Page 50 of Saving Me
“Perfect!” She says, linking her arm with mine and leading us to the Blue Haven Cafe. We find a small table out back under the pergola. Laura comes over once she sees us.
“Back already?” She smiles at me.
“I guess I am,” I laugh. “I ran into Eve outside, and we decided to have coffee.”
“Your muffins are going fast,” she grins. “We are going to have to double the order next time. I already have people asking if you do cupcakes for birthday parties,” she laughs. “Be sure to leave me some business cards soon so I can pass them out.”
“I do cupcakes as well,” I smile, pleased that everyone is liking my baking. “I’ll get some business cards printed up soon for you.” I make a mental note to add that to my to-do list.
“I’ll let the moms know you are open for cupcake business,” she winks at me. “What would you girls like?”
“I’ll take my usual coffee, Laura, thanks. Oh, and bring me one of those muffins everyone is raving about,” Eve grins at me. “Ryland goes nuts over muffins.”
“Sure thing, sweetie. And you love?” Laura asks, looking at me.
“I’ll try Eve’s usual,” I smile.
“You got it. I’ll be right back.”
“You are already making a name for yourself here.” Eve looks over at me and grins. “I’m really happy for you. You have a real talent for baking. I ate two of those desserts at the wedding,” she laughs.
“Thank you. Jake’s mom found me at the reception and gave Laura my name. Today was my first delivery.”
“So you met Meaghan already? She’s the best. She’s been like a mom to me since I was sixteen.”
“So you and Ryder have been together since high school?”
“We were high school sweethearts but got separated a bit before I found my way back to Blue Haven, but that’s a long story and one for another day,” she waves her hand in the air, dismissing it.
“Right now, I want to know what’s going on between you and my brother-in-law, who, by the way, has never had a girl stay with him more than one night, let alone give her a job and a place to live.” Her eyes shine with amusement over the rim of her coffee that was just delivered to our table.
“There’s really not much to tell. As you already know, we met at the reception. He came by my work a few days later and offered me a job. I hated my sleazy boss, so I took him up on the offer and quit that day. Since I have work now in Blue Haven, it just seemed easier if I stayed in his pool house.” I glance up at her from my coffee. “That’s where you and Ryder used to live, right?” I try to divert the conversation back to her.
“I moved in with him when I came back, and we bought a house last fall, but you’re changing the subject.” She raises her eyebrow at me with a smile playing on her lips. “How has your new job been going so far?”
“It’s only my second day,” I laugh. “But it’s going good. It’s more like an exchange of services than a paying job.”
“Oh, I bet it is,” she winks at me, her eyes alight with amusement.
“No, that’s not what I meant.” I feel my face get beet red, and Eve grins wider. “Not that kind of exchange of services. I’m cooking and cleaning in exchange for a place to live and using his kitchen to get my business started up. I’m still working for the catering company as well.”
“Mmm-hm,” she says, taking a sip of her coffee andclearly not believing a word of what I’m saying based on her facial expression. “You know,” she murmurs, “I’ve known Jake for almost seven years, and not once have I seen him look at a girl like the way he looked at you at the wedding. I told him to be patient with you because I can tell you’ve been through a lot.”
She gives me a small smile, and a wave of understanding passes through her blue eyes. My instinct was right when I first met her. She’s been through something, too.
“He didn’t really take my advice, though, since he’s already moved you in and employed you,” she laughs. “Those brothers have never been good at being patient. I guess the question is, how are you feeling about him? Because I can tell you without a doubt that once a Montgomery has his sights on you, there is nothing stopping them from going after what they want. Just ask Sophia and I,” she laughs.
Wrapping my hands around my warm coffee mug, I debate how to answer. “Truthfully, the last thing I wanted was a guy barging into my life wanting to be my knight in shining armor. I haven’t had the best experience with men. My past…” I stop and glance down at my hands. “My past relationship hasn’t been an easy one, and things are still messy. I don’t want to involve Jake in my mess, but he seems very adamant about taking on my problems.”
She reaches out her hand and places it over mine. “Jake has always been a protector and always will be. It’s one of the many things I love about him. Whatever you’ve been through, I can tell you one thing for certain. You will never be more safe or protected than when you are in the hands of Jake or his brothers. He brought you into his home and into his family. That tells me right there that he’s already decided to involve himself and is already thinking of ways to make your life better. That’s just what this family does. And that includes me,” she smiles. “I’m really glad you are here. Sophia lives an hour away, and Savi isstill up in Georgia, so that makes you my new bestie in Blue Haven.”
“I’m really glad I’m here, too. I’ve never had a bestie girlfriend before.”
“Never?” She asks, surprised.
“Never.” I shake my head.
“Well, I’m honored to be your first. Hand me your phone.” I hand it over and watch her take a selfie and type in her contact information before handing it back. “Now it’s official.”
