“You’ve got that right.” Kenny smiled as he grabbed her hand, nodding at the doorman as they exited the elevator.

The party was in full swing with jazz music playing, cocktail tables spread throughout the room with crisp, white tablecloths, and champagne and appetizers being served on trays. For how many people were here, the room did not feel crowded at all, which spoke to its size.

“Glad you two could make it.” Justin approached, giving them a wink.

“Sorry we’re late,” said Kenny.

Justin gave him a knowing look and a pat on the back before turning to Cleo and giving her a big hug.

“This place is amazing,” said Cleo, looking around the large room.

“Thank you. I’ve spent the past few months designing it. I still can’t believe I’m in Boston now.”

“It took some convincing,” said Kenny, giving his friend a little jab in the shoulder.

Justin let out a laugh. “Let’s get you some drinks. The bar is this way.”

“You two go on ahead. I have to get the pastries from the car. I forgot them there in my rush. ”

“You made pastries?” asked Justin excitedly. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“You know I love to,” said Cleo.

After thinking it over, she had decided to not give up on her dream of owning her own bakery in the city. Business had been booming, especially with the help of Mae’s birthday party. She knew it would be stupid to throw away those contacts and all that business. These were good people, and she wouldn’t let what happened with Kev ruin that. That would mean he had won, and she was stronger than that.

She had been working out of the kitchen at their condo, which was double the size of her old kitchen. Still, she had even been outgrowing the condo kitchen. It was almost time to rent a space of her own, which Kenny had been encouraging her to do. He was so supportive. He loved her passion, which she appreciated so much.

“I’ll help you,” said Kenny.

“I can help!” Mae walked up and gave Cleo a warm hug.

“Are you sure?” Kenny looked between them.

“Go. Have a drink. I’ll be back before you know it.” Cleo waved him off.

Justin and Kenny walked to the elegant bar that sat in the corner of the room. Cleo watched him for a moment. She wondered if she would ever get over the butterflies. Probably not.

“Look at you. So in love,” said Mae with a smile.

“Is it that obvious?” asked Cleo, tearing her gaze away from Kenny.

“Couldn’t be more obvious. I’m so happy for you two.”

Cleo smiled at Mae. They had become close friends in recent months. After Cleo decided to stay in Boston, she had made amends with Mae and Jonas. She had apologized for how she had treated them both after everything that had happened with Kev. They were more than understanding and were thrilled to hear that she was staying. Soon after they made amends, Mae had her baby, a beautiful girl named Lily.

“Where’s Lily tonight?” asked Cleo as they headed toward the elevator.

“She’s with Jonas’s mom. She came to town to visit. She’s obsessed with Lily. It’s the cutest thing.”

“Aww. That’s so sweet.”

They rode the elevator down and Mae updated her on all of Lily’s recent milestones. Cleo loved to see her friend so happy and so in tune with motherhood. She was made for it. Down at the car, Cleo popped the trunk and pulled out a large pastry box. She handed it carefully to Mae, and grabbed the other one before closing the trunk.

“What did you make this time?” said Mae eagerly.

“Eclairs, mini cappuccino cheesecakes, chocolate pistachio mousse towers, and lemon Chantilly cake,” said Cleo proudly. “Kenny even helped out.”

She smiled as she thought back to them working together in the kitchen, his arms around her as she mixed and poured. He would read off the recipes to her, his lips close to her ear. They took quite a few breaks, but they eventually finished.