For Money or Love?

Story 7 of the 30 Day Writing Challenge!

Trope: On the Rocks.  Our couple is going through hard times...
Character Conflict: He's already won...

For Money or Love?

            "Take another look at those winning numbers ladies and gentleman…”

            William did a double take at the television as the edges of the ticket crinkled in his hand. “Wha-what?” He could hardly breathe. “One, sixteen, seventeen, thirty-two, Fifty…holy shit…” The screen of the television burned into his eyes. “They match.” He jumped from the couch. “I won!”

            The unmistaken jingling of keys at the apartment door had him shoving the winning ticket into his worn jeans. He sunk into the couch. He tried slowing his breathing hoping Fara wouldn’t notice.

            “Still on that couch?” she barked as she past him to the kitchen. Every night had become a test of who could yell the loudest. She was miserable.

The Wrong Guy

Story 6 of the 30 Day Writing Challenge!

Trope: Jilted Bride...Our heroine is left at the altar.
Character Conflict: He doesn't see her in a romantic way.

The Wrong Guy 

            The cloud of smoke floated into the air just like her failed marriage. Poof. Taking another drag, the paper crackled as it approached her lips. It felt good to be bad for a change.

            Flicking the cigarette she looked down at the toecap of her white Converse peeking out from under her wedding dress. This tomboy would ever have the chance at happily ever after.

            She slid down the pillar of mother’s wrap around porch. A tear slipped from her face. “Don’t, Beth. Don’t give him your tears.” She breathed out as her chest ached.

            Footfalls came up behind her. “Hey.”

            “Hey yourself, Sam,” she said without looking up.

            He sat next to her on the stairs. He looked incredibly adorable in his suspenders and suit pants. His gingham bow tie hung loosely around his neck. He looked good. “He’s a jerk.”

            “Whoa, strong words there.” She smirked nudging his shoulder.

            He rubbed his hands together. “Not sure what to say. Sorry for your loss?” His goatee curved as he chuckled his…what…nervous laugh. She waved it off.

            A loss was the perfect thing to say. Kellan was supposed to take her away from here. Help her see the world.

            She yanked the veil from her tightly wound bun. “Ugh, how do women wear these things?” She shook out her hair as if to rid herself of the entire “girly girl” she held within. Which wasn’t much.  

            “There much better.”

            “You should’ve left it up. It looked pretty.” His speckled hazel eyes softened. Was he…? Forget it, Beth. He was Sam. Her best friend since practically birth.

            “Thanks, I guess.”

             “It’s the truth.” He stared a little too long until he cleared his throat. “So he’s a jerk. Did you really think he was “forever”?” He air quoted.

            Yes! No. “I don’t know. Maybe. I mean, come on Sam, who would want this?” She gestured down her boyish frame. She didn’t even have the cleavage to fit the gown. Her mother insisted on inserts to make it appear she had something to offer.

            “Someone will.”

            “Would you?” The words blurted out before she could stop them.

            His lips thinned. “This is awkward. Your…”

            “Forget it’s me for a minute. Would you even look at a girl walking down Main Street that looked like me?”

            “I don’t see anything wrong with the way you look.”

            “That’s not an answer,” she said sternly.

            He rubbed the back of his neck as words tried to form on his lips. “Yes, I would check someone out if they had your…your…ya know…looks.”

            “Really?” Hope spurred her insides.

            “Sure, I mean….”

            Her lips were on him before she could let him speak. His head landed against the wood pillar as his prickly goatee rubbed against her chin as they kissed. Or tried too. Opening her eyes she was greeted by the look of fear that Marty McFly would be proud of.

            She quickly sat back. Nausea swept her stomach. “Oh my god.” She covered her face. “That was so stupid. It’s just that with being left at the altar and…shit…I’m all over the place…”

            “Uh, Beth?”

            “It’s okay, right?” Her eyes looked back meeting his confused face. “I mean it was just a kiss,” she rambled on.

            “Beth…” His face fell.

            “Geez, Sam. It couldn’t have been that bad,” she said bitterly. She tossed the veil into the grass as her cheeks flamed.

            “Wait. It’s not…” his voice faded as the blood flooded to her ears in anger.

