike.
“Not in appearance,” he clarified, as if reading my mind. “In spirit, maybe. You have compassion and enthusiasm. It’s contagious. And appreciated. People need more joy in their lives.”
“First of all, I am honored to be compared to Margot,” I said. “Your love and devotion to her is proof she was an incredible soul. Secondly, if you had any idea how much energy I’ve spent trying to be small and go unnoticed, you’d understand how great it feels to be appreciated and not ridiculed for my excitement. So, thank you.”
Lucas met my eye with a hard stare. “Am I awful for saying I kind of hate that guy?”
“That would be the general consensus,” I said. “You’re in good company.”
I swiveled on the cushion to face him. For a moment I considered telling him about what I’d found under the floorboard tonight, but he’d come here for a reason, and that wasn’t it.
I supposed the subject of a failed marriage might be hard for him when he’d do anything to have his wife back. I’d never had a lovingrelationship like his with Margot, so it was impossible to relate. From his position, though, I imagined he thought the split was heartbreaking for me. “This is for the best,” I said. “Robert and I haven’t been married in any sense of the word for years, and we were never partners, so the loss is mainly just frustrating. I’m not even sure we were ever really friends. This divorce is long overdue. I don’t want you to feel bad for me.”
“Okay,” he said. “I just want you to be happy.”
“Careful, or I’ll hug you again.”
