Page 137 of Hyde and Seek

Nope, I said it out loud.

Okay, so more than a tiny bit drunk.

*******

“Earth to Piper.”

I opened my eyes, ready to open a can of whoop-ass on the cute voiced intruder for interrupting my sleep. “Huh, what?” Looking around, I realized I was still at school.

“You went into robot shutdown mode. Class is done,” Harlow said, grabbing her backpack.

“Shit. Did Professor Marns notice I was asleep?”

“No. You just looked like you were really focused on your book.”

“Thank the Sandman.” Standing, I packed up my bag quickly and headed towards the door.

The hallway was loud and chaotic as we tried to weave through groups of people.

“Long night with your sculpted from marble, god of a fiancé?” Harlow put the back of her hand onto her forehead dramatically. “Oh woe is you.”

“If by that, you mean elbow deep in fondant drama, then yes.”

“God, you guys are kinky.”

I laughed. “And that’s not including what we do with whisks, oven mitts, funnels, and baking sheets.”

“Do you guys really…” Harlow held up her hand. “You know what? Don’t answer. The image in my head is hilarious, I don’t wanna ruin it. So what’s the deal with fondant?”

“I just hate it.” I scrunched up my nose. “It tastes nasty and it’s so shitty to work with. I was up until way late trying to get it all right. I have no clue how I’m going to get through my last class.”

“At least you only have one left. Fridays are my longest days. I’m gonna need an IV of coffee.”

“So I take it you can’t go out tonight?”

“Nope. I can do Monday, though,” she said, her voice hopeful.

“No can do. I’ve got a fully booked baking schedule for the beginning half of the week and dinner at my mother’s house on Friday. Next weekend?”

Her brows lowered as she thought it over. “Maybe lunch on Saturday. But Sunday is packed with school work. Hooray,” she said sarcastically, rolling her eyes.

I smiled at her. “I’ll look over my calendar and see.”

“Sweet. I’m gonna haul ass to a vending machine for a much needed dose of caffeine. Talk to you soon.”

“See ya!” I waved as we went in opposite directions.

As long as there was nothing that absolutely had to be done next weekend, I’d rearrange to make lunch happen.

I felt like I worked all the time, but it was nothing compared to Harlow. She took more classes than I did, worked an internship, and bartended at a crappy place in the city. Even though she must be running on fumes, she was always perky and happy.

If I didn’t like her so much, I’d hate her for it.

*******

“I’m so pleased. Just thrilled. I mean, he’s a little rough, of course. But the way he looks at you? That thing he does with his thumb and your jaw? Wow. And that ring?”

Seeing my mother flustered by all things Jake, I burst out laughing. When she’d dragged me into the kitchen, I hadn’t known what to expect. “I know, he’s verywow.”

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