“I’m telling you. He’s a professional athlete. You know no one would believe me.”

“I believe you. I don’t care if anyone else doesn’t. That guy deserves to pay for what he did to you.”

“I just want to forget it happened.” Cleo leaned back against her barstool.

“You should go home.” Bridget laid her hand gently on Cleo’s arm.

“No. I want to be here. I need to keep busy.”

Bridget eyed her hesitantly before giving in. “Okay. If you say so. At least the team is on the road, so we won’t have any problems tonight.”

“Thank you, Bridget.” Cleo hugged her.

Once the bar opened, it was a pretty slow night, but Cleo still kept busy with unboxing and shelving new bottles of liquor that had just been delivered. Bridget handled most of the customers, which Cleo was grateful for. She wasn’t in the mood for much small talk. Bridget didn’t put the game on any of the TVs. It was her way of boycotting, much to some of the customers’ dismay.

After a few hours, Bridget came back into the kitchen to find Cleo.

“There’s someone here to see you. A woman. A very pregnant woman.”

Cleo let out a sigh. She could only think of one person.

“Thanks.” She wiped her hand on a dishrag before heading out into the bar.

Mae sat uncomfortably on a barstool and waved eagerly at Cleo when she saw her.

“Hi, Cleo! Nico said I could find you here.”

“What can I help you with? I’m guessing you’re not here for a drink.”

Mae let out a laugh. “No, no. I wish. Any day now, little one.” She tapped on her belly gently.

“I was actually here to see if you could cater another event. I wasn’t able to talk to you after the party. It was such a hit. Everyone just loved the dessert. And that cake! I’ve been dreaming of it.”

Cleo shifted her feet uncomfortably. Mae was so nice and this was her big break being dangled right in front of her, but she had to hold her ground.

“I’m sorry. I can’t.”

“But I didn’t even tell you when the party was.”

“I don’t want to do business with you.”

Mae looked taken aback.

“Oh. I… I’m sorry to hear that. May I ask why?”

This was harder than she thought. Cleo looked around for Bridget as backup.

She immediately strode over. “Is there a problem here?”

“Oh no. I hope not. I was just hoping to hire Cleo again for another party. She’s such a wonderful baker.”

“I don’t think she’s interested. I think it’s best if you leave.”

It looked as if Mae might cry, which Cleo couldn’t bear to look at, so she looked down at her feet. Mae struggled to push off the barstool, but eventually got down and grabbed her purse. She looked at Cleo sadly before waddling slowly out of the bar.

“You okay?” asked Bridget.

“Yes. I just feel so bad. She’s so nice and she didn’t do anything wrong. It’s not her fault Kev did what he did.”