The moment I step into my apartment, I kick off my shoes. I like being home probably more than I should. My friends prefer noise, crowds, and constant movement. Me? I’ll take my couch and a decent movie any day.
The only time I go to parties is when my agent insists or when the team expects it. The Grizzlies shape a lot of my life, but I wouldn’t change it.
I love hockey too much.
I change into sweatpants and drop onto the couch, letting the quiet settle around me.
For a moment, I close my eyes.
Lisa moving back.
Julian acting off.
Leo inviting me to the bakery.
Gwen.
Her name lingers a second longer than the rest.
Ever since Leo started working at Sunrise & Salt, I’ve wondered what it’s like there. He talks about the place like it’s something more than just a job. Of course, part of that is Tess. He was hooked on her from the moment she started bossing him around.
I huff out a quiet breath.
I’m still irritated with Rex Chen for putting everything at risk, not just Leo’s happiness, but Tess’s entire business. Her life.
And, by extension, Gwen’s.
That thought sits heavier than it should.
I grab the remote and turn on the TV. My head’s too full to focus on anything new, so I put on Pulp Fiction for what has to be the hundredth time.
I know every line.
Still, it never gets old.
Chapter 5
Gwen
“I don’t know what it is, but this has been one of the longest Thursdays we’ve had in a while,” Tess sighs, leaning against the counter beside me.
I’m cleaning the last of the trays while the bakery slowly empties. There’s one customer left, but judging by how much cake they still have, they’ll be gone within the next ten minutes.
“I think you’re just excited for your date night,” I tease. Tess and Leo are going to see a movie tonight, and she’s been talking about it all morning.
“I think I’m in love,” Tess sighs, staring dreamily at the wall.
“Tess, I know damn well you are, and as much as it goes against my cynical soul, I love seeing you like this.”
She smiles.
“Are you doing anything fun tonight?” she asks, taking the clean tray from me and sliding it behind the counter.
“I bought a new book,” I say. “I can’t wait to start it. It’s about a mafia boss looking for an heir, but all his sons are useless. So he considers his son-in-law, which is apparently a huge scandal.”
Tess laughs. “You and your books.”
Then, softer, “You should write one someday.”
