Page 59 of Falmouth Echoes
Emily draped an arm over Sophia’s shoulders and squeezed. “I’m happy to help. We ladies have to support one another, don’t we?”
“Thank you.” Sophia turned to face her cousin and gave her a genuine smile. “I don’t know what we would’ve done without you.”
Emily removed her arm and waved Sophia’s comment away. “You would’ve managed just fine because you’re a survivor, and I’ve seen you overcome a lot. You’ve got to have a bit more faith in yourself, cous.”
“That’s what I keep telling her.” Nora glanced between the two of them, and her smile grew wider. “I’m glad we’re all on the same page. Sophia, why don’t you take a beat?”
“What?”
“Take an hour or something to clear your head. Talk to your cousin. I’ve got everything under control here.”
“But—”
“That’s a direct order from your boss.” Nora gave her a quick wink before reaching for the phone on her desk. “Now, go.”
After they left Nora’s office, Sophia pulled Emily into the locker room, threw her arms around her cousin, and exhaled. “You really are a lifesaver.”
And Sophia had no idea what she would’ve done if Emily hadn’t walked in when she did. Half of her had been gearing up to offer her resignation and run after Valerie to beg her to come back. She’d even envisioned herself on her hands and knees while Valerie gloated and smirked.
For the good of the bakery, Sophia would’ve done anything.
It was a good thing Emily had saved her from doing something she would’ve regretted for the rest of her life.
When she pulled back from the hug, Emily took her hand and led her through the double doors toward one of the booths in the back.
Emily started scanning the menu as soon as she sat down. “You know, I can see you putting your stamp on this place. You and Nora have similar styles.”
Sophia sank into the booth opposite her and buried her face in her hands. “Except Nora knows what she wants. I don’t want to be ungrateful after everything Nora’s done for me, but I’m not even sure she made the right decision.”
Emily set the menu down and linked her fingers together. “What are you talking about? Of course, she made the right decision.”
Sophia lifted her head and glanced around the half-full bakery. She swung her gaze back to her cousin and ignored the twinge in the center of her chest. “Half of the stuff walked out because of me.”
“Half of the staff walked out because of Valerie,” Emily corrected with a shake of her head. “There’s a big difference, and most of them will be back by tomorrow once they realize what idiots they’re being.”
“And what if they don’t?”
“Then it’s a good thing the rats abandoned the ship, didn’t they? You don’t want employees you can’t count on.”
“How am I supposed to expand or have a mobile bakery all over the town if the staff doesn’t even want me?”
Emily leaned forward and reached for Sophia’s hands. “You’ll figure it out. There’s a learning curve, Soph.”
Sophia swallowed past the lump in her throat, her chest still tight. “What if Nora’s made a mistake? I’m not exactly the shining example of success after having to start over.”
Emily snorted. “You think people figure it out right away? Soph, everyone screws up and makes mistakes when they have to start from scratch. It’s just that some people hide it better than others.”
The knots in the center of her stomach unfurled. “Really?”
Emily released Sophia’s hands and nodded. “Oh, absolutely. You should’ve seen me the first year I opened up DecadentTreats. I was a mess, but I managed to pull myself together and turn things around.”
“How?”
“You take it one step at a time, and you surround yourself with people who care about you and who will help you succeed.”
“You make it sound so easy.”
Emily threw her head back and laughed. “Far from it, but listen, you’re not alone. I’m going to be there to help you every step of the way.”
