Page 29 of Only Ever Yours

“Ohh, I love that place! I can stop by tomorrow on my way to see the apartments. I just hope she doesn’t want me to help bake.”

We both burst out laughing. Haleigh knows damn well I’m a disaster in the kitchen.

“Remember that time you stayed the night with me, and we made pancakes, and you tried to flip one, and it landed on your head?” Her laugh turns into a wheeze as we both double over in laughter.

“Girl, we don’t talk about that,” I say through my laughter, shaking my head at the memory of that night, “how the fuck did I even do that shit? I was trying to be fancy with my flip; I had to wash my hair in the sink to get all that shit off!”

“Oh my gosh, stop it!” She gasps, holding her growing belly. “You’re gonna make me pee my pants.”

I laugh even harder, wiping at the tears forming in my eyes. I know it’s from the laughter, but it might just be a little from all the stress and sadness as well. I’m so thankful I have her as my best friend.

Chapter 9

Ellie

It’s my second week working at Sprinkles Café.

I stopped by Sprinkles the day after Haleigh and I talked, and Elaine, the owner, was so excited for me to start. She hired me on the spot and told me to come in the next day to get started. I’ve been here almost every day since then, and I’m grateful because I need all the money I can get.

It’s seriously the cutest little bakery and coffee shop I’ve ever seen.

The whole place is decorated in pink and aqua pastels, with sprinkle decals all over the white walls. My favorite thing about this place is the macarons. They are to die for and one of Elaine's best-selling bakery items. The cheeriness of Sprinkles definitely helps to brighten my mood daily.

One of Elaine's long-time employees who helped her bake recently moved out of state. Ever since, she's been struggling to keep up with the demand. So now, she is in the kitchen most mornings before the sun comes up.

I feel bad that I can’t help her, but I was upfront about it when she hired me. I can’t fucking cook, and I sure as hell can’t bake. She knows that. Thankfully, she’s got a help wanted ad for a baker, so hopefully, she will have some luck soon.

I’ve been so exhausted from getting up so early that I’m almost to a point of second-guessing my decision to work here, but I’m not quitting. I can’t quit. I need the extra cash if I’m going to try to find somewhere to live. Plus, Elaine is super sweet and very accommodating with my work schedule. She has been flexible with me so far, especially when I needed to meet with one of my new clients.

The time I have left before we move is dwindling, and I’m getting so nervous. I met with another couple this weekend in need of my help with planning their spring wedding. It’s a step in the right direction, but I have too many gaps in my paychecks to feel comfortable.

So, for now, I will be working my ass off.

There’s no way in hell I’m moving with my bitch of a sister. She still hasn’t spoken to me since that morning. And I don’t fucking care, if Jaydon is stupid enough to fallfor her bullshit, she can have him. I’m over him and all his games—well, at least that’s what I’m telling myself.

I let her know the only thing I couldn’t do was bake… or cook, for that matter. I told her some of my stories from past cooking experiences, and she thought it was the funniest thing in the world. So, she put me on the register, and I occasionally help make the coffee when we get busy.

I still haven’t had any luck with finding an apartment.

The two places I was interested in were out of my price range. The only one I could afford was a fucking dump, and it was about a thirty-minute drive to get there. So I’m in limbo, working nonstop and trying to save as much as possible with only two weeks left.

“Hey, Ellie… can you manage the front while I finish up the breakfast croissants in the back?”

“Sure thing. Anything else you need me to do before the morning rush?”

“Just make sure the cups and lids are restocked… I think they are getting a little low.”

I nod and head towards the supply closet, rummaging around until I find the right box.

I rush, trying to get everything prepared for the day. It's just the two of us for now; Elaine's in the back finishing up the fresh pastries, and the other three employees won’t arrive until seven.

I’m stacking the mint-green coffee cups on the counter when the door chimes, letting us know someone entered.

Turning to greet the customer, my words falter when I see Jaydon strutting towards the counter. Why the fuck does he continue to mess with me?

I act like I don’t know him to piss him off.

With a fake smile plastered on my face, I speak, “Welcome to Sprinkles. What can I get started for you?”

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