Page 67 of The Comeback

Stop. It’s time to do what makes me happy. What makes Charlotte happy. Us happy.

I drag in a ragged breath and count to ten. Here goes the rest of my life. I open my eyes. “I’m sitting down.”

“I’m talking to the highest-paid running back in Kansas City history. Actually, the highest-paid running back in league history. Eighteen million a year for five years.”

“Shit.” There’s no way to contain the grin on my face. The hours I worked coming back from my injury. All the physical training. The embarrassment of not being good enough. Sweating my ass off. Moving to Kansas City as a last-ditch effort. Thinking ballet was a joke. Realizing I was wrong. Falling in love with Charlotte. All of it paid off.

“Holy shit.” I swallow. That’s more than I’d dreamed of.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Charlotte

As we step inside Chloe’s Bakery, Tara’s eyes widen. “This place is a dream. A candy-coated dream.”

She’s not wrong. If you look up photos of sugar overload on the internet, you’ll find images of the bakery. The glassed-in shelves are loaded with cupcakes of all varieties, from plain vanilla with a dollop of frosting to the extravagant with melted chocolate and raspberry frosting. The scent is overwhelming with vanilla and chocolate, but not the sickening variety.

It’s just enough for you to feel the pounds gluing themselves to your backside, but not going so far as to make you sick. I swallow. At least, it usually doesn’t. My stomach must be queasy from no food.

When did I last eat? That’s a good question. I’ve been too depressed to pay attention to food. “I can’t believe you’ve never been here.”

Tara glares. “I can’t believe you’ve been hiding this place from me.”

“It’s not like I go here all the time.” My oversized red T-shirt with a classic band logo on the chest and my black leggings used to fit snuggly, but now, they’re baggy and hanging on me.

“You look like you could use a cake rather than a cupcake.” Tara drags me farther inside the building. “You’re about to blow away.”

She’s not wrong. I don’t feel like doing anything. I didn’t even want to leave the studio today, but she made me feel guilty for not spending any time with her.

Chloe waves. “Hey, Charlotte, are you excited for the guys to get back into town? The kids are driving me crazy, waiting for Uncle Tony to get home.”

I should have picked somewhere else. Somewhere that no one knows me. Somewhere that people don’t think I’m still dating Weston. I don’t want to rehash my sob story once again. “Well….”

“What’s that cupcake made out of?” Tara points to a cupcake drizzled in chocolate.

“That’s a chocolate cupcake topped with peanut butter frosting.” Chloe switches into her saleswoman mode, and my pathetic dating life is forgotten. Thank you, Tara. Even though she wants me to stop moping, she’s still got my back. I couldn’t ask for a better friend.

“If you like peanut butter cookies, I think you’ll enjoy this flavor. Of course, not everyone likes peanut butter. You’re not allergic to nuts, are you?”

“No. I’m not allergic to anything. They all look delicious.” Tara flips a strand of whitish blonde hair behind her ear. “I can’t believe I’ve never been here. This place is so warm and homey. Do you make birthday cakes?”

“Of course.” Chloe beams and drags out a large book. As she flips through the pages, there is page after page of birthday cakes. She stops on a unicorn cake. “I did this one for a birthday party a few months ago.”

“That’s adorable. Emma would love that. I did a teddy bear for her last birthday.”

Chloe’s eyes dance with merriment, as if she’s realized she’s found someone who’ll appreciate her talent. “Check this one out.” She flips the page. “I did this one for a friend’s daughter on her first birthday.”

Tara clutches her chest. “Oh, my God. That’s adorable. Look what you made me do. Now, I can’t wait for the baby’s first birthday.”

I roll my eyes. She just found out she’s pregnant. And now, she’s planning a birthday party. I’d think she was crazy, but I don’t blame her. I’d love to have kids, but my prospects are drying up. What do you do when you’re ready to start a family, but you can’t keep a man? Artificial insemination? In vitro? Random hook-ups with unnamed guys at the bar?

As they continue to discuss cake decorating ideas, I study the other staff. A red-haired woman smiles at a young girl purchasing an Oreo topped cupcake. They laugh as if they know each other. This place is like that. Even if you’re new in town and have never stepped foot into the place, it gives off the impression of home–a nice warm blanket, a cup of hot cocoa, and a roaring fireplace vibe.

Several of the tables are filled with people from all ages drinking coffee and eating baked goods. The door to Chloe’s parent’s café is open, letting in the scent of mashed potatoes and meatloaf.

“Here you go. It’s a great choice.” Chloe shoves a plate in front of Tara. “You’re going to love it.”

Seconds later, my face pales, and saliva fills my mouth. Gah…. Peanut butter is out. I need some eggs and bacon or tenderloin with onions on top. The gagging sensation comes from out of nowhere, and I clutch the counter’s edge.

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