Page 59 of Baked

“You’re being ridiculous, you know that?” Cat declared.

“Tell me again why Libby thought it was a good idea to send you instead of coming herself?”

She wasn’t enjoying the tough love. She would much prefer something a little more subtle. And softer. Something Libby was better at giving.

Cat ignored the question and carried on. “Remember a few months ago when I had that panic attack, and I totally freaked out because I thought Cody was gonna run for the hills?” Rachel nodded. She remembered. “Well, you told me that it would take a lot more than a measly panic attack to scare a man like Cody off.

“I think you know where I’m going with this, but I’m gonna say it anyway. Cody and Hunter—all of the guys, actually—they’re made from the same stock. Getting shot hasn’t scared Hunter off, and right now he’s more upset about losing you than he is about taking a bullet.

Don’t you think that says something?”

He's upset.

Just the thought of him upset was enough to turn her stomach. But it didn’t make sense. If he was so upset, why hadn’t he called her?

“How do you know?” Rachel asked.

“What?”

“That he’s upset. Have you been over to see him? What did he say? How’s the wound ... is he keeping it clean? Has his mother checked in on him? Does he have enough groceries?” She had so many questions, but she didn’t get out any more, because Cat cut her off.

“Seriously, honey, do you hear yourself?” Cat’s straight black hair whipped back and forth as she shook her head. “I feel like you need a shake or something. It really doesn’t need to be this hard. You love him. He loves you. You’re both clearly miserable without each other. So, instead of you punishing yourself for something that isn’t your fucking fault and asking me stupid questions about the contents of Hunter’s fridge, why don’t you just come home and see for yourself?”

“It’s not that simple,” Rachel grumbled.

“Yeah, it is. Time to put on your big girl pants.”

Stupid, dumb friends. Always getting in her business. Rachel downed the rest of her drink. It was time for another whiskey Coke.

Maybe hold the Coke?

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

The stool Hunter haddragged up to his kitchen counter creaked as he whisked another bowl of cake mix.

“You sure this is a good idea?” Luke asked, still slacking off and sipping on the free beer Hunter had provided.

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