A Slice of Summer

by Melissa McClone

  Ugh. Just kill him now. He pressed too hard on the sewing machine’s pedal and lifted his foot. “Let’s focus on quilting so I don’t make a mistake.”

  “She’s a smart one,” his dad chimed in. “Bakes like a dream. And is pretty, too.”

  Taryn was all those things. “We’re giving long-distance dating a try. Her life is in Silver Falls, and mine is in L.A.”

  “You two made a cute couple,” his mom said. “But that might be rough with your job.”

  Garrett agreed. He still didn’t know if this would work. That bothered him more than he wanted to admit, because he couldn’t see how this would work out. “Emphasis on try.”

  Which meant another goodbye might be in their future.

  No, he didn’t want to think about that. “We’re taking on a new client. It could be huge for the firm with lots of publicity. So we’ll see what happens with Taryn.”

  “I hope it works out,” his dad said.

  Garrett, too, because he had no idea what he would do if it didn’t.

  Chapter Twenty

  Taryn threw herself into work at the bakery, not taking days off and working more than one shift most days. She straightened the counter by the cash register. Who cared if she’d done it earlier this morning? And would likely do it again before the evening rush? But the busier she kept herself, the less she missed Garrett.

  Okay, not really, but she kept hoping it worked.

  He’d only been gone for a week, but each day dragged. He was busy himself, so they barely had time to talk except to say goodnight. Twice had been via text. But this was still new. They would get the hang of it soon.

  The door pinged.

  Anna entered, carrying two cups from Raine’s place.

  Taryn grinned. “Are you taking a break from making pups look beautiful?”

  “You know it.” Anna handed a cup to her. “Here you go.”

  “Thanks, but what’s this for?”

  “Raine sent it over. She knows how difficult long-distance relationships are.”

  No kidding, and Taryn’s was at the beginning. “That was sweet of her.”

  Anna raised her cup. “To more time with your hottie lawyer.”

  “Cheers.” Taryn sipped. That hit the spot. She lowered her cup. “Mocha is a favorite.”

  “Raine must have everyone’s favorite drink order memorized. She wanted to come over, but she’s too busy.” Anna motioned to the display case. Most trays were less than half full. “Looks like you are, too.”

  “Business has quadrupled since the summer fair.” That had been over a week ago.

  “Did you hear that Nick and Robin’s house went on the market?”

  “Yes. He’s worn out his welcome around here and in Summit Ridge. I’m not sure how Brandt stood to be in the same room as Nick. I couldn’t. But at least the other bakery is playing fair now.”

  “The recipe and idea funnel is permanently closed.”

  “Yes. They raised their prices. Couple that with the hits on their reputation, and people aren’t driving there as much.”

  “It must make you happy having customers return.”

  “I’m carefully optimistic.” The bakery had suffered from months of lower sales, but Taryn knew they would recover. But she’d learned a valuable lesson. “Those who left us purchase based on prices, not loyalty, so I’ll keep that in mind and add in an occasional sale. I have some ideas to discuss with my dad.”

  Taryn was meeting with her parents tonight. They still hadn’t mentioned her buying the bakery. Still, she wanted to review some pricing strategies she’d researched and suggest her dad promote Jayden. He should be a manager. The bakery needed two—her and Jayden. The raise and title were well earned and thanks for him sticking with them, but Margot had heard Rachelle might be pregnant. No official announcement had been made, so Taryn wasn’t saying a word. But she knew how long they’d been trying and was thrilled for them.

  Anna took another sip. “You’ve got a brain for business.”

  “I’m learning all I can.” Taryn put on a new glove and removed a blueberry scone—one of Anna’s favorites—stuck it in a bag, and handed it to her friend. She would drop off something for Raine later. “Here you go.”

  “Thank you.” Anna peeked inside. “I should bring over coffee more often.”

  “I’ll be here.” Taryn only wished Garrett was there, too. But it wasn’t fair of her to ask, just as it hadn’t been fair of him. She had to believe they would find a way.

  “Well, I should get back to the shop. Callie left me in charge during her honeymoon.”

  “I hope they are having a wonderful time.”

  “I prefer to stand beside a grooming table than behind the front counter. But it’s the least I can do. Callie deserves the long break. And it’ll be good for her and Brandt.”

  “We should grab dinner. See if Raine wants to join us. Pippa, too.”

  “I’d love that. I’ll find out when people are free.” Anna grabbed a napkin from the dispenser. “Talk to you soon.”

  The door beeped when she opened it and again when it closed.

  Taryn drank her mocha. This hit the spot. It also reminded her she should make more time for her friends. All relationships needed attention, not be taken for granted and only nurtured when convenient.

  She half laughed. Isn’t that what she’d initially and mistakenly thought she was to Garrett—a convenience?

  Taryn picked up a rag from the bleach bucket under the counter and walked to the eating area, where she washed tables before returning and removing her gloves.

  Jayden headed out of the kitchen. “If you need more to clean, please come over to my house.”

  “Be careful, or you might find me at your doorstep with a dust rag and vacuum cleaner.”

  “Don’t say that in front of Rachelle, or she’ll be expecting you.”

