Page 70 of A Very Daddy Christmas

“Right. I may have a history of doing dumb things.”

“You’ve always wanted a family. Kids, the white picket fence, the whole shebang. Granted, it would’ve been nice to get the husband first, but hey, Sebastian can always catch up on that front,” Eva says, her smile fading. “What are his intentions, exactly?”

Another tough question.

It’s as if I can’t catch a break. Then again, this situation is all on me. It’s of my own making, and I need to deal with its consequences. There’s no turning back, and I know what I have to do. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but it’s my truth. I need to own it.

“We’re going somewhere with this,” I tell Eva. “I just don’t know where, exactly. It’s a bit more complicated because of our current situation with the bakery and Orson and—”

“There’s a lot on our plates,” she nods in agreement. “I get it. Well, get that concealer out, put your face on, and meet me behind the counter. It’s almost lunch time.”

She’s right, I look like crap. Tired and hangry. Pale as a corpse. A bit puffy around the eyes. Nothing a good concealer can’t resolve, though.

The bakery looks awfully empty for lunchtime.

I don’t like it.

Customers have been getting scarcer with each passing day. I did manage to do some damage control where our ratings are concerned on social media, but we’re still the subject of a growing boycott. Eva keeps telling people off as soon as they give me funny looks, which has turned more folks away. I’d hoped it would pass, but by what I’m seeing at this hour, it’s only getting worse.

“This is annoying,” Eva mutters as she checks the panini display.

“I am so sorry,” I reply.

“What are you sorry for?”

“I’m being painted as the town hussy. Too many people are buying it, and it’s having a detrimental effect on our business.”

Eva shakes her head. “If people want to be judgmental dicks, they can go ahead and be judgmental dicks. No matter what they say about you, Cora, you need to stay true to yourself. Your personal business is yours and yours alone.”

“You say that now. Wait until the gas bill for December comes in. What if we can’t cover our expenses going forward?”

“We’ll figure something out,” she says. “I’m not letting anybody kick us or shame us out of here. We’ll stand our ground and keep going about our business. You said it yourself, sis. The storm shall pass.”

“I’m starting to think we might not be able to weather it after all.”

“It’s probably the hormones talking. Want a panini? We’ve got plenty,” she chuckles dryly and helps herself to one as well.

I grab one and try to enjoy every morsel, but guilt isn’t easy to quell, not even with this amazing sourdough. We sit in silence for a little while, watching the handful of customers work their way through a few pastries and coffees, but once they leave, the bakery is again empty. It’s sad and heartbreaking because this place is usually so lively around noon. Dad would be so upset.

“Cora, every business has its ups and downs,” Eva says.

“You’re starting to annoy me with this whole Pollyanna shtick. I think I’d rather see you angry, kicking and screaming,” I mutter and take another bite from my sandwich.

She laughs lightly. “Would it make you feel less guilty?”

“No.”

“Then what’s the point?” She checks the time. “You’re picking Dario up from preschool in a couple of hours, right?”

“Yeah.”

Eva finishes her panini then pops open two bottles of cream soda. “Why don’t you come over tonight? We can order takeout, just the two of us. It would take some of the edge off. Don’t you think?”

Eva and Carl were able to find a darling house to rent after Waylan’s buddy hired him. It’s perfect for them and the girls, and it will allow them to put some more savings aside to eventually buy their own home, assuming all goes well with the escrow. It’s a short drive to the bakery, and not too far from the guys’ house, either.

“The guys have a dinner meeting tonight and Sherry isn’t available. We’ve been having trouble getting her to come by the house lately,” I say, shaking my head slowly. “From what Sebastian says, she’s been getting more shifts at the country club. It might turn into a problem later down the road.”

“Ah, I see.” Eva glances away for a moment, then gives me a curious look. “Has she said anything?”

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