Page 34 of Always and Forever
Mila’s shoulders are back, and her eyes gleam with pride. “That’s exactly what I wanted to hear.” She stands and goes back to the kitchen, returning with two more pastries.
“Gimme, gimme, gimme. Just don’t expect me to ever say the name right,” I say, reaching for one. My eyes close as I bite down. It really is sinfully delicious.
After I finish my second pastry in record time, I lean back, holding my cup of coffee that sadly pales in comparison to the delicious treat I just ate.Sorry, coffee, youcan’tcompete with foggy-whatever it’s called.
“Mom used to tease Dad that the way to his heart was through his stomach,” Mila says fondly. “Funny how I can bake up a storm but can’t find a man. Curse of living in a small town, I guess.”
It’s the first time I’ve heard Mila mention her love life, and my ears perk up. “There’s got to be some eligible bachelors in town.”
She snorts. “Umm, nope. None that I would be interested in, at least. The only remotely attractive one would be Reid, but I’ve known him for way too long. I had to suffer through his emo punk phase when he and Ethan were teenagers. How the school ever got over that enough to hire him as principal I will never understand.” She lets out a loud sigh. “If I’m going to live in Dogwood Cove, I’m going to live a spinster. And since I wouldn’t be able to afford a bakery anywhere else, I guess I better start my cat collection.”
“Aren’t you allergic to cats?”
Mila shrugs. “Fine. I’ll collect dogs.”
I roll my eyes at that. “Mila, you work ridiculous hours at a bakery. Collecting animals doesn’t seem like a viable option.”
“Stop shooting down my ideas, Summer. Just because you’re happy in a relationship, doesn’t mean the rest of us will be so lucky.”
And there it is.
“So, you know about Ethan and I,” I say nervously, my hands clutching my coffee cup tightly.
“Well, I do now that you confirmed it,” she answers, and I venture a glance up to gauge her reaction. She doesn’t seem mad.
“I’m sorry we didn’t tell you; it was my idea not to. I wasn’t sure how you’d feel.”
“Not gonna lie, it’s weird. And it does suck that you didn’t feel like you could tell me. But if you like him that way, and he likes you, I guess I can’t stand in the way.” She shrugs, as if it’s no big deal. Meanwhile, my heart is pounding. “Just don’t tell me any details about your sex life, okay? I love you both, but eww. No thanks.” Mila shudders. Then her lips curl up into a smile. “And hey, if you marry him, we’ll be sisters.” Mila says impishly.
I can’t help it, I burst out laughing. “How about we go on more than one date before you start planning our wedding?”
Mila chuckles at that, but then her expression turns serious.
“Speaking seriously, Summer, I’m okay with you guys getting together. Just promise me you’ll tell me if he hurts you so I can kick his ass.”
I feel more freaking tears start to build. “Thanks, Mila.”
“Chicks before dicks. Sisters before misters. Friends before men.” Mila raises her coffee cup and we cheer each other. Then her face and her tone sobers. “But Summer, don’t hurt him either, okay?”
My brows pull together in confusion. “I wasn’t planning on it.”
Mila nods, her eyes downcast. “Look, it probably isn’t my business, but I know my brother won’t talk about it. A few years ago, not long after Mom and Dad died, he had his heart broken. She was a teacher, here on contract. Even though her job wasn’t permanent, she made him believe that she would stay. Then two weeks before her contract was up, she told him she had accepted a job on the mainland. He tried to convince everyone that it was no big deal, but I know my brother. He’s got a huge heart full of love to give, and she broke it.”
I’m silent after she finishes, processing what she’s told me. Even though I have no intention of hurting Ethan, I can read between the lines. Mila’s worried that if I leave, it’ll hurt Ethan. I guess I need to make it clear that I don’t plan on leaving.
“Thanks for telling me, Mila,” I say quietly.
She gives me a small smile in return. “Okay, enough drama. Are you ready for this work party? I think there should be about six of us ready to work for a few hours, so we had better get out there and get started.”
My heart warms at that. All of these people coming together to help me. Mila might complain about a lack of eligible men in a small town, but even she has to see the benefit of living somewhere that everyone comes together to help those in need. Even if the person in need hasn’t lived there for almost two decades.
We climb into my truck, Mila setting a large box filled with what I hope are more pastries on the back seat, and set off for the short drive to the resort. When we arrive, there are already several cars parked. I can see Ethan standing with a group of people and he seems to be giving directions.
“He can’t help but put himself in charge,” Mila huffs.
“It’s probably a good thing. After all, it’s not as if I know much about renovations,” I say.
She turns to me and reaches one hand out to rest on my leg. “I’m really glad you’re doing this, Summer. You can reopen this place, better than it ever was. I believe that.”
