Page 1 of The Hang Up
Lena
Holden James was my everything—my first love, my future, or so I thought.
When he left after our high school graduation, he shattered my heart, and I promised myself I’d never look back.
Now, he’s returned to Lilac Harbor, acting like he can waltz back into my life as if nothing happened.
He says he can explain, but I won’t listen.
I’m stronger now, smarter. I’m not the girl who once believed in forever with him.
He broke me once, and I’ll be damned if I let him do it again.
Holden
Leaving Lena behind was the hardest decision of my life, but I did it for her.
Now that I’m back in Lilac Harbor, I’m ready to make things right.
Lena doesn’t trust me, doesn’t even want to look at me, and I know that winning her back won’t be easy.
But I didn’t come back for easy.
I came back for her, and I’ll do whatever it takes to show her that the love we shared isn’t over.
I’ve waited years for this second chance, and I won’t let her slip away without a fight.
ONE
Lena
I love the mornings. The bakery is quiet, and it feels like I’m the only one in this small town who’s awake.
I smile at the view of the sun rising above the lake out the back door as I finish lining up the fresh cupcakes on the display case tray. It’s almost opening time, and everything is set for the day. Auden and Arlowe will be here soon, and then this place will be bustling.
The three of us opened up Clay & Cupcakes a few weeks ago, and it’s already become the new hot spot in town. People stop in all day for baked goods and to paint ceramics. Arlowe has also started offering art classes, which are filling up quickly.
This business venture is already a success, which is great. I needed something in my life to go well. Things have been rough since my dad died in a car crash when I was eight.
He left me and my mom behind. She struggled to make ends meet, and I started working when I was fourteen to help out. I’ve been taking care of us both since.
My mom and I have had a rough relationship for as long as I can remember. We always butt heads. I think she always expected me to be perfect. She always wanted me to work harder, to do more.
After Dad died, things got worse. I was running myself ragged keeping up with my schoolwork, ensuring the bills were paid, and we had food in the cupboards. It was exhausting.
College was supposed to be my escape, but before I could leave, my mom got her diagnosis.
Fibromyalgia.
The news was a gut punch. I didn’t know how much time I would have with her, so I put off college and stayed in Lilac Harbor. I’ve tried to improve our relationship, but it hasn’t worked. I’ve been working two jobs, driving her to all her appointments, and taking care of our apartment.
It’s grueling. The kitchen is my only comfort—it reminds me of my dad, who taught me how to bake. He studied in France and was the best. Remembering that connection with him keeps me going.
That and my friends. Auden came back after college. She’s been my closest friend since we were kids, and having her back in town has been awesome.
Arlowe came to town a few months back to open a clay studio next to the café, and we quickly became friends. When the clay studio went out of business, we decided to buy the space and open a shop. Thus, Clay & Cupcakes was born.
Having friends to hang out with and share life struggles has been exactly what I needed— but I’m still not sure it’s enough.
