Page 38 of Baking With A Ghost

Leaning against the island, I fling my dish towel over my shoulder and pick the phone up. "Ivy… Simon is real. He's here with me and I've spent the last few days caring for him. It's my first day back and I left him sleeping in my bed, which I didnotwant to do." I can't help the grin that lifts my lips as Ivy's eyes widen. "It's so surreal, but he came to life for me."

"Johnny… holy shit. This isn't a joke? Cuz, it's not funny if you're joking." Her voice hitches and she blinks back tears.

"Fuck, Ivy, don't cry. No joke. He's really here and I'm not even going to try to explain to you how because it's fucking wild… but, ya he's here and I can't wait for you to meet him." My own voice grows thick and I clear my throat. "He really was meant for me. We connect on so many levels and even though he's from the past, which is so fucking weird to say out loud, he was made for me."

"I always said you were an old soul, Johnny. Maybe I was right about something after all."

I smile at my best friend, the one who rarely gets it right the first time, and concede. "I think you were."

"Can I make plans to come visit? I know you'll be in the whole honeymoon phase and fucking like rabbits, but I miss you. And I really want to meet him."

"She can meet me now if she wants."

I turn my head to find Simon entering the bakery and my insides turn to mush when he smiles at me. His hair is still damp from a shower and he still has my lounge pants on since they’re the only pants of mine he could make fit. He's also wearing my favourite Canadian band's t-shirt. It's a simple song title that saysTired as Fuckand it's wildly appropriate considering all he’s been through. Even though I'm not a huge guy, the shirt hangs on him like a muumuu. But it's his happy, easy grin and warm eyes he has just for me that renders me temporarily speechless.

"John? You okay? Your face just did that thing like when you see Sidney Crosby's quads."

My eyes snap back to the screen. "What thing?"

She lolls her tongue to the side and pants. "The one where you look like you're ready to beg to be thrown up against the wall."

Simon laughs and Ivy leans closer, trying to peer around the screen.

"Is your man there, John? Is he making you do that face?" She raises her voice. "Simon, I was just saying I'd love to meet you and now your boyfriend can't string a sentence together with you in the room." I glare at the screen.

"I can mute you, you know."

"You could, but you'd miss my witty commentary."

Sighing, I turn to Simon. "Are you up to meeting Ivy right now?"

He hesitates and whispers, "Do I look okay?"

I hold a finger up for Ivy to give me a minute and set the phone on the island before tugging him over between my legs.

"You can say no if you're uncomfortable. Neither of us will be mad, but you look great." I place a kiss on his neck. "You smell like my soap and you're wearing my clothes. Until now, I didn't know that was something I was into. We'll shop for your own stuff soon, but really, you look great."

"I'm just nervous. She's your best friend, I don't want to disappoint her."

He scrunches his eyebrows, and I grin.

"Nothing about you will disappoint Ivy. Trust me."

"Okay, then let’s do this."

Reaching over, I pick up the phone again to find Ivy's expectant face waiting. I tug Simon in closer so he leans against my shoulder and we can fit on the screen together.

"Ivy, this is Simon." Turning my face I kiss him on the temple. "My boyfriend, as you've pointed out."

When I turn to the camera again, Ivy's smile could light the night sky. She waves.

"Hi Simon! I'm so happy to almost meet you. Johnny's told me all about you, all good things. I don't even have to be there in person, I can tell you two are meant to be."

"It's nice to meet you too, Ivy. John has said so many things about you as well, all good."

Simon tilts his head to smile at me and I can't help it, I kiss his smiling lips and he laughs.

"You two are going to make me cry, stop it!"

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