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“That kind of day, huh? You do like chocolate and pistachio, so how about I give you one of these?” She pointed to two donuts that were beautifully glazed with both pistachio and chocolate.

“Perfect. You’re right, itisa double-glazed kind of day.”

“And double-treat kind of day,” she added on a wink, and I nodded.

That was certainly true. I was going to eat them right away, but I still let her pack them in a nice paper bag. I only resisted opening it until I stepped outside. Then I immediately dug my hand into the bag, retrieving the first donut and biting into it. Sugar usually improved my mood from the very first bite, but this time it didn’t quite work. I was still mulling over these past few weeks and all that had taken place.

Had Zachary mentioned the ranch and I missed it somehow? I did have a history of overlooking details to pretend that everything was okay. But I was certain this wasn’t the case. Things with Zachary had been different compared to my marriage. Utterly and completely different.

When my phone beeped with a message, I went straight to the nearest bench and sat down. I didn’t want to multitask and risk dropping my remaining donut. Checking the screen, I saw it was Zachary.

Zachary: What time do you want me to pick you up?

Oh, that’s right. We have a date tonight.My stomach somersaulted. I’d been looking forward to it this whole week, but now I truly wasn’t in the mood anymore.

I put a hand on my chest. Yep, that was betrayal I felt right there. No reason to pretend. I didn’t want to leave him hanging, so I typed back quickly.

Grace: I’m not in the mood for going out tonight. I heard from Gaston. Congrats.

Then I quickly sent another message.

Grace: I hope you understand.

He replied immediately.

Zachary: Sure, no worries. We’ll go out another time. I’ll go with Anthony and Beckett.

I put the phone down, biting into my second donut. After finishing it, I went back inside the bakery. I needed an additional treat, and I wasn’t even sorry about it.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Zachary

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Since Grace didn’t have time to go out tonight, I texted Anthony and Beckett. They’d asked me to join them at a bar this evening, but I’d flat-out refused because I had plans. I had half a mind to insist Grace go out tonight because I wanted to celebrate withherand find out why she wasn’t interested in the ranch anymore. But she was having a busy week, so I didn’t press. I had plenty of time to pamper her and talk to her this weekend.

After leaving my office, I went directly to Bourbon Street. Julian had snapped up this location after Kyle skipped town. I was glad he did. Love it or hate it, Bourbon was the place to be in the French Quarter.

It wasn’t my favorite type of hangout. It was more of a club than a bar, but it was convenient and the closest to LeBlanc & Broussard. Anthony and Beckett were already sitting on one of the half-moon couches in one corner. Anthony waved at me. As I sat down, I realized they had three drinks.

“Bold of you to already order for me.”

“They’re testing some new drinks, and I volunteered us as guinea pigs,” Anthony explained.

“Good thinking. If not us, then who? What am I drinking, by the way?”

“I forgot the name. Just keep in mind if you like it or not.”

I glanced at their glasses. I had something different.

“So?” Anthony asked as I took a sip.

“It’s good,” I replied.

“So, why are you hanging out with our sorry asses? Did Grace ditch you?”

I shrugged. “Maybe I just decided that I want to hang out with my brothers.”