Page 51 of This Thing Between Us

Despite the challenging day, this quest gave me something I didn’t know I needed. Another purpose for being back in Haver’s Creek.

And despite myself, it gave me a reason to be around Jack. Planning this felt like old times. It comforted me like that blanket in Jack’s living room.

Confident I greased up the springform pan enough, I stirred the cake batter a few more times as poured it all in. With a spatula I scooped out the remaining mixture that clung to the sides of the bowl. Vanilla wafted from the mix, and I took a second to appreciate the familiar scent. After leveling everything out, I placed the pan in the oven before turning back to Jack.

“I just need to line up some interviews with the players,” Jack insisted. “This is how investigations work. It’s protocol.”

“You should have one of the parents order the dessert. That would make the most sense.”

Jack marched over until he stood right in front of me. His hands grasped my shoulders. “I won’t put you in harm’s way, Sprinkles.”

“You wanted me to help and now I’m helping. It’s as simple as that.”

“We need another plan.”

This time I didn’t push him away. “This is a good plan. Do you know what parent you should call?”

He shook my shoulders before continuing to storm around his open-concept kitchen. Luckily, he didn’t have carpeting, otherwise he’d be burning holes in it.

“Uh, the only potential problem I see is that I’m not a professional baker. I bake for fun, not to sell. I hope it won’t take much convincing to have someone hire me.”

Jack waved me off. “You have nothing to worry about. You’re the best baker I know.”

This piqued my interest and filled my heart with gratitude. “Oh, yeah?”

Jack faced me head on. “Yeah.”

I turned around to hide my reaction as the bell from the oven sounded. It was preheated and ready for my cake.

“How much do you trust this kid?” I needed to know if we were following a legitimate lead.

Jack looked me in the eye. “I trust him. My gut trusts him. He’s a shy kid, I’m surprised he’s saying anything. He’s brave to come to me. I think he’s worried about his friends more than he’s worried about himself.” Jack cracked his neck, a sign of stress manifesting in his body. “I know how much pressure these kids are under. If the coach is doing this, I need to know and I need to put an end to it.”

Jack’s protective nature helped fuel our friendship when we were younger. It didn’t surprise me at all that he felt protective over these young boys who were on the cusp of adulthood.

I tapped my fingers on the countertop, weighing my options. “We are definitely doing this.”

The look of resignation that crossed Jack’s face made me confident I’d made the right decision.

My alarm rang early the next morning. I must have snoozed at least ten times, not wanting to get up. Our first appointment wasn’t until ten and since it didn’t take me too long to get around in the morning, I didn’t worry too much about it.

Yesterday had left me exhausted. Spending so much time with Jack confused me and then the flooding of Savannah’s house just added insult to injury.

Savannah left Jack’s house super early, needing to get to work. She had already texted several times saying that the plumber and his crew were already at the house working on clean up and assessing the damage. We’d be able to get in there later in the day to grab some clothes and necessities, but it would be at least a week or two before we’d be able to move back in.

A quick call to Katie Kooney confirmed that she already drew up the paperwork for the house and planned to make the offer within the hour. Even if they accepted right away, it would still be a couple weeks before I could get into my new house. Pulling up the calendar app on my phone, I set a reminder to follow up with Katie to confirm everything went through.

Basically, it meant that Savannah and I were stuck at Jack’s for the foreseeable future. Despite my best efforts otherwise.

Thinking of Jack, I hadn’t seen him since I woke up. Dressed and caffeinated, I made sure to eat some breakfast before we left to begin our full day of tours.

After downing my third cup of coffee I trudged upstairs, wanting to make sure Jack was awake. For a second, I seriously considered leaving him behind, but my curiosity over his mystery venue option got the best of me.

He was probably banking on that.

I made my way to the top floor which housed a small little nook and a door to what must be the master bedroom. Leaning against the door, I listened for sounds. Hearing none, I tested the doorknob. Finding it unlocked, I walked through and was immediately greeted by a scent that was so completely male. Fresh pine and leather.

The bed appeared empty, but the room was dark, so I crept closer to be sure.

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