Since Gwen was the one who originally told me about Jasper’s therapy and that Evan had gone with him a few times, I know I’m not breaking Jasper’s confidence by saying, “He mentioned this morning how his therapist thinks he should try to make friends or start dating. Maybe with some time off, he’ll venture out more to meet new people or pick up a hobby. There’s plenty to do in Toronto.”
“Mmhmm, mmhmm.” Gwen presses her lips together and bobs her head, her eyes twinkling. I can practically see the wheels turning in her brain: one singleton plus one singleton equals perfect matchmaking opportunity. It doesn’t help that I inadvertently told her I thought Jasper was cute before I knew he was her future brother-in-law. “Ormaybe he’ll meet someone right here in Bellevue. Like, say, during the pre-wedding events we have planned. Say…someone with beautiful auburn hair, killer curves, and an unparalleled talent in the kitchen?”
“Maybe,” I say breezily, leaning my elbows on the counter across from her so we’re eye to eye. She leans in, brows lifting hopefully. “I think what wouldreallymake him happy is being useful. I’m sure he could beinvaluableto you with the finishing touches for the wedding. Did you ever make your final decision about your bridal bouquet?”
The flash of humor in her eyes tells me she knows she’s been bested. With a little huff, she straightens and pops the last piece of pumpkin loaf into her mouth. “Fine, fine, I know when my matchmaking skills aren’t wanted.”
“Or needed,” I point out. Not that she’ll let that stop her from trying again in the future, I’m sure. “I’m happy with things the way they are right now with my focus being on the café and your wedding. I love you for caring about me, though.” I round the counter and wrap my arms around her. She holds on tight, the way she always does.
“Wanna come meet Malcolm and Sherée?” she asks after we release each other.
I follow Gwen out of the kitchen, pausing to check in with Marisol and add the sliced pumpkin loaf to the display case. Gwen is now sitting with the others, and she makes the introductions when I approach.
Malcolm’s stormy expression is replaced by a warm smile that transforms his whole face. “It’s nice to finally meet you,” he says, standing and reaching to shake my hand. “Gwen talks about you all the time.”
“I’m so glad we’re finally meeting too,” I tell him. His smile reminds me of Evan’s—easy, open, and kind. The physical resemblance between the three Perry men is obvious, and yet Jasper is so different from his brothers. Meeting Malcolm makes me even more curious about Jasper and what makes him tick.
I get an equally warm greeting from Sherée, who shakes my hand from across the table and then returns her hands to her round belly. Despite the tension and arguments Gwen mentioned, Sherée looks serene, with a beautiful, healthy glow about her.
“Congratulations on the baby. What an exciting time.”
“Exciting all around,” Sherée says. “A new baby, a new Perry.” She winks at Gwen, whose cheeks flush with happiness as she smiles.
I chat with them for a few minutes before excusing myself to get back to work. I add a picture of the new pumpkin loaf slices to Cravings’ Instagram feed and post a new daily promo in our stories before writing it on the staff bulletin board near the cash register so Marisol and the others will know.
Marisol’s soft chuckle announces her presence before I see her. She appears from the office, phone in hand, cheeks rosy from laughter.
“I was just on Twitter and saw a meme for how to insult someone in a way that sounds British,” she says. “You start with ‘you absolute’ and then add the last thing you ate.”
I think about it for a second and then snicker as I say, “You absolute pumpkin loaf.” Marisol knows I’m easily amused, and she feeds my need for word games, jokes, and puns whenever possible. “We should put that on one of the café’s chalkboards and then add it to our Insta stories. We could give a free cookie or something to the funniest one. Maybe take votes, get people engaged.” I spin around on my stool to look for my chalk, chuckling to myself as I mutter, “You absolute pumpkin loaf.” Instead of my chalk, I find Jasper standing on the other side of the counter, his dark eyes wide.
“I…can come back,” he says, sounding uncertain.
“No! No, I wasn’t…it was…” I consider telling him about the British insult joke, but I’m guessing Jasper’s the type whose funny bone is permanently out of joint. “That was directed at Marisol, not you,” I say, gesturing at Marisol, who has moved to my side and is eyeing Jasper curiously.
After introducing them, my gaze sweeps over Jasper as the pair exchange pleasantries. Somehow he looks even better than he did this morning. His cheeks have a hint of color, probably from walking around the Village with Hugh, and his formerly perfectly-coiffed hair is windblown, giving him a more casual look.
I tune back in as Marisol tells Jasper she’ll get him a cup of coffee.
“How was your tour with Hugh?” I ask.
“Very informative. Considering the magnitude of the Village, it’s impressive what a professional, streamlined operation Hugh and Ivy run. Hugh’s philanthropic work is quite admirable too.”
“They’re pretty much the definition of a power couple,” I say. “Plus they’re two of the kindest, most generous, and down-to-earth people I know.”
“Mm.” Jasper has never looked anything other than serious during our brief acquaintance, but he looks even more earnest than usual now, if possible. There’s a deep groove between his brows, and his eyes have taken on a far-off look. He appears to be thinking hard, but he also seems…lost?
“You okay?” I ask quietly.
He blinks, his eyes clearing. “Fine. Thank you.” His gaze shifts past me to Marisol, who joins us and sets a cup of coffee on the counter.
Jasper pays and then politely excuses himself to join the others. I was unaware I’d been watching him until I turn to find Marisol’s eyes on me.
“That man is an onion,” she says.
“Come again?”
“An onion,” she repeats. “Many layers. Deep ones too, if I’m not mistaken.”
