Page 105 of One Sweet Lie

Silence.

“Why wouldn’t you just tell me?” I stared at her. “Why go through the trouble of humiliating her?”

“Because she doesn’t deserve you,” she said, tears falling down her face. “She’s a skank playing the long game and trying to weasel her way into your life until you get too attached to let her go.”

“So, this isjealousy?”

“Please.” She shook her head. “She has nothing I want in this life.”

“Except me.”

“You still have feelings for her?” She swallowed. “You told me you were done with her.”

“Did she return the bakery keys, or did you play games to get her to?”

“The latter…”

“Thank you for your honesty.” I walked to the door. Then I looked over my shoulder. “I’ll write up one hell of a fluffy statement about your immediate resignation, and I’ll extend the same generosity by giving you a personal reference at whatever place you choose to work next, but I never want to fucking see or hear from you again.”

“You’re ending our friendship over this?”

“No, Denise.Youdid.”

FIFTY-TWO

PIERCE

The Brooklyn Jets are Playoff Bound

The Most Dangerous Eighth Seed Ever

The Jets STILL SUCK: Don’t Believe the Hype

Today’s top headlines needed to be framed and hung high in the arena. Minus that last one, of course.

The home games were sold out, and our new merch was selling like hotcakes.

At home, life was finally becoming smoother, thanks to Nanny Rivers.

A real-life Mary Poppins, she was prompt, professional, and prone to burst into song at any moment.

She was also utterly impervious to my sarcasm.

The twins took to her enthusiasm and endless songs with ease. Olivia was still on the fence about her, but she seemed to accept her presence.

Yet, something was missing.

Well, someone.

Harlow’s laughter and playtime were still woven into our daily routines, and as much as I wanted to deny it, we weren’t the same without her.

I rolledover in bed and reached for Harlow.

My hand caught a handful of pillow feathers instead.

Screw this.

Sitting up, I grabbed my phone and called her.

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