            What was I thinking? He’s just a friend. Of course he wouldn’t see me as more. She stomped across the lawn to hide in the barn. Touching her lips she could still feel his bristly facial hair. She exhaled. It wasn’t really all that terrible.

            Rounding the corner she entered the barn. It was set for what would’ve been her reception. White daisies and tiger lilies covered each table as the china sparkled, anxiously anticipating the evening. Just like she had.

            “Beth?”

            Her vision fixed on Kellen. He was handsome with every blonde hair in place. The collar of his dress shirt unbuttoned as he shoved his hands into his tuxedo pockets. Devastatingly put together. Crap. “Here to twist the knife in a little further?”

            “It wouldn’t have worked,” he said plainly.

            She grabbed her middle trying to find strength. “Why?”

            He sighed approaching her. “We’re different.”

            “What’s that supposed to mean?”

            “Your…” She cocked her head to the side. “Too good,” he finished.

            “And that’s a bad thing?”

            “Look, I need someone that’s adventurous. Can think for herself. And…”

            “Someone that doesn’t need saving,” she interrupted.

            He grimaced nodding his head. So the truth comes out. A poor girl from the country could only want a man for his money. The straw broke. “I didn’t need saving. You…” She pointed to his chest. “You were the one that said you liked me that way. I changed who I was for you.”

            “Did you?” His question held so much reality.

            He grabbed her arms. His touch sickened her as she stared at the floorboards watching her life flash by. Was he right? Was she always the little puppy looking for a home? Is that how the world saw her?

            “I didn’t come here to fight. You will thank me someday.”

            “Just go.”

            He stood silently for a moment and squeezed her shoulders before walking out. She crumbled into a nearby chair as a hand touched her.

            “I said go, Kellen.”

            “Wrong guy.”

            She looked up seeing Sam’s dapper presence. He always reminded her of a young but modern Clark Gable. “What?”

            He crouched next to her and said again, “Wrong guy.”

            “What do you mean?” Her lips quivered.

            “You didn’t let me explain back there.”

            She blew out a breath. “Please, I don’t need your pity, Sam.”

            “Just listen. Maybe we could try that again.” 

             His boyish grin made her mouth go dry as her heart rate ticked up. The air changed around them. How could she have been so blind? He kissed her, all coherent thoughts leaving her mind. It was tender yet strong feeling…right. Wow. 

Amy

Story 5 of the 30 Day Writing Challenge!

Trope: The hero falls for his best friend's sister. She is strictly off limits.
Character Conflict: She may or may not be real...

 Amy

            Beep. Beep. The constant sound droned in my ear causing my eyes to peel open. So tired. The bright hospital lights stung as my vision came into focus. I see her. My Amy. Hovering over me her lips moved, but I couldn’t make out the words. Beep. Beep.

            “Brian?” she asked. I grunted. My throat felt like it was on fire. “Hold on, okay?” The soft skin of her hand brushed my head. “You’re burning up. Let me get someone.”

            She turned to leave as my hand lifted weakly to stop her. The room went black.

***

            I open my eyes to the sound of tears. She held my hand. “Amy…,” I squeaked out as my lips crack.

            Her head lifted from the bedside as the smile on her face melted my insides. “Your awake.”

            “What…happened?”

            Her face sobered. “Car accident. You don’t remember?” I shifted to sit up as pain burned down my leg like wildfire. “Careful. Lay still,” she soothed, covering me with a blanket.

            “It’s…fine,” I objected.

            “Always the tough one.”

            I squeezed her hand. “Kiss me.”

            She laughed. “Dave is right around the corner.”

            Her older brother, Dave, would have my balls in a vice if he found out we were dating. He’d made it clear­–on several occasions–she was off limits.

            “So?” I croaked out. “Come here.” I lifted one arm, the other wrapped in a cast. She kept one eye on the door as she leaned forward.

            “Make it quick,” she giggled. Her lips touched mine and it was as if my body sprung to life. I felt every broken bone as the warmth from her kiss spread over me like a sunrise coming over the horizon. She was my sunrise, my everything. “Are you okay?” I suddenly wondered if we’d been together when the car crashed.

            She grimaced as her full lips tightened. “You should rest.”

            I laughed, the pain in my chest causing my eyes to close. She always put me first. “You look gorgeous, Amy. I love you.”

