“But they have no idea what’s been going on.”
“That’s okay. This isn’t like you, but his appearance set you reeling, and Callie caught you off-guard.” Jayden sat on the edge of her desk. “So this thing with Garrett really affected you?”
“I wasn’t in love with him.” The words poured from her lips faster than runny ganache.
Jayden raised an eyebrow. His look suggested he didn’t believe her. “I didn’t say you were, but love at first sight is real. That’s how it was with Rachelle and me.”
“It wasn’t like that with us. Garrett and I had fun. We were getting closer, so I’d hoped it might turn into more eventually, but neither of us wanted a long-distance relationship. But when he ghosted me, it magnified how I was already feeling. Today and tonight brought up the emotions again.”
“About what?” Jayden asked.
“That I’m not enough. My parents keep implying I’m not smart enough to keep the bakery going, even though I’ve been doing it for years. Then, I wasn’t enough for Garrett to call me after he left, when he said he would. Now, given the downturn in business, I wonder if my mom and dad are right. And I don’t need Garrett Andrews reaffirming it for me.”
Jayden rubbed his neck. “That’s a lot to unpack.”
“It’s me, not Garrett. I’m taking out my emotions and insecurity on him.” She clasped her hands to keep from fidgeting. “Does that break it down for you better?”
“Yes, but love at first sight exists. That would explain why you took being ghosted so hard.”
“It would in a romantic, tragic movie of the week way, but a broken heart isn’t why I overreacted.” A heartbreak might be easier to deal with, too. “I… I hate being disregarded.”
Especially when her parents did the same thing to her.
“Fine. You’re not in love with him.” Jayden sounded relieved. “But Garrett’s in town, he’s your friend’s brother, and there aren’t many places to hide in Silver Falls. What are you going to do?”
Taryn wished she knew. Taking a vacation or locking herself in her house for two weeks weren’t options. She had a booth to build, desserts to bake, and a hundred other things on her to-do list. “Get over it.”
And pray she didn’t see Garrett Andrews anytime soon.
Chapter Four
Holding on tothe two dog leashes, Garrett sat at a table in the patio area with Angus and Sadie. He’d offered to stay outside with the dogs while the others headed inside to order in case Taryn was working tonight. The place was packed, but if things went his way, he wouldn’t see her.
It was almost eight, and the sun was still out. Customers spoke over contemporary music playing from hidden speakers. People smiled and laughed. The mood was light, but a weight pressed against his shoulders.
Leave.
He wanted to return to Margot’s house and pretend he hadn’t upset Taryn. But Callie and his parents would have questions if he took off. Too bad the dogs were behaving themselves, or he would use them as an excuse to get out of there.
“Bark or something,” he whispered.
Sadie and Angus stared at him with hopeful gazes and wagging tails. They didn’t make a peep nor pull against their leashes.Of course, now the little one behaves.
“Sorry, dogs.” He held out his free hand. “I’ve got nothing. I don’t carry treats in my pocket.”
Sadie tilted her head as if she understood him. As Angus panted, his tail sped up.
Girl versus boy.
Garrett didn’t feel like laughing, though. It was him, not the bakery. The patio’s vibe was comfortable and welcoming. Strands of globe lights and flower baskets hanging from the pergola set the mood. Trellises with vines and fairy lights added a theme park feel.
Tasteful, not kitschy.
The little touches, especially the wooden signs painted with desserts and their names, had Taryn written all over them. Her creativity extended beyond baked goods. It showed in the bakery’s design, the new patio, and her one-story home.
Only a small table for two was empty. The new addition appeared to be a success. Good for her and the bakery.
Not that Garrett could congratulate Taryn. Emailing or sending a card was probably a bad idea. Maybe when he was home he would write her and explain what happened. That might be the only way to prove his innocence. Though she might not read whatever he sent.
