Page 102

They’d sent me updated sales numbers last week. It wasn’t going to be a big stream of income, but it was a good start. I liked the idea of seeing my products in shops around the Quarter.

Just as I sent the email, my phone beeped, and I smiled when I saw the screen. It was Gaston.Finally!I’d been waiting for his call. It made me antsy that he hadn’t said a peep.

I immediately tapped the speakerphone, setting the phone on my couch because I still had cream on my hands and didn’t want to smear my screen.

“Hello, Grace.”

“Hi, Gaston. Haven’t heard from you in a while.”

“I know, I know. I promise I wasn’t stringing you along. So, listen, I don’t want to waste your time any longer.”

My throat closed up. “Oh?”

“We’ve decided to take Zachary’s offer.”

I swallowed hard, feeling as if he was pressing on my neck, obstructing the influx of air.

“Right, right.” I cleared my throat. “Is it a matter of money? Or do you think he’s a better collaboration partner? Because if it’s money, I can improve my offer.”

“Zachary told us that he can outbid whatever you offer.”

“I see.” I couldn’t help but feel betrayed.

“We’re really sorry. Felicia and I like you a lot, and you bonded with the horses beautifully, but this is a business decision after all.”

“Yes, of course. I understand.”

“And you did say you don’t want the two of you to invest together.”

I swallowed hard. That’s right, I’d told him that.

“But you’re welcome to come out here to the ranch and spend time with the horses whenever you want.”

I smiled. “Thank you, Gaston. That’s very considerate of you.” I was feeling very off-kilter.

“All right, then. Have a great rest of the week.”

“Sure. You too.”

I wanted to ask a bit more about Starlight, but I couldn’t bring myself to. I was so disappointed.

As I hung up, I rubbed my hands together until the cream set in. I needed to get out of my apartment. This place was chock-full of samples, and right now it felt claustrophobic. I took the phone carefully between two fingers, opened the door with an elbow, and then headed straight downstairs.

Zachary had told him that he could always outbid me. It was smart to let him know that from the get-go, but I couldn’t shake off that feeling of betrayal. I couldn’t help thinking about my ex, who always wanted to one-up me no matter what. But this wasn’t the same thing.

I was headed straight toward the bagels and donut shop.

Oh God, I didn’t want to lose out on the ranch. I’d already gotten attached to Starlight even though we’d only spent a few hours together. But I’d always been very quick to bond with animals. Once upon a time, I’d been quick to attach to people too. My ex-husband changed that. Zachary had helped me rediscover my old self. Now I was wondering if I’d made a mistake. My heart was growing heavier by the second.

Why didn’t he tell me he planned to outbid me? Of course Gaston and Felicia would go with whoever offered more. If I was faced with two investors and one would give me more money, I’d take it too. Unless they were an asshole, which Zachary wasn’t. He was a smart businessman and was going to be an asset to the ranch.

I didn’t understand why he hadn’t said a word, though. I’d been getting my hopes up for no reason. I would’ve preferred to know if I’d been out of the running all along.

There was quite a line in front of the bakery, so I had far too much time to fret over everything until my turn came.

“What can we get you today, Grace?”

“Something extra sweet.”