  That would have been the perfect opening for a baby announcement, but Jayden said nothing. His facial expression remained neutral, too. Margot’s gossip could be wrong this time.

  He leaned against the counter. “Have you talked to Garrett?”

  Her throat tightened, and the ache in her chest grew. “Yesterday. We plan to talk later.”

  “Good.”

  She hated to ask, but curiosity got the best of her. “Do you think it’ll last?”

  “Only you can answer that. How much do you want it to last?”

  “Badly.”

  “Then don’t give up. Rachelle and I were apart for two years while I finished college, and she went through the fire academy. Let nothing—that includes distance—get in the way.”

  “Good advice.”

  He laughed. “It’s easier to give than follow.”

  “I’m going to pretend you didn’t say that.”

  “Or you could move to Los Angeles.”

  “You followed Rachelle for her job.”

  “Yes, but we’ve never had a traditional marriage.”

  “That’s not a bad thing.” Especially considering how her parents viewed matrimony.

  “It works for us. You and Garrett have to figure what works for you guys. It might take time.”

  She needed to hear this. “I keep wishing it would be a quick fix.”

  “If only.” Jayden put on gloves and pulled out a large pink bakery box. He filled it with pastries. Someone must have phoned in an order. “Giving up is easy. Perseverance is key.”

  “I’ll remember that.”

  Jayden studied her as if he couldn’t decide if he were making fudge and trying to determine if she’d reached the soft-ball stage without a candy thermometer. “There’s nothing wrong with wanting what seems impossible.”

  She wanted two things that seemed that way—Garrett and the bakery.

  “You also might learn about yourself through this.”

  “How to make a long-distance relationship work?”

  “That, and what do you need in your life to be happy.”

  “Thanks.” She
smiled at her friend and coworker. “Rachelle is lucky to have you.”

  He laughed. “I only know this stuff from messing up with her.”

  Would Garrett ever say that about her someday?

  Taryn sighed.

  Jayden handed her a snickerdoodle cookie. “It looks like you need this.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Keep believing in the two of you. That’s all you can do.”

  “Besides, eat cookies.”

  He laughed. “That, too.”

  “I can do both.” She bit into the cookie. Now, if she could do the first as well as she did the second.

  *

  “Delicious dinner, Mom.” That night, Taryn sat in her parents’ kitchen and sipped from her iced tea. She listened to stories about their cruise. Not once had the bakery been mentioned. Were they saving the best for last? She nearly choked. But it would be better to let them bring it up. She swallowed. “I’m happy you had such a great vacation.”

  Her father wiped his mouth. “You should take one.”

  “I’m planning a trip to Los Angeles, but I have to figure out the logistics.” Taryn wanted to make sure Garrett wasn’t in the middle of a trial or that intense prep period he’d mentioned.

  Her parents glanced at each other.

  Her dad cleared his throat. “I’m happy to fill in if you’re low on staff.”

  “Thanks, Dad. I’d appreciate that. Though I hired Brecken’s sister, Mandy.”

  He nodded. “Sweet kid. Loved ginger snaps when she was little.”

  “Still does.” Taryn laughed. “We need two or three more people, especially with Finley’s and Brecken’s availability changing in the fall. You should also promote Jayden to be a manager. He’s earned it. I wanted to do that months ago until the Summit Ridge Bakery got in the way.”

  Her father shifted in his chair. “About that.”

  Taryn held her breath.

  “I told them no,” he said.

  She seemed to sink. The relief was palpable.

  “Your mother made me see I may have been wrong to decide what your future should be.”

  Taryn mouthed a thank you to her mom across the table.

  “I still think running a business will be too much when you have a family, but I can’t wait for you to prove me wrong.”

  Taryn gripped the chair seat. “Does that mean…”

  “Lawson’s is yours if you want it.”

  “I do.” The words burst from her lips, and then she remembered Garrett. “I—”

  “What, sweetheart?” Her mom leaned forward.

  Taryn bit her lip. “Could I please make a phone call?”

  Her parents exchanged a glance.

  “Sure,” her father said.

  “Thanks, Dad.” She stood. “I’ll make it quick.”

  Out on the front porch, she called Garrett. “Pick up. Please pick up.”

  “Taryn?” Garrett asked. “Are you okay?”

  Was she? Her pulse raced. She struggled to catch her breath. “No. Yes. My dad said Lawson’s is mine if I want it.”

  “Your dream come true.”

  “Part of the dream.” She gripped the phone. “You’re the other half, and…I…I love you.”

  The air rushed out of her lungs.

  Silence, uncomfortable and gnawing, filled the line.

  Oh, no. “It’s too soon. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—”

  “Breathe, Taryn.”

  She did. That helped her regain control.

  “Better?” he asked.

  “Yes, thanks.” Except she didn’t know what to say next. “I miss you, and if I take over the bakery fully…”

  “You’re considering that?” He sounded shocked.

  She was, too. “I-I don’t know what to do. I feel as if I say yes to one then I’m saying no to another. I wish there were a way to say yes to both. What would you do?”

  “Other than tell you to pack a suitcase and catch the next flight to LAX?”

  The humor in his voice suggested he was joking. “Yes, other than that.”

