Page 75 of Booked on You
“Is it serious or casual?” she asks.
I think about that question.
“She could be the woman I marry,” I say matter-of-factly with a soft smile, the one that touches my lips anytime I think about Scarlett. As I look at Sara, I think about the sleepless nights when I dreamed about her coming back to me. This feels like a test from the universe, one I know I passed with flying colors.
“Well,” I say, signaling the conversation is finished. “It was great to see you. Enjoy the cinnabuns. Take care of yourself.”
“You too, Ezra,” she whispers, her gaze lingering just a moment longer before I walk back into the shop.
The door closes behind me with a gentle chime, leaving a silence filled not with regret, but relief.
I’ve closed that chapter, and I’m moving forward without glancing back.
I turn and watch Sara disappear down the street, and I exhale.
Millie moves toward me, her hand settling on my shoulder and steadying me.
“She wanted you back after what she did. You handled that better than I would have,” Millie says dryly, eyes narrowed toward the sidewalk.
I laugh. “Today has been strange, hasn’t it?”
She pats my back. “Every day is strange.” She returns to her dough, and I realize she’s making apple turnovers. “I’m proud of you, Ezra. It takes strength to close a door like that, especially when someone tries to wedge it back open.”
“That door’s closed for good and double locked. I’m where I want to be,” I admit.
She squeezes my arm, smiling. “With someone who deserves you. You’re a good partner. Will make someone really happy one day.”
“Yep,” I mutter, smiling wider as I think about Scarlett. “I sure will.”
“Now, let me get you what you came here for,” she says, moving to the back. A minute later, she walks toward me with a white pie box. I take it from her hands, feeling that the bottom is still warm.
“Scarlett is going to fall in love with you after eatin’ that pie,” Millie says.
“Did you make it with a love potion?” I ask, and she gives me a wink.
“Oh, hang on.” She pulls out a slip of paper and an envelope. She clicks the pen and scribbles something onto the card, shoves it into the envelope, and licks it closed. “That’s for Scarlett.”
“What does it say?” I ask.
She shoots me a stern glare, even if it’s still playful. “That’s none of your business. It’s strictly between Scarlett and me. Woman to woman.”
I laugh, raising my hands in surrender. “All right, all right. I’m going to ask her, though.”
“She won’t tell you.” Millie sets it on top of the box. “Don’t be a stranger, okay?”
“Okay,” I say, holding the pie like it’s precious cargo. “You’re not playing matchmaker, are you?”
Millie chuckles, a tender gleam in her eyes. “Worry about yourself.”
“Thank you. I appreciate this,” I say, lifting the box.
“Of course, sweetie. And Ezra?”
I pause, looking back at her. “Yeah?”
She meets my gaze with a softness she reserves only for me. “Keep Scarlett. She brings out your best. Your mom would be tickled.”
I feel the truth in her words and grin.
