Page 54 of A Gingerbread Romance

She paused and took a step closer to him, gently touched his cheek. “But if you continue to let my horrible decisions control your life and hide in the shadows instead of trusting a woman you care about, then you’re allowing me to hurt you over and over again, and that lesson I learned will have been wasted. So please, take off the armor I forced you to wear and let this woman into your life, the way you once let me in.”

SEVENTEEN

Monday morning had arrived with bleak skies and cold temperatures, but Judy and Abby and everyone else Greta had spoken to had done their best to cheer her up.

Greta had been going through the motions: at work, at home, and even this morning when she’d taken an extra-long walking route to work. She wanted more time to think, but she wasn’t feeling better yet.

Jonathan had left so abruptly, broken things off so suddenly and without warning. It all felt like such a mess. A mess she couldn’t fix.

And her heart had crumbled like the cookies she loved to bake. Couldn’t he just reach out to her and explain? Because if he would, she could probably talk it out with him, and she could fix things. She could probably make him see that they were right for each other and that he needn’t be so scared.

Because hewasscared. She could feel it. She could see it in the way he’d studied her face, hear it in his words when he’d called to break up with her.

And it was odd because he’d warmed up to her so quickly and easily, to begin with. It wasn’t that he didn’t want someone in his life. He did, and she knew it. It was just that he didn’t know how to handle it.

Another phone call on her part didn’t seem like the answer, though. She’d already tried calling him enough times before he’d broken off with her.

She’d spoken to Abby last night, explaining the whole mess. Abby had, of course, been as shocked as Greta was. She’d used a few unflattering phrases to describe his actions and promised Greta she’d feel better soon, but Greta wasn’t so sure.

“Hey, Greta,” Chloe said, approaching the bakery’s counter, smiling. “Luke and I came into town for a few after-Christmas sales. Do you have a minute to talk?”

The store wasn’t too busy at the moment, and Greta was surprised to see Chloe. She nodded with a smile. “Sure.” She came from around the counter and led her to an empty set of table and chairs. “What’s up?” Chloe didn’t need to know what was going on with her and Jonathan, unless, of course, she already did?

“I heard…” Okay, so she did know. “Luke told me.” So, the word was getting out? Greta inhaled deeply, holding back the emotions that began to bubble up like lava from beneath the surface. “I’m so, so sorry. How are you doing?”

Greta swallowed and then sniffled. “I’ve been better. Thanks for asking.” What a nice person Chloe was to show up here and check on her. Too bad things would most likely be awkward for them now.

“So, I was wondering if you still wanted to go cross country skiing? Maybe tomorrow?”

Greta had forgotten all about it until this moment. “Uh,” she said, not sure if she’d probably just wish Jonathan were there the whole time.

“It might cheer you up, the fresh air and sunshine.” She smiled hopefully. “Well, let’s hope for sunshine,” she added with an eye roll, “considering the weather out there today.”

Greta forced a smile. Chloe was right. It would be good for her. “Sure. Yeah, that would be great. Thanks for bringing it up.”

“Great, then. It’ll be a girls’ day. Luke said he’d sit this one out since, you know, Jonathan isn’t coming.”

Greta cleared her throat and nodded.

Chloe frowned. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said—”

“—No, it’s fine. I’m fine. And okay, yes, that sounds perfect. It’ll be fun.” That was probably for the best, anyway. She’d either feel like a third wheel or it might be strange hanging out with his brother when Jonathan had dismissed her from his life. “Thanks. I appreciate it.”

Chloe’s brow rose. “Text me your address, and I’ll pick you up tomorrow—around eleven?”

That would work. She could help with the morning rush and then head home to change and get her gear together. “Yeah, that’s perfect.”

Chloe stood up. “Great. I’ll see you then.” She smiled and left, and Greta heaved a sigh of relief. A distraction sounded like just what she needed.

Greta headed back to the kitchen to let Judy and the others know that she’d be taking some time off tomorrow.

“Oh, honey, just take the whole day,” said Judy, rolling out a slab of cookie dough. “You’ve been working all weekend and heaven knows, you deserve a break. We’ll be fine.”

Greta sighed. Honestly, a morning off, as well as a day of skiing, sounded like the best possible remedy, and Judy was right. They’d be fine without her. “Okay. Thanks. I will, then.”

* * *

What Carla said had hithim hard. Monday evening arrived, and Jonathan pulled into the designated parking spot outside the apartment in New Haven Falls. He’d had just enough time to collect his mail and do a few loads of laundry back in Baltimore, because the final walk-through of both buildings with Brett and Elaine was taking place tomorrow morning at ten.

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