  “Owning Lawson’s Bakery is your dream. Say yes to that.”

  Her heart sank. “Is that what you want?”

  “It’s what you need. That’s the most important thing.”

  Her heart roared in her ears. “What about us? Will there still be an us?”

  The silence made her tremble. “I want there to be.”

  “Me, too. So nothing has changed.”

  Other than her saying I love you and not getting any response, positive or negative. “I’d like to visit. If you text me some dates that are good for you, I’ll book a flight.”

  “You want to make this work.”

  She couldn’t tell if he was happy or shocked. “I really want this to work, which is why I wanted to talk to you before giving my parents an answer about the bakery.”

  A beat passed. And another.

  “Say yes. I appreciate you telling me. But promise me, you’ll tell your parents yes.”

  That was what Taryn hoped he would say. Except now, she didn’t know how to feel about it. “O-kay.”

  She didn’t trust herself to say more.

  “I’m still at work,” he said. “It’s going to be a late night. But we’ll talk more this weekend.”

  “Good night.” Taryn had to force the word from her tight throat. She disconnected from the call.

  I love you.

  She prayed that wasn’t the first and last time she said those words.

  But she couldn’t stay out here all night. Her parents were waiting for her, and she needed to tell them yes.

  Yes.

  She blew out a breath.

  Yes to her dream of owning the bakery.

  That was what Garrett wanted her to do. It was what she wanted too. But she also wanted more.

  Taryn opened the door and entered her parents’ house.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Garrett sat in his office. The sky was a beautiful blend of blue, purple, and orange. Others had gone home, but this place was still buzzing with activity. He enjoyed the atmosphere—the noise. His condo was too quiet. Not that it mattered. Whether he was there or at work, Taryn was never far from his mind. He missed her.

  Callie and Brandt.

  Rex.

  Margot.

  Angus and Sadie.

  The bakery.

  Silver Falls.

  But he missed Taryn most of all.

  The selfies from Callie and Brandt with heart eyes and beaming smiles only made Garrett miss Taryn more. Oh, he was thrilled for his sister. She was living her best life with a great guy who loved her as much as she loved him. Whereas Garrett, who everyone claimed was so successful, was barely going through the motions because of a small-town baker.

  I love you.

  Even though he’d hung up from her call nearly half an hour ago, Taryn’s words echoed through his brain. He’d been stunned. He hadn’t known how to reply. The obvious answer was to tell her he loved her, except that would feel too quid pro quo.

  His assistant poked her head into his office. “Mr. Hoppes is here for his meeting.”

  Time to pull himself together. Garrett adjusted his tie. “Thanks. And you’re here late again. Go home.”

  “Thanks.”

  A few minutes later, Garrett entered the conference room, surprised to see only one man seated at the table. He thought more people would be there.

  Jedidiah Hoppes, fifty-four with more gray than brown strands of hair, stood. The billionaire wore an expertly tailored suit, subdued silk tie, and crisp dress shirt. He’d founded an investment firm and was currently out on bail and not considered a flight risk.

  “Jedidiah Hoppes, but everyone calls me Jed.” He extended his arm. “It’s nice to meet you finally. I hope you enjoyed your sister’s wedding.”

  “Garrett Andrews.” Garrett shook hands. Jed’s grip was strong. “I did. The team updated me on your case. I’m sorry I postponed our meeting last week.�
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  “That’s okay. Something with my family came up anyway.” Jed sat and glanced around the room with its expensive furniture and artwork. “I was told this was the hotshot firm and the best in L.A.”

  “It is.”

  Jed chuckled. “Everyone has been wonderful, especially Jenn.”

  Jenn, a managing partner, had a genius-level I.Q. and was charismatic enough to have jurists eating out her hand with a smile.

  “Happy to hear that.” Garrett took a seat across from him.

  Jed steepled his fingers. “I spoke to several firms before signing with yours, but this one came out on top. I’m impressed with the representation I’ve received so far. But I wanted to meet you one-on-one.”

  “That’s smart. Not everyone clicks.” Garrett leaned back in the leather chair. “But no matter how we get along, our firm will do whatever it takes. You’ve met a few people with your hearing, but we have our team of assistants, paralegals, investigators to prepare for cases. All understand that come trial time, that is the priority, and we’ll have no life for a while.”

  He’d loved the nonstop prep before and the all-nighters during trials to make sure he knew what to say, but thinking about doing that again made Garrett’s stomach roil. It wasn’t like the late nights working on the booth in Taryn’s backyard. That was fun.

  Law used to be fun.

  Used to be.

  The three words reverberated through him.

  Garrett was set for life with his investments, so he no longer needed the salary. Fame had done nothing but bring threats and put him under the press’s microscope. He didn’t need more of that. Prestige had brought clients to him, ensuring the firm thrived.

  Aren’t you licensed to practice in other states besides California?

  Yes, but I’m a partner in the firm. I need to be in L.A.

  Did he need to be in L.A., or was that what he’d told himself?

  The truth was, he didn’t have to be at the firm 24/7 to bring in clients. He could lighten his caseload, not retire, but limit his participation in trials and do more consulting.

  And he could do that from…anywhere.