Page 34 of Everything Has Changed
“You know you can call me Gwen, sir.” I slide over his cup, making sure to release the drink before he can make contact with my skin.
“But Gwendolyn is such a pretty name.”
I hum in response, unsure how to respond to that, as I start to pull the shots for Camila’s drink. “So, where are you two off to so early on a Saturday?” Mostly I’m trying to keep this interaction from being too awkward, but I couldn’t deny I wasn’t curious.
Camila’s smug smile tells me I should have just kept my curiosity to myself. “We have an important conference in the city.” She glances at her phone, before she places her hand on Mr. Spencer’s arm to get his attention. “Oh, Richard, that’s Logan now. He’s already on his way.”
My heart squeezes at his name on her lips. An odd sensation I haven’t felt in a while creeps up my neck as jealousy settles into my chest.
After our almost kiss last night, we made the trek back to our building in comfortable silence. A short and sweet “Goodnight”shared in the hallway before I ducked into my apartment. One of the reasons I was such a frazzled mess this morning is because I spent all night tossing and turning at what could have been if I hadn’t put a stop to his lips almost meeting mine. Though it was for the best, it didn’t stop the what ifs from playing in my mind on repeat.
The other reason being that Ophelia called me to say she wasn’t feeling well and if I could handle getting the cafe ready for the day by myself until Stacy came in later in the morning. Of course I told her it was fine, nothing I couldn’t handle. But the universe decided to make me pay for the late night by burning the first batch of scones and overflowing the coffee carafe.
It was totally the universe and definitely not my half-in-the-drain mental state.
Mr. Spencer grunts. “I wish he would have just waited for us. We needed the extra time to prepare for the investors.”
Camila’s hand, still placed on her boss’s arm, squeezes while she grins up at him. “Have faith in Logan. He knows what’s right for him and this family.”
The scoff that leaves Logan’s father tells me he doesn’t believe her, but he seems to let it go when I walk up to their end of the counter with Camila’s drink in hand.
“The usual,” I mutter.
Not even a thanks is sent my way as she grabs it up.
“Where’s Ophelia this fine morning?” Mr. Spencer questions, peering around me to see into the kitchen.
“She wasn’t feeling well, so it’s just me for now. Don’t worry, the strawberry scones are still delicious.” I reach into the bakery case and start packaging his preferred pastry without him asking.
He chuckles as he watches me slide the scone into the paper bag. “I didn’t even ask for one.”
I smirk. “You didn’t have to. That’s one of the perks of being from a small town.”
“Hmm. I have to agree.” He glances around the room, noting it’s only us, but he still leans forward with a lowered voice. “Don’t you wish you had a little more foot traffic, though? This is fine, but what if it could be better?”
I rear back in confusion. My hackles raised at the sense of negativity for The Willow Whisk. “I’m sorry, I don’t think I understand what you mean? My cafe does more thanfineand I’m very happy with what we have here.”
He leans backs, an eyebrow crooked up that is smoothed out quickly with another placating smile lining his lips. “Of course. I didn’t mean anything malicious by my comment, Gwendolyn. I just have to make sure my people are happy. If there is room for improvement, we have to start somewhere.”
It’s my turn to raise a brow. “I don’t want to speak for every other tenant on this street, but I think we are happy with how things are now. No need for any improvements.” Whatever that means.
“I don’t think you would know what was good for you if it knocked you upside the head,” Camila mutters while typing away on her phone.
“Camila,” Mr. Spencer tsks. “Play nice.”
She rolls her eyes. “We need to get going if we want to get there on time.”
“Would you like something to eat, too? Gwendolyn’s treats are simply divine.” He smiles my way and I know the words are meant to smooth over the interaction we just had. Not that I allow them,though. Something in my gut had already twisted at what he said to me. It was going to take more than a compliment to ease that.
Camila’s nose scrunches in disgust. “No, thank you.”
“Something for Logan then. A peace offering could do you some good, Camila.”
She huffs out a breath, quickly eyeing the options. “Just get him the scone, too. I’m sure he will love that.”
I furrow my brow, leaning in to add another scone to the bag even though I know that’s not what he likes. Which is why I add another option instead.
Mr. Spencer is already waiting at the register with his card, which he taps without even waiting for me to give the total. And Camila is already at the door, tapping her impatient little foot.
