Page 5 of Click of Fate

I cock my head. “I just recently acquired a first home.” I think about the little three-bedroom house I rented in Meridian-Kessler. It has a yard.

Ihave a yard…

“Exactly. Everyone needs a second home. This one won’t cost you money, you would actually be paid to be here. Win-win,” Cassie adds, like it’s a no-brainer.

“And what exactly would I be paid to do?” I know the answer. But I’ll play along.

“Uh, hello, dumb dumb, you’d be the sexy, cynical wedding photographer,” Cassie says.

I roll my eyes. “Good lord, you two do not stop. Do you?”

“Never!” Layla says.

I sigh. “The worst person you could hire to shoot your wedding is someone who doesn’t believe in the institution of marriage. Every photo would carry an aura that screams, “’This won’t last!”’ I rub the space between my eyes for some relief to the pounding that is starting behind my eyes.

“Wowzers. We’ve got some work to do, Layla. This is straight-up Sandra Bullock inThe Proposallevel of emotional blockage. I mean, I don’t even think she’d fake a relationship for a green card at this point.”

I shake my head and try not to laugh. Which is hard to do.

But the woman isn’t wrong.

Chapter 2

FATE AND MEATBALLS

STELLA

Walkinginto the cozy little café after my meeting with the girls, I take a deep breath, taking in the smell of coffee and baked goods.

“Girl, you look like you need a little something yummy in your life,” a chipper voice from the behind the counter says. Smiling, I give Hazel a little wave and head her way.

“Hey, lady! That’s exactly what I need.” I notice the café has cleared out a bit, and with it being almost three, Hazel is getting ready to close down for the day.

“Did you just come from HEA?” Hazel asks while she pulls out a large plastic cup.

“Sure did.” I scan the display counter to see what sweets are left.

“Did they try to get you to join the force?” Hazel leans forward, her arms resting on the glass.

I raise my brow. “What do you think?” I ask, deadpan.

She laughs. “Gotta give ’em credit. The two of ’em don’t back down.” She’s shaking her head with a grin. “What will it be today? Coffee or bubbly?”

“I need one of those tropical fizzy energy bomb things you don’t have on the menu yet,” I tell the woman who has quickly become a good friend.

“Coming right up. And pick out a dozen of whatever. I’ll box them up, and you can take them to Harps and Lillybean.” She gets to making my drink.

Hazel Allen is the manager of Sweet Wave, and honestly, the woman runs this place with her eyes closed. She bakes the sweets in the case, and she is responsible for some of the most delicious café drinks in the city.

She’s known my sister for a few years now, and has been babysitting Lilly when Harper needs her. But it’s a small world that she was already great friends with Cass and Lay since they are in the same building.

A couple of years younger than me, Hazel is stunning with her red hair and freckles. She’s as sweet as the treats she makes, and like Cass, she always has a smile on her face.

I decide on a few brownies, lemon bars, and giant chocolate chip oatmeal cookies as Hazel hands me my drink.

“How much are you gonna charge for this liquid gold?” I pull my wallet out of my camera bag.

“Not sure yet. But it’s on the house,” Hazel says, folding together a white bakery box.

---