            She touched my cheek. “I love you too.”

***

            Two months had passed before I started feeling myself again. Hoisting my body into the wheelchair by the bed I moved my casted leg into the brace. Moving toward the kitchen, the house was quiet without Amy. She’d become a ninja slipping out in the night to bypass Dave. The last thing I remember her saying was breakfast was in the fridge.

            Making it into the kitchen I swiped the egg burrito she had wrapped in foil.

            “I see you found my burrito.” I looked over the refrigerator door to find Dave walking into our apartment.

            “I thought A…never mind.” I said with a mouthful of food almost slipping up.

            He set a grocery bag on the counter as if it weighed a ton. “Had a break in class. Thought I’d check on you.”

            I raised an eyebrow. “You’ve checked on me every day since I got home.” He always had an excuse to cut class.

            “Who else is gonna help?” He asked walking into the living room.

            I carted behind him. “Whatever, man. I’m good.”

            “You look like shit,” he said shortly.

            Running my hands through my hair and down my face the long stubble from my chin made me realize I needed to shave. “Yeah, well. I ain’t trying to impress any one.” Except Amy.

            He flicked on the television, surfing the channels with the remote. “What do you want to do today?”

            I shrugged knowing she wouldn’t be back until later. “You could help me shower.”

            His hand dropped to the couch. “No way.”

            I laughed pivoting toward the bathroom.

***

            “Have you been sleeping?” Amy asked as music blared around us at a frat party. I hated these things. The usual beer pong and keg stand hoopla didn’t do it for me anymore. Not since I found her.

             “Not really. Just have a ton of catching up to do before finals.” Missing two months of class and hobbling on a cane didn’t help matters.

            Her brow furrowed. “You want to leave?”

            “Only if you do.”

            “Brian, you need rest. You’ve only been out of your chair a few days. We didn’t have to come.”      

            “But you wanted to.” Moving her long corn silk hair I touched the chain of the necklace I bought her. Smoothing circles on her favorite spot with my thumb, it earned me a delicious shiver as she bit her lip.

            “Hey, Brian!”

            I looked up from my daze quickly dropping my hand. “I’ll be right back,” Amy said leaving the room.

            “Hey,” I called after her.

            “Dude, you look good!” Dave exclaimed smacking me in the chest.

            “Ow. Thanks.” Where did she go? I looked back around the corner.

            “You okay?” He followed my line of sight.

            “Yeah, just your sister…” I trailed off crooking my thumb at the door.

            “Amy?” His lips thinned as he slung his arm around my shoulder. “Come on. Let’s get you a drink.”

***

            “Come here, baby.” Her naked body rose from my embrace to straddle me. “I love you.”

            “I know,” she said with a sigh. Her green eyes pierced me like they always did, saying so much.

            “You okay?” I twirled her hair in my fingers.

            “We need to talk.”

            Here we go. I moved her aside, swinging my feet to the floor. No better cock block than bringing up her brother.

            “We need to tell him, Amy.” I stood pulling on my sweat pants.

            “That’s not what I was going to say.” She covered herself with the sheet. “I got some news today.”

            “What?” I asked sitting on the edge of the bed.

            “I was accepted into an internship program.”

            My eyes widened. “That’s great, Am! Was it the job in New York?”

            “Well, not exactly.” She exhaled. “It’s in Japan.”

            It felt like I took a punch to the stomach. Not what I expected. “Okay, that’s like a world away.”

            “It’s a great opportunity and I accepted.”

            “You accepted already?” I asked as my voice shook.

            “I had to. The deadline was today and I was accepted at the last minute.”

            I stood pacing the room, my anger percolating with each step. “Okay. We can make this work.” My breathing spiked as my heart felt empty. I was going to lose her.

            “Brian, look at me.” My eyes met hers.

            “I leave tomorrow.”

***

            My body jackknifed off the bed. Crunching sounds and screams haunted my dreams lately. I needed Amy.

            Rubbing my face, my eyes settled on her necklace neatly coiled on the nightstand. How could she pull the rug out from underneath me? And what’s with leaving her gift behind? Was this a sign to forget me? I hobbled into the kitchen to get a glass of water just as the front door opened.

            “Oh hey,” Dave said slightly slurring his words.

