Page 52 of Fragile Heart

“Quinn, burger for table eleven,” Danny calls out from the kitchen, pulling me out of my haze. He eyes me suspiciously, but I give him a reassuring smile.

Grabbing the plate, I walk it to the table and make sure they don’t need anything else before finding Holly and pulling her aside.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. But you know how I used to want to open a bakery?”

“Of course. . .” She eyes me suspiciously.

“I think I’m finally ready to do it. Well, at least to look into it more seriously.”

“Damn, who are you, and what have you done with my best friend? I like this new you.”

I rub my hands together out of nervousness. “You think it’s a good idea?”

“One hundred percent. I don’t want to work at this diner for the rest of my life, and I sure as hell don’t want you to have to, either. The bakery has always been your dream. I don’t know what’s taken you so long to realize you should go for it.”

“What if I fail?” I know failure is always a possibility, and that might be what scares me the most.

She shrugs nonchalantly. “Well, even if you fail, at least you can say you tried, which is more than most people can say in their lifetime.” She grabs my hand. “But you won’t fail, ok? You’ve got the support of this entire town on your side, and you know that. If anyone can do it, you can.”

“You’re the best, Holly. I hope you know that.”

“I do.” She flips her hair in typical Holly fashion, causing me to burst out in laughter.

“Thanks for always knowing just what I need.”

“That’s what best friends are for.” A customer raises their hand to get my attention. I take a deep breath and make my way over to the table.

I spend most of my shift daydreaming about my potential bakery: what I’ll sell, what the name will be, and what the interior decor will look like. I know I’m getting way ahead of myself, but the excitement is overpowering everything else. I can’t wait to talk to Hudson about all of my ideas.

We text on and off throughout the day, but we’re both super busy. And by the time I make it home and pry my shoes off my swollen feet, I’m dying to climb in bed. Before I can talk myself out of it, I text Hudson.

Quinn: Going to bed, but my front door is unlocked if you want to come over.

Hudson: How many times have I told you it’s unsafe to leave your door unlocked?!?

Quinn: Guess you better come protect me :)

Hudson: You don’t have to tell me twice.

I put my phone on the nightstand and almost instantly fall asleep. I wake only once when the bed dips, and Hudson climbs in next to me. He pulls me in close to him, making me his little spoon. His lips on my cheek are the last thing I remember before falling back to sleep.

---