Page 21 of Red, White, and You

Gigi

I’mhumming“Partyinthe USA” and piping tiny frosting roses onto a tray of red velvet cupcakes when my phone buzzes on the counter.

It’s barely seven AM, but I’ve been up since five—baking on a high of sugar, adrenaline, and residual fireworks-kiss giddiness. My lips still feel tingly, and I can’t stop thinking about the way Phoenix looked at me last night, like I was the only person on that hillside.Maybe the only person in the whole world.

This is what happiness feels like. Slightly sleep-deprived, maybe, but giddy and glowing and very,verykissed.

I expect to see Ella’s name—she’s already texted three times asking for details I haven’t been ready to share. But the contact photo lighting up my screen isn’t Ella.

It’s my mom.

Catherine Hart doesn’t call before sunrise unless someone’s died or she’s planning a business coup. Since I’m guessing no one’s dead, it must be the latter.

I consider ignoring it. But ignoring my mother never works—not when she has “something important” to discuss. She’ll just call again. And again. And probably follow up with a calendar invite.

With a resigned sigh, I answer. “Morning, Mom.”

“Georgina,” she says briskly. “I hope I’m not catching you too early.”

You are.“Not at all. I’m already in the kitchen.”

“Of course you are. I just wanted to check in. It’s been a few days since Phoenix got to town, and I was hoping to hear that you’d given our offer some consideration by now.”

I freeze, piping bag halfway to a cupcake. “What offer?”

“The CEO position. Didn’t Phoenix tell you?”

My hand goes slack. “He said you wanted to talk about my future. He didn’t say anything about being CEO.”

There’s a pause. “That’s disappointing,” she says coolly. “I expected him to make more of an effort.”

What on Earth is she talking about?

“We’re serious about this,” she continues. “Your father and I are ready to step back, but we want the business we’ve built to stay in the family. It’s time for you to take the reins.”

“No. I’m sorry, but no.”

Mom sighs. “For the size of the bonus we’re paying him, I’d hoped Phoenix would be more successful in getting you to come around on this.”

The piping bag slips from my hand, splattering red frosting across the counter.

“I’m sorry,” I say quietly. “Did you say you paid Phoenix to talk to me?”

“Your hackles rise any time we try to talk to you about Hart Health. So, we thought having a mediator of sorts might help. Phoenix is young and charming, and we thought he could help you see what an amazing opportunity this is for you. Fifty thousand dollars isn’t a small sum, but we thought it was worth it if it brought you to the table.”

I grip the counter like it’s the only thing keeping me upright.Bonus.Fifty thousand dollars.To talk to me.

Showing up in my bakery and raving about my cupcakes. Helping me at the festival. Laughing with kids, complimenting my cookies, kissing me like I was something rare and worth keeping.

All part of the job.

Mom’s voice buzzes through the static in my head. “Are you still there?”

“I’m here,” I say, even though everything inside me feels far away.

“Please tell me you’ll at least consider our offer. We’ve built an empire, Georgina. It should stay in the family.”

“Okay,” I say agree, just to end the conversation.

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