            I grabbed a glass from the cupboard. “Where were you?”

            “Out.” He stumbled to the couch and I heard his body fall into the cushions.

            I joined him in the adjacent chair. “Good party?”

            “Not a party.” His voice muted by the throw pillow where he landed. He turned his face. “Just me..and a bar.”

            “Are you okay?”

            His face held anguish as he stared at the carpet. “Yeah. It’s just hard, ya know? With Amy and all.” His eyes were bloodshot as if he’d been crying. They were very close. I could only imagine how he must feel with her leaving.

            I felt the same way. Something inside furled in anger. How dare she go without even a good-bye? I looked at him. If Amy wasn’t going to tell him, I would. “I know. I wished she would’ve said something sooner.”

            He sat up. “What do you mean?”

            I sighed scooting to the edge of the chair. “I need to tell you something.”

            “Forget it.” He rubbed his face throwing his hands in the air. “I don’t want to talk about Amy.”

            “We need to.”

            He stood. “No, we don’t,” he said through his teeth as his fists clenched at his sides. Did he know?

            “Did she tell you?”

            His chest heaved as wetness spilled down his cheeks. “Tell me what? You were the last person to see her.”

            “Dave, you should sit.”

            He exhaled visibly shaking with rage. “Just tell me.”

            I swallowed, never seeing him this riled up. My stomach took a nosedive, wondering if I should back track. But what did it matter now? Our relationship was over. She was leaving. “Amy and I…We’ve been seeing each other.”

            His body towered over me as I sunk into the chair.

            “Even if I was okay with this. Which I’m not.” He halted as his lip quivered. “It’s impossible for you to be with her.”

The Trophy Girl

Story 4 of the 30 Day Writing Challenge!

Trope: Protector - One of our lovers is determined to protect the other
Character Conflict: The have a terrible first impression of one another

The Trophy Girl

            Drifting through the underground roadways of the city the urine saturated subway car filled my nose. Ugh, how can people stand to take this thing? Catching my reflection in the dusty window I swiped a small splotch of red lipstick from my face and fluffed my wavy brown hair.

            With my phone in hand I checked Kevin’s earlier text. Sorry about tonight. Working late. I shoved it in my Louis Vuitton letting my hand fall to my side. Butterflies filled my stomach. He’s worked late every night the last month and he deserved a little fun. And I was going to give it to him.

            Looking over my shoulder my eyes stopped on a large man sitting in the corner wearing his sunglasses. Strange. I sighed looking at the ceiling. Can this car move any faster? I didn’t tell my driver where I was headed since he worked for Kevin. He would’ve tipped him off.

            Suddenly I flew forward, losing my tight grip on the railing. “What the hell?” On my knees a scuffle ensued behind me.

            “Get off me, man!”

            “Shut up.”

            I turned, falling to my ass. The man in sunglasses pinned a street kid to the floor.

            “I was just looking,” the kid said.

            “Let him go!” I yelled trying to gain a foothold to pull myself up.

            The man swiftly removed a pair of handcuffs from his pocket and attached the kid to the leg of a passenger chair. He loomed over me. His black hair tousled his head in waves as a five o’clock shadow dusted his face holding a severe scowl. He held out a hand to help me.

            “Thanks. I think I can manage.” I stood, pulling down my skirt. “What was that?” My tone short.

            “He was going to rob you, ma’am.”

            “Ma’am?” I spat. I was twenty-eight and the farthest thing from being a ma’am. “And to push me out of the way was your best approach? Do you even know who I am?” I asked as if he should. I was all over the gossip columns as Kevin Kennedy’s girlfriend, the CEO of a multi-billion dollar government manufacturing company. From what the magazines said I would soon be his wife.

            “Yes,” he said passively.

            “Good.” He stepped closer taking me by the elbow. “Excuse me, sir. But you can go now. It appears the culprit was caught.” I pointed to the kid.

            “Let me go!” The kid struggled as the handcuffs clanged against the metal rail.

            He glared at him and he stopped. “No can do. I’m following orders.”

            My eyebrows shot up. “Orders?”

            “Yes, ma’am.” He looked at me.

