Page 4 of Melody’s Little Secret

“I managed to get all of my sentimental things.” She sighed and stayed quiet for a moment.

I closed my eyes and hoped beyond hope I’d convinced her. I needed her and she needed me. It would be good for both of us.

“You’re right. I can’t stay in a hotel forever. I can’t afford it and I can’t stay with family, plus I kind of miss you a fuckton.”

Laney’s parents died in a car accident when we were in elementary school and her aunts and uncles passed her from house to house like they were playing a game of hot potato. They were all good people, but she never felt like she had a home after that. When she met Jake, she thought she struck gold. He had been so attentive to her needs and desires, but it was all fake. He love-bombed her, manipulated her, made her feel like she couldn’t ever live without him. Then it all just stopped a few months ago. She’d been miserable with him for a while, but she’d felt stuck and nothing I’d been able to say or do up until this point could have convinced her otherwise.

Pushing the thoughts aside, I focused on the present issue. “Do you need some money to get you here, Laney?”

“I could never accept money from you.” Her voice grew soft. “I-I’ll manage.”

“Ugh, you’re so stubborn.” I wasn’t rolling in cash, but I’d taken out some business and personal loans for the bakery that would allow me to assist my friend for once. She had done it for me when I was down and out. “Think of it as an advance on your first paycheck. Plus, if you’re coming to work for me then it’s probably like a tax write-off or something.”

“I really can’t take your money. And are you really sure you want me to work with you? I’m a freakin’ mess and I can promise you I don’t have any good work history references for you to call.”

“Yup. Working at the shop will get you on the books and bring some income in while you figure out what to do next. It’s the perfect solution.” I sat up from the couch as my excitement built. I could almost hear her mind racing trying to come up with more excuses.

“Can we really make this happen?” she asked in a small and unsure voice. One I’d never heard from her.

“Yes. No more arguing. Pack it up, get on a bus, and get here.”

“When did you get so bossy?” She laughed heartily, thankfully sounding like herself again. “I keep telling you, you need a Daddy to sort you out.”

“I don’tneedthat sort of sorting.” I sighed as my brat popped out. The truth was I did need a Daddy. A stern one who wouldn’t let me slide on rules and who dished out consequences. A Daddy who would gently push me out of my comfort zone. “I might want it, but I don’tneed it.”Which still might be far from the truth.

Opening my own bakery after spending years of just baking for friends out of my parents’ kitchen was the largest leap I’d ever taken.

But it was really hard, and I needed more help than I was ready to admit.

Delaney would see when she arrived how off-kilter I was. Burning the candle at both ends. Not taking enough time for myself. My Little side was practically non-existent since I repressed her, refusing to engage in any activities that brought her out. Except pastry decorating. When I iced a cake or a cookie or my favorite cupcakes, I allowed her to shine. It gave me an edge over my competition before I moved out to Hopevale, since I truly poured my heart into baking. I loved my shop and all the yummy treats I sold, but I was really tired. Sighing again, I confessed. “Okay, bestie. You’re right. I do need some sorting.”

“Uh-huh.” Delaney clucked her tongue against the roof of her mouth. “You be nice to my best friend, okay?”

“Yeah.” I didn’t even know how to do that at the moment.

“I mean it! Or I’ll… I’ll sort you out myself!”

“So, you’re coming?”

“I threatened to spank you or at least find somebody who will, and that’s all you can focus on?”

“I miss you.” I burst into tears. Laney felt further away than ever. “I’m so lonely. I haven’t been doing anything nice for myself because I don’t have time and I just need you.”

“Don’t be sad. I’m coming, okay? Let me sort out some last-minute details.”

I sniffled. “Okay. If you get stuck, let me know.”

“I will. See you, Mel. I love you.”

“See you, Laney. Love you most!”

“Me too. Make good decisions.”

“You too.”

We ended the call, and I curled deeper into the cushions. She wasn’t wrong about me needing a good sorting out. I didn’t want to think about how my Little side sometimes popped out at inopportune times when I refused to indulge her. Somehow, I’d commit to venturing out of my comfort zone this week.

Chapter Three

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