Page 87 of Sweet Somethings

"You don't, either," Travis said quietly.

He felt a little guilty that he'd tried to look away when Travis first arrived at the house. "You give me more credit than I deserve."

"I think we should get some food," Doug interrupted. "How about I order in?"

"Since none of us are up for driving, I'd say that's a good idea."

Doug nodded. "By the way, your guitar skills have certainly improved." He turned to Travis. "Roman played at Mickelson's Bar last night."

"So you kept up with that. Good for you."

"Thanks. Someone call for some Chinese food or something. I'm starving."

"I'm on it," Doug said, pulling out his phone.

"I need to call my mom," Travis said. "I just want to make sure Cameron is good for another hour."

"Call your mom," Roman echoed with a laugh. "Now, it really does feel like old times."

* * *

Juliette was lucky enough to find a spot near the pier. The great thing about driving a small car was that it fit in anywhere.

As she walked through the parking lot, a dozen or so people stopped her to say hello and offer a compliment about her bakery or one of her desserts, and each comment broadened her smile and deepened her sense of belonging.

Fairhope was becoming her town again. She felt connected to the community. She might not have made a lot of close, personal friends yet—mostly because she hadn't had the time—but she was definitely starting to feel like she fit in. It was what she'd wanted, what she'd come back for, and it felt good.

"Juliette, wait up."

She paused as Sara hurried to catch up with her. "Hi, Sara."

"I'm glad you came; I wasn't sure you'd be able to tear yourself away from the bakery."

"I probably shouldn't have torn myself away, but I didn't want to miss the parade. And, frankly, I could use some fresh air. I was beginning to feel like a big bag of sugar."

"Sometimes I feel like a big bag of coffee beans," Sara said with a laugh. "The scent sticks to my skin."

"Maybe we better not get too close to anyone," she joked. "We'll make them hungry for dessert and in the mood for coffee."

"Which would be great if we were working tonight, but Donavan and I agreed that we will do the Sweetheart's Dance on Saturday, and that is it—at least until Easter."

"My thoughts, exactly. So where is your handsome Rhett Butler tonight?"

"You know his name is Tim, right?"

She laughed. "Okay, Tim."

"He should be here soon. What about you? Where's your Romeo?" she asked with a teasing smile.

"Roman also said he'd meet me here."

"You two are destined to be together."

She knew Sara was joking, but there was a part of her that wanted to believe that, too. She was just afraid destiny was going to throw her a curve ball.

"What did I say?" Sara asked, giving her a concerned look. "Your smile just went dark."

"Nothing."

---