            I pointed a finger into his chest. It bounced off him like a quarter hitting steel. “Call me that one more time…”

            He crossed his arms cocking a slanted brow over his sunglasses. “Mr. Kennedy instructed me to keep an eye on you.”

            I exhaled. Of course he did. “Where’s Frank?” Frank being my usual chaperone.

            “He’s on another job.” That was a lie. Kevin must be onto me, reassigning my bodyguard and all. Frank and I had become close over the last few months. No more than good friends but knowing my Kevin, Frank’s judgment must have been cloudy.

            “Just keep your distance…” I gestured my hand at him.

            “Ryan.”

            “Okay, Ryan. Here are a few ground rules. What I say goes and keep your distance. You can get off at the next stop and leave me be for the evening. That’s an order.”

            He removed his sunglasses, a fading bruise showing above his cheek under the florescent lights. He was a fighter for sure. His stark blue eyes cut through me as they narrowed. Geez. “I only take orders from Mr. Kennedy.”

            “We’ll see.”

            The car slowed and the doors slid open. I hopped out just as they started closing making a run for the stairs. Looking back, Ryan pounded on the glass as it pulled away from the station.

            “Not my first rodeo.” I smiled blowing him a kiss.

***

            Vacuums hummed in the background as I removed my jacket, showing off my black corset top as my breasts spilled over the top. Finding the door to his office slightly ajar I squealed inside from the anticipation. Here I come, baby.

            As I approached muffled voices filtered out. Awe, he was working so hard. He would always take care of me and it showed.

            I reached the door and heard a moan. “What?” I touched the knob when a hand came up behind me, covering my mouth.

            “Don’t scream.” I tensed then quickly realized it was Ryan. He found me. Damn it! How the hell did he know where I was going?

            Squirming in his grasp my teeth cut into his hand. “Fuck,” he whispered in his deep baritone voice. Shoving me into a corner cubical he spun me around.

            “Get off! Seriously, boundaries!”

            “Hush.”

            “Move.” I passed him as the door to Kevin’s office opened. Ryan pushed me into a chair and locked me into it with handcuffs. We were going to have to talk about his Neanderthal approach.

            He put his finger to his mouth as I glared.

            Kevin said, “Let’s get out of here.”

            Ryan straightened and walked over to him. “Mr. Kennedy.”

            I wheeled the chair to the entrance of the cube, squinting in the darkness. Was that his secretary, Mona? I shook as the rage to sock her in the face drove me to insanity.

            “Ryan.” He cleared his throat releasing Mona’s waist. “What are you doing here?”

            “There’s been an incident, sir. Alexis is missing.”

            He narrowed his eyes. “Well find her, Ryan. You were hired to keep her out of my way.”

            My heart sunk to my black booted toes. Out of his way? I jiggled the handcuffs to escape as the metal rubbed against my skin.

            “I know sir. She is…tricky.”

            Kevin laughed. “And that’s why Frank no longer watches her. Find her and let her know I’ll be out late.” He spun to the door without a worry. “Come on, baby.” He slapped Mona’s buttocks and she yelped.

            Ryan waited until they were out of sight and crouched in front of me. He grimaced as he unlocked my wrists free.

            I shot up. “Out of his way, Ryan? That’s what you were hired for?”

            He stood and his jaw noticeably tightened. “Among other things.”

            “How long has that–“ I pointed to his office. “­–been going on?”

            He stood stoic. Not giving anything away as my irritation rose to levels I’d never reached. “Fucking speak!”

            “Which one?”

            Which one. So there were several. Crumbling to the chair it hit me. I was Kevin’s trophy girl. I covered my face with my hands. Stupid.

            “We need to go,” he said.

            I wiped the tears from my face. “Where?”

            “Home.”

            I laughed as my throat clogged from crying. “I don’t live there anymore.”

            He held a hand out to me. “Come with me.”

            Looking up his eyes fell. Was that pity? “No way! Haven’t you done enough?” His eyebrows shot up. “I mean this is your fault.” I stood, snatching my purse and jacket wishing I waited for Kevin in bed. If I didn’t see it, it didn’t happen. All would be fine. “You were supposed to keep me from seeing that!”

            “Seriously, Alexis?” he called as I stomped down the hallway. “You would have found out eventually. Your too smart for your own good.”

