Page 14 of Gingerbread Hearts

Not quite sexy, but we’re just grabbing pizza.

I look at my phone before I grab my coat and see that Jake cancelled our date. For a work call. I’m disappointed. I was excited he didn’t want to wait. I had figured out how to bring up talking about our fling becoming more. And I thought maybe he was feeling the same as I am.

Or was.

My stomach is all twisted and I know it’s not just because I’m starving. There’s no way he’d want to stay in Kastle Harbor. Jake will head back to the city after his visit with his grandmother. He thrives on the busy life associated with being a big shot lawyer in the city and he’ll be back in his apartment by the new year.

I pull my coat on and head out for the brisk walk home. I’m thankful for the cold today, the icy wind matches the bitterness that I feel on the inside.

You can’t change an ambitious career-oriented guy.

It’s something I should have already known based on past experiences. I need a glass of wine. I now know that I can’t ask Jake to stay in Kastle Harbor. My well thought out plan and conversation points discarded.

Right now I just need to decide if I want this holiday fling.

TWELVE

JAKE

All set up in the library, I’m sitting and listening to the partners talk about a particularly difficult case. Financial law is one of those topics that is probably dull for a lot of people. Usually I find it captivating, even after working within the law world for a while now. However, as I sit, trying to remain focused on my boss’s words, my mind wanders. My thoughts are full of Violet and the what ifs that linger on the tip of my tongue.

What if we tried dating? What would that look like?

I try to think about Violet living in my apartment downtown, within walking distance to countless opportunities for her as a well-trained pastry chef. She’d look adorable covered in flour using my kitchen, breathing life into my dull world. I want to wake up next to her in my bed. It may be a bit of a stretch. Some wishful thinking on my part. She clearly loves working with Bethany at the bakery.

Maybe we could do long distance dating, it’s only a train ride away. I’d be willing to visit as frequently as work allows. I’ve already established with my bosses that I can work from Kastle Harbor. I’m sure she could take some time off to visit me too.

My boss’s voice brings me out of my daydreams.

“We’d like to offer you a position as partner, Jake. What do you think?”

It’s the question I’ve been waiting since I accepted the initial offer with the law firm. It’s what I’ve wanted, what I’ve worked towards all these years.

“I accept,” I reply after a moment.

“Wonderful. We’ll draw everything up after the holidays. Great work,” he finishes.

After that it’s like this life changing offer hadn’t occurred.

Once the call ends, I’m left with more work to get done during this trip, but it’s all doable. I make a few finishing notes about the cases and any lingering questions about becoming partner. If I’m partner, I have more flexibility in office hours. I also make a note to myself to bring up an actual relationship with Violet. Perhaps at our next date.

Probably not something you just text.

I can’t remember the last time I’ve pursued someone for more than a fling. It feels right with Violet. I’m growing out of my bachelor ways.

The next morning, I decide to text Violet a simple good morning message before I realize she’s probably already working. With that in mind, I decide to see if Grams would like some fresh pastries and head to the bakery.

I’m greeted with a cheerful Bethany, dressed entirely in a floral green and orange ensemble. I order a coffee to go and select pastries to take home with me.

“Is Violet free for a moment?” I ask Bethany as she hands me the steaming cup of coffee. She hesitates, looking back towards the kitchen before responding.

“I can check Jake, wait right here.”

As she disappears into the kitchen I wait impatiently. Hopefully Violet has just a moment, I can explain about my work call and the new partnership offer I received. Bethany returns swiftly, her curly red hair bouncing as she walks.

“She said she can’t spare a moment right now. Something about oven timing needing to be perfect or the pastry will sink. I’m not quite sure what she was talking about. But she said she’ll text you later.”

I sigh deeply, my heart tumbling in my chest. “Okay, thanks.” I smile at Bethany, and leave. No point in hanging around.

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