Page 57 of Fauxmance

But I shouldn't have worried.

The first family to walk inside was a mom and her three small children. They came in looking tired and run-down, but after they'd eaten, they looked joyful, their spirits lifted. That was why I loved this.

"I swear if everyone ate dessert, it would be a better world," Izzy said.

My eyes went to her. "You think so?"

"Pretty confident about it. Where's Aunt Willow? I'm sure she'd say the same."

"She had to leave and go back to work," I said. "But for the record, I agree with you."

"Maybe I should try some of this cake just to be sure."

I slapped her hand as she reached for a slice. "Those are for patrons ofThe Little Spoon. You had plenty on Saturday."

Izzy gave me a glare, but then she sighed. "Okay, you're right. I know this is for the people that come in here. But is it really fair to have us working all these hours—"

"You've only been here 45 minutes," I said.

"—and expect us not to be tempted. I mean, it's wedding cake!"

"Fight the temptation."

"I'm trying," she grumbled, "but I missed breakfast this morning."

I put a hand on her shoulder. "Most of the people here won't eat anything but this today—possibly for a few days,Iz."

She nodded. "I know. It's a messed up world, Magnolia."

"Yeah," I said, "but at least we're trying to fix it. Right?"

Izzy smiled as she handed a little boy who couldn't have been more than four a piece of cake.

"Right," she said and shooed me away. "Now, stop slacking on the job. The people are hungry! Let's do this."

More spooners came—that was the affectionate name I'd come up with—and we gave out more food. It was a good feeling, being able to do even the smallest thing to help someone else. The task of scooping and filling up plates also took my mind off other subjects.

Such as boys who you meet in elevators.

Who kiss like there's no tomorrow, show up at your sister's wedding claiming to be your boyfriend, can dance and charm your socks off, and…

Ugh.

Ihadto stop doing this.

Hayden Davenport was well and truly out of the picture. I'd turned down his offer. Like an idiot, I hadn't even gotten his number or left any room for backtracking. Not that I should—it was in my best interest to keep my distance—but I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought about it. What would it have been like to pretend a while longer? Would Hayden have kissed me again? I could've easily called my sister to ask her new husband for Hayden's number. But 1) They were on their honeymoon, and 2) I didn't want to appear desperate. Besides, it was too late. Hayden had probably already found a new fake girlfriend. Heck, he'd probably found her at my sister's wedding.

Double ugh.

"Hey, whatever happened with you and that Davenport guy?" Izzy asked.

The question surprised me.

"Nothing," I said, hoping I didn't sound as dejected as I felt.

"Hmm. Did he at least give you a goodnight kiss? It's what any good boyfriend would do."

Instead of answering, I shook my head.

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