Page 144 of Deep Tide

“Busy.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Two wedding cakes this week.” Leyla wiped her forehead with the back of her arm. “Plus, I’ve got four events booked.”

“Sounds like a lot. Are you getting any rest?”

Leyla sighed. “Did my mom tell you to ask me that?”

“No.” She looked sheepish. “Joel did.”

Leyla rolled her eyes.

“He’s worried about you. I take it your mom is, too?”

“She thinks I have post-traumatic stress disorder and that I’m having trouble sleeping.”

“Are you?”

She shrugged. “Yeah.”

But it wasn’t PTSD keeping her awake at night. It was Sean. She missed him so much it was a constant ache in the center of her chest.

Miranda set her cup down, and her attention caught on the laptop computer sitting open on the counter. Her eyebrows arched as she read the screen. While the macarons had been baking, Leyla had been researching commercial kitchen regulations in the state of Maryland.

Miranda looked at her. “Are you thinking of moving your business?”

“No.” Leyla sighed. “Not really. It’s just research at this point.”

“Big decision.”

“I know.”

And it was way early to be making a decision like that. Or even thinking about it.

“Don’t tell Joel,” Leyla said.

“I won’t.”

“That’s the last thing I need.”

“I understand.” Miranda tipped her head to the side. “So, how are things going with Sean?”

“Terrible.”

Miranda’s instant look of sympathy brought tears to Leyla’s eyes. Telling her sister-in-law somehow made it more real.

“Sorry.” Leyla lifted her apron and dabbed her cheeks. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me today. My emotions are all over the place.”

“It’s okay.” Miranda reached over and squeezed her hand, and the tears welled again.

“Sorry.”

“It’s fine.” Miranda glanced at the computer. “So... things must be serious if you’re thinking of moving up there.”

“They are. At least from my perspective.”

Miranda frowned. “What does Sean think?”

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