            I stopped in my tracks. What did he know? Spinning I said, “Your fired.”

***

            Wrapping my arms around my middle I drifted through the city streets. The fall air hitting my face as I found another bar to drown my sorrows in.

            Sitting I ordered a shot of tequila with a vodka chaser. What was I going to do? I could just suck it up and stay. I mean he did pay my way for everything. I had no degree, no job. All I had were my looks. I chuckled at myself as the chair next to me screeched. Looking up from my haze, Ryan’s large frame sat. A sudden wave of spicy male scent hit me. Yum. Well if Kevin can get his, then maybe I should too.

            “Didn’t I fire you?” I took the shot ignoring my injured libido.

            He ordered from the bartender. “I don’t work for you.”

            I shifted back, the room starting to spin slightly. “Riiiiiggghhht. You work for Kevin.” I raised my glass. “Let’s cheers to the great man.”

            He ignored my request and took a swig of beer. “Are you gonna stay with him?”

            I puffed air from my lips. “Don’t worry, Ry. Can I call you, Ry?” I shook my head. “Your job is safe.”

            “Leave him, Alexis.”

            My glass landed with a thud and I stood, wrapping my hands around his neck. “And what are you offering?” I snorted as he pushed me away.

            “More than he can.”             

Katie's Kreations

Day 3 of the 30 Day Writing Challenge!

Trope: Reunion of Past Lovers

Character Conflict: They are straight-up enemies

Katie's Kreations

            The pink frosting glided over the vanilla cupcake with ease. “There,” Katie said loving her newest but final creation. She swiped her thumb from the tip of the icing bag and licked away the sweet raspberry cream frosting. “Yum.” 

            The front door rattled causing her to look up from the counter. “Oh, hey Paul.” Her employee was wrapped in a navy pea coat, his hair peeking out from the back of a black skullcap.  The winter chill followed him to the counter.

            “Hey. You want these over here?” He carried the white cardboard serving boxes she ordered for her last hurrah as a cupcake shop owner and set them on the counter. He placed a hand on her shoulder. “You okay?”

            “Yeah. I’m alright. Here taste.” She held open the icing bag and he took a small dollop of sweetness to his mouth.

            “Holy mother.”

            “Right?  Wish I would’ve thought of this before the store was closing. At least I’ll be remembered with this flavor.”

            “You’ll be remembered regardless. This isn’t the end,” he encouraged. He leaned back crossing his ankles.

            She shrugged rinsing her hands in the sink and drying them. “I know. But this was my first real adventure, Paul. And it was a failure.”

            “It wasn’t. If the owner of Cascade Properties hadn’t sold out to that redevelopment company you’d still be here.” He turned to help place the cupcakes in the display case for tomorrow.

            “I know, but maybe this is fate. Maybe I’m not meant to do this.”

            He stood, taking her shoulders. “You are. Besides the whole town is looking forward to trying the last of your creations.”

            She smiled. He was wonderful helping her through this tough time. He even made suggestions for new locations but the thought of rebuilding Katie’s Kreations in a different spot just felt wrong. She would move on eventually. Just not yet.

            Locking the front door she pulled her scarf around her neck. “See ya, later Paul.” She waved when he jogged to his car dodging the falling snow, leaving a thin layer of what reminded her of frosting on the road. She chuckled. She spun to look at her shop. All decorated for the holidays and ready for one more day of business. Her heart sunk as she touched the glass to say goodbye.

***

            The next morning a line was out the door and curving around the corner of the building. So thrilled with the turn out, Katie practically danced behind the counter as she served her customers.  Many of the other businesses have since closed up their shops earlier in the week, leaving hers to be one of the last.  She bent over into the display case to rearrange the remaining treats when she heard, “Can I have a raspberry cupcake, please?”

            “You’re lucky. There’s one left.” She swiped it and looked up, stopping in her tracks. Her eyes widened and a rush of excitement hit her veins.

            “Hi Katie,” Liam said with his smile as handsome as she remembered. Every blonde hair in place and neatly groomed as it swept to the side. Was it possible for a man to get more gorgeous with time?  Her insides hummed just being in his mere presence. Or maybe it was the sugar high from too many confections. 

            She smiled wide as she handed him a plate with a cupcake and fork. “What are you doing here?”

