Page 85 of Make You Mine

“Alright, alright, I’ll stop. But if you ever change your mind, I’m sure Hunter would be there in a heartbeat. He’s always been there for you, and he clearly cares about you a lot.”

She sighed, taking a moment to gather herself. “I know. I just don’t want to complicate things. My life is already such a mess. Adding a relationship into the mix might just make everything worse.”

“Maybe, or maybe it could help you heal,” I suggested softly. “Sometimes, opening up to someone can help more than we think. Look at me. I was done with love and now?—”

She shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. “And now, you’re falling into it, aren’t you?

“Yeah,” I whispered. “You’re just not ready.”

“I’ll never be ready. Are you sure you’rereallyready?”

“I wasn’t. But I’m getting there, and I have you to thank for it.”

“No, you have Ren to thank for it. He’s wise. All I did was point you in the right direction.”

“Yeah, and be there to support me through all my crap with Richard.”

“Of course, I was there for you. I mean, what else are sisters for?”

I shrugged. “Rants, complaints, experiencing shared joy, nostalgia, collecting caftans, coffee porch mornings, sleepovers…”

She set Smog down and leaned into my side. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

“But seriously, though, let’s change the subject before I have to get out of this warm bed and run screaming into the morning. It’s getting too deep in here.”

“You’ll get through this, Paige. You’re so strong.”

“Thanks, I do everything out of spite. It’s working for me.”

We both laughed softly as Cody barked from the foot of the bed. I patted the space next to me, and he curled up until he had settled comfortably in my arms.

“Okay, so Violet asked me to bake Ren’s birthday cake for his party this weekend. Chocolate. How’s that for a subject change?”

She let out a laugh and sat up. “It’s good, but I already know. She told me when she reserved the back room for the party. It’s the first official reservation for Twilight Tavern. It has to go well, so I want you to go over the top. Make a showstopper. Plus, I’m adding your chocolate cake to the things I want to eat while watching TV and doing nonsense.”

“I’m thinking about what to make. But over the top is the main theme, so no worries there.”

She grabbed her robe and slipped into it. “Good. I want you to show off.” The light in her eyes was back, and I was happy to see it. “Be a spectacle, Piper. Food as a grand gesture is highly underrated.”

I laughed. “Right?”

Grand gesture…

Chapter27

Ren

The Twilight Tavern was vibrant with music and laughter as I walked toward the back room where I was supposed to meet Violet and Jake. I could already see people dancing, their movements illuminated by the flickering candles placed strategically around the room.

I made my way through the crowd, exchanging greetings and accepting birthday wishes, and I couldn’t help but wonder who the hell half the people were. I had very few friends; this was weird. Maybe I should hang out here and get to know people. I shuddered briefly, or not.

I wanted to turn around and go home. But I’d let Violet convince me to meet her and Jake here for a birthday beer.Yeah, right.This had to be some kind of surprise birthday party bull crap.

I made my way through the crowd, the anticipation building in my chest. My heart pounded with a mix of nervousness and excitement. I couldn't help but glance around, searching for Piper’s gorgeous face. The idea of her not showing up filled me with a dread I couldn't shake. But even as my nerves threatened to get the best of me, I knew deep down that Piper would come. She had to.

Never in my life had I been so sure of anything as I was about being with her. The way she smiled, the way she made everything seem brighter and more bearable—it was all I needed. And tonight, amid the laughter and the music, I wanted nothing more than to see her walk through those doors.

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