“Absolutely.I would describe myself as a serviceable baker and cook.Luna is next level.”Janet grinned.
“I’ll take a scone.I love a good scone,” I said.
Blake rolled his eyes.“They’re giant crumbs.”
I snorted.“That’s insulting to those of us who love scones.”
“They’re too dry for me.I’ll take two donuts.”
“Going all out,” Casey teased.“And, you’re getting your sister’s coffee.”
“I have a new job,” Blake said.
“You do?”My gaze whipped to him.Although it wasn’t a physical reaction on his part, I could feel his internal wince.
“I do.”He lifted his chin.
“That’s awesome, Blake.”
He dipped his chin, a slight smile crossing his face.“It’s a good thing.”
Janet’s gaze bounced between us.“It is.You’ve got this, Blake.”
She rounded the counter to give him a hug and actually patted his cheeks when she stepped back.
“Thanks, Janet.”His tone was somber as he eyed her steadily.
“Encouragement is always a good thing.We never get too old for it,” Janet said lightly.
“I’ll take every ounce I can get,” he said.
After Casey handed over our orders, we sat down at a table together.I took a few sips of coffee before asking, “So, what’s the job?”
Blake cleared his throat.“I got a paralegal position at Blackthorne Law.I can keep it until I pass the bar.As long as I do a good job,” he added quickly.
I could tell he was nervous.He was fidgeting, first with the napkin, followed by his fork, before taking quick sips from his coffee.
“I’m proud of you, Blake.”
He cleared his throat.“Thank you.I’m sorry about everything.”
“Blake, you don’t need to keep apologizing.”
“But I do.For me.I know the assault wasn’t my fault, but it doesn’t change that I made a mess of things.”
My heart ached as I studied my brother.The change in him during high school had been profound and painful to witness.“You’ve got this.Okay?”
His eyes shone as he held my gaze before nodding once.“Okay.I’m going to try.”He took a gulp of coffee before shifting gears.“So, how are you and Jude?”
“Well, uh, we haven’t talked since you spent the night.”
“Ah, I feel like that timing wasn’t so good for you two.”
I took a quick breath.“Maybe it wasn’t.Jude has opinions.”
“He’s always tried to have your back while you’ve been busy trying to clean up in my wake.”
“Is Cheryl gonegone?”
