Page 76
Story: Knot That Difficult
“I want to heareverything,” she demands in between dumping out old coffee and grinding beans.
“Oh, my god, I have so much to tell you,” I say.
“Later,” April chastises. “We’ve got shipments to do.” She places a giant box on the counter and gives me a small smile. “We’ve sold out of our preorders, Dev. This is all thanks to you.”
I beam. Since our macarons have been so popular, I brought up the idea of a subscription box—a package of macarons mailed out once a month to customers, featuring a limited-edition flavor.
It was supposed to be a trial experiment, but after we started a sign-up sheet, it was full by the end of the day.
It’s looking to be the most successful business endeavor April’s Café has ever had if we’re able to expand it.
Skylar huffs in frustration. “Devyn is growing up, April. She’s a businesswoman, and she’s finding the loves of her life. I’m going to die if she doesn’t tell me.”
“I can multitask,” I say to April. “Besides, I know you want to know, too.”
April sighs, then quirks her lip. “Fine. As long as we get these boxes done and the shipping labels printed.”
I squeal and help her set up the custom boxes. I begin to fill each one with the designated macaron flavor of the month, chocolate banana.
“We spent the evening playing video games, watching baking shows, and justtalking,” I say.“It was like the three of us were hanging out, only sexier.”
“Wait.” April pauses. “Did you spend the night?”
I nod. “Ben and I did! They even had a room for us!”
Skylar’s eyes widen. “Like, a guest room, or…”
“No. Skye, they said it wasmyroom. They had everything prepared, including blankets, if I wanted to nest. It was so thoughtful. They weren’t pushy; they were just…perfect.”
April turns to me. “That sounds awesome, Dev. And you really like them.” Her tone is fond.
I nod. “I do. They’re good Alphas, and I’m starting to think I can really do this. I can really have a pack.”
Skylar scoffs. “Of course you can, dork. That’s what we’ve been telling you this whole time.”
“But now she believes it,” April points out. “That’s the important part.”
Tammy shows up to help prepare the subscription boxes while I manage the counter, and at the end of my shift, she pulls me into a hug.
“I’m so proud of you,” she murmurs, and I try not to burst into tears. “My sweet girl. I love seeing you happy like this.”
I hold on to her tightly, savoring her embrace.
I can’t wait for Connor and Ace to meet her.
She would love them; I just know it.
As I breathe in Tammy’s subtle floral scent, joy washes over me.
My life will only get better from here on out.
* * *
I stay laterthan I anticipated at the café, and now, there’s no parking in the front of our apartment.
I have two options.
I can park a few blocks down and take the long walk back to our building.
“Oh, my god, I have so much to tell you,” I say.
“Later,” April chastises. “We’ve got shipments to do.” She places a giant box on the counter and gives me a small smile. “We’ve sold out of our preorders, Dev. This is all thanks to you.”
I beam. Since our macarons have been so popular, I brought up the idea of a subscription box—a package of macarons mailed out once a month to customers, featuring a limited-edition flavor.
It was supposed to be a trial experiment, but after we started a sign-up sheet, it was full by the end of the day.
It’s looking to be the most successful business endeavor April’s Café has ever had if we’re able to expand it.
Skylar huffs in frustration. “Devyn is growing up, April. She’s a businesswoman, and she’s finding the loves of her life. I’m going to die if she doesn’t tell me.”
“I can multitask,” I say to April. “Besides, I know you want to know, too.”
April sighs, then quirks her lip. “Fine. As long as we get these boxes done and the shipping labels printed.”
I squeal and help her set up the custom boxes. I begin to fill each one with the designated macaron flavor of the month, chocolate banana.
“We spent the evening playing video games, watching baking shows, and justtalking,” I say.“It was like the three of us were hanging out, only sexier.”
“Wait.” April pauses. “Did you spend the night?”
I nod. “Ben and I did! They even had a room for us!”
Skylar’s eyes widen. “Like, a guest room, or…”
“No. Skye, they said it wasmyroom. They had everything prepared, including blankets, if I wanted to nest. It was so thoughtful. They weren’t pushy; they were just…perfect.”
April turns to me. “That sounds awesome, Dev. And you really like them.” Her tone is fond.
I nod. “I do. They’re good Alphas, and I’m starting to think I can really do this. I can really have a pack.”
Skylar scoffs. “Of course you can, dork. That’s what we’ve been telling you this whole time.”
“But now she believes it,” April points out. “That’s the important part.”
Tammy shows up to help prepare the subscription boxes while I manage the counter, and at the end of my shift, she pulls me into a hug.
“I’m so proud of you,” she murmurs, and I try not to burst into tears. “My sweet girl. I love seeing you happy like this.”
I hold on to her tightly, savoring her embrace.
I can’t wait for Connor and Ace to meet her.
She would love them; I just know it.
As I breathe in Tammy’s subtle floral scent, joy washes over me.
My life will only get better from here on out.
* * *
I stay laterthan I anticipated at the café, and now, there’s no parking in the front of our apartment.
I have two options.
I can park a few blocks down and take the long walk back to our building.
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