            He took it. “Just thought I would check out your space. My boss raved about it so, I thought…” he shrugged.

            She bit her lip. “Well, I’m glad you did.” Maybe things would be looking up. “Come sit.” She left her post and ushered him to an empty table.

            He stared at her, his hazel eyes sweeping her face. “You look. Wow, Katie. It’s been like five years, right?”

            She nodded. After college they went their separate ways. He returned to New York while she came back to Bakersfield to start her company. The break up was difficult, but she always hoped he would find her again. And here he was. “What have you been up too? I mean who’s your boss?”

            He hesitated, forking a piece of cupcake from the plate. He looked down. “Mr. Clark. He owns…” Bile rose in her throat and a sudden wave of nausea swept over her. “Katie, are you okay?”

            She inhaled gripping the sides of the table hoping the room would stop spinning. “Yeah. I’m sorry. I thought you just said your boss was Mr. Clark of Clark Industries. I must’ve miss understood.”

            He grimaced, setting his utensils down with a clink. “I do work for Clark Industries.”

            She furrowed her brow as her vision blurred from tears. “This was your doing, wasn’t it? I mean, you bought up all these properties. How could you? All the livelihoods of these small business owners, gone. Including me.”

            “Katie. I didn’t know this place was yours. I didn’t do the initial survey of the location.  I just…”

            She stood, the chair screeching across the floor. “Finished the deal. Took it all. Took my hard work.” Her heart went from soaring on cloud nine to buried under miles of subterranean within seconds.

            He followed suit, rubbing her arms up and down. “It wasn’t like that. I had no choice.”

            Her eyes shot up to him as tears tracked down her face. “Get out.”

            “Listen to me,” he whispered in her ear. “Even if I knew this was your shop I couldn’t stop it from happening. Mr. Clark has had an eye on this property for ages. When Cascade decided to sell, he jumped on it.”

            She shuddered tossing his hands off her. His closeness sickening her when in the past it had brought her solace. “Just leave, please. Let me have my last day in peace.”

            He stepped back. “Can I make it up to you?” He furrowed his brow with his shoulders slumped in defeat.

            “How, Liam?  You gonna buy me a new shop? Fund me the losses I’ll have from the forced shut down?”

            His lips thinned. “I just thought maybe dinner to start.”

            “Unbelievable.” She stormed passed him and disappeared into the back kitchen. Her attempt at slamming the double action doors, a failure–like her.  How could the only love she ever had, hurt her like this? It would have been better if he’d stayed away.

            She covered her face as she slid down the wall. It was over. And this was the first time she was able to mourn her loss. The bakery was like a child to her. Her blood sweat and literal tears built this place into something she was proud of.

            Holding her knees, the metal counters and convection ovens gleamed from her thorough cleaning.  She hoped the next owner would cherish them as much as she did.

            The door swung open, lifting her eyes she watched Liam’s face fall with concern. He crowded on the floor next to her in his fancy and expensive looking suit. “Don’t,” she shrugged away.

            “Please, Katie.” He wrapped his arms around her and she fell into him. He smelled divine. “If I had the power to change it I would.”

            He was right. One thing she knew about Liam, was he wasn’t an unkind person. She believed he would have put up a fight for her even if it were futile.

            “It’s just…” She shook her head. “This is stupid. We don’t even know each other like this anymore.” She went to pull away, suddenly uncomfortable.

            He lifted her chin. “I disagree.” Her eyes searched his. They were as sweet and caring as she remembered.  “Do you still like being held?” She nodded. “Do you still like the color purple?” She nodded again. “And do you still sleep with one foot outside the covers?” She laughed wiping her nose with her sleeve.

            “Yes…”

            “See. This is totally normal.” He smiled. “I make a huge­–albeit terrible–grand gesture just to get a dinner date.”  She smoothed her lips recalling the first time he asked her out. He’d sung Just the Way You Are at a karaoke bar off campus. His voice borderline flat but his undeniable personality drew her to him. She couldn’t say no. 

            “Yeah, you are good at that.” She shoved his shoulder.

            “What do you say? Can we start over?”

            She wiped her tears. Start over. This was her chance to do just that, in all things. Maybe it was fate that brought them back together. She sighed.

            “I’d like that.”