Page 52 of Faking It with my Small Town Billionaire

Lifting her chin with my finger, I lower my head, and with the softest of touches, I brush my lips across hers. All the sparks I’ve experienced before return with a vengeance, only this time, it feels different. This time, this kiss is a new beginning of what could happen for us.

20

Lily

The next couple of days seemed to run into each other. On Sunday afternoon, when I knew things at the hospital were not going to be resolved anytime soon, I gave Jasmine a call and told her I wouldn’t be at the bakery the next morning and why. I also told her I was thinking about just closing up for a few days.

Of course, Jasmine wouldn’t hear of it.

“I can run this place for you, Lily. You don’t need to worry about a thing, girl.”

I trust Jasmine with my life. And there have been occasions where she has had to be in charge of the bakery before. She has the keys and knows how to do everything I can do, apart from some of the baking. But before now, she’s only ever had to cover me for a day. I don’t know how long my mom’s hospital stay is going to take, and I don’t want to take advantage.

“It’s a big ask, Jasmine,” I replied. “There’s so much to do, and besides, I don’t know how long I’m going to be away.”

“All right, well, how about a compromise? I’ll come into work and sell whatever comes in on the orders. If people want fresh bread, they’ll have to go elsewhere.”

“I still feel like I’m asking a lot,” I said worriedly.

“Will you chill, honey? I’ll be fine. Besides, I can get the kids to come in and help me after school.”

I hesitated for several minutes before agreeing to it. Even then, I added a caveat. “Fine, but only on the condition that if it all gets to be too much, you’ll just call me and let me know.”

“Sure. I’ll do that,” Jasmine said, with a tone that told me I wasn’t likely to hear from her anytime soon.

I laughed then because I knew she was going to handle it. “Thank you,” I said.

“Sweetheart, you are welcome. Now, you just concentrate on helping your momma get better. She needs you right now.”

“All right. I’ll speak to you soon.”

Ellie has made up her spare room so I can stay with her, and with the bakery dealt with, I’ve been able to do just as Jasmine instructs and concentrate more on Mom.

The three of us decided we would take shifts so there would be no time when Mom was left alone. I mean, it’s not like she’ll know who any of us are if she wakes up, but it makes us feel better, knowing one of us will be there. When she does wake, she’ll still be confused. I know she doesn’t remember us, but I think she’ll know the difference between a hospital room and the place she calls home.

Her room at the nursing home is cozy, and she’s surrounded by familiar things; trinkets, ornaments, pictures of us—not that those photos help at all, but they’re there all the same.

At night, there’s just one of us so the other two can sleep, but during the day, we’ve arranged to take turns sitting in twos. For the most part, all three of us have been there. We don’t get to see each other often, and thus, we’ve taken the opportunity to spend time with each other and catch up.

Orson and I are now officially dating, which is weird because everyone else thinks we’re married. It’s funny for us sometimes when my sisters say things to us like we’re a couple. We’ve nearly been caught a few times, though, like when Martha asked if we’d thought about kids. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Orson’s face look so pale.

He’s driven the whole way to the hospital to visit a few times. He never comes empty-handed. There’s either takeout or flowers or snacks, all of which my sisters think is adorable.

I can’t disagree. I know he’s super busy, so for him to take the time out and be here only reinforces the type of person I’m beginning to realize he is. The truth is, we don’t really know each other yet. Sure, we’ve spent a couple of months together, but we’ve not been together-together.

I’ve been busy running my business, as I always am, and he’s been running in circles seeing to his like he always is. Some days, we’re like ships passing in the night, and we hardly see each other at all. There have been times when my business is his business, like attending the council meetings and discussing the plans for the town. But still, it’s not like dating, right?

There’s so much I don’t know about him, but now, I’m looking forward to doing just that. Getting to know the guy I had a crush on for four years in high school. Which was pretty embarrassing to disclose, I can tell you. He was surprised, though, which I thought was rather sweet. It was like he couldn’t believe anyone would look twice at him. I don’t know why. Well, I do. The kids were just awful.

After a barrage of tests, the doctors come to the conclusion that Mom’s seizure was the result of her advanced dementia after all, and so, on Wednesday, they bring her out of her comatose state.

When Mom finally comes around, we’re all here. Even Orson. I’ll be honest; I really want to introduce him, but I know it will just be too confusing for her. She just doesn’t remember us.

“Where am I? This isn’t my room. What am I doing here?” Mom’s panicking, but Ellie is by her side to soothe her.

“It’s okay, Mom. You’re in the hospital, but you’re okay.”

Mom looks at Ellie like she’s from another planet. “I’m not your mother,” she retorts.

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