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“Sorry. This is easier to say, and I didn’t want to type it out. As to why Willa, she’s lived at The Serendipity for a few years and grew up in town, so she’d be a good asset as far as connections. She’s also a hard worker and makes me laugh. I think you could use a little more of that. Also, I suspect her business is struggling. She hasn’t said as much, but a few comments indicate orders are slow. I suspect that if you offered her a position, she would jump at the chance.” He chuckles. “The only real downside is having to work with you. But I’ve managed for years, so itispossible.”

Though Bellamy is teasing, it’s true that I’ve been called hard to work with. I can be focused to the point of prioritizing tasks over people—especially people’s feelings.

What I said to Willa tonight is a perfect example.

Emotions are, in general, tricky waters for me to navigate. Dark. Murky. Full of unseen hazards.

Often, it’s more of me thinking about how I amsupposedto feel than actually feeling anything at all. Probably because I don’tfeela lot of anything. Kids at school called me Robot for years. Which didn’t sting the way they wanted it to because they weren’t wrong.

My father prioritized feelings last on his list, if they even made the list at all. And though I never wanted to emulate him, this passed down to me either by example or genetics. Or both.

If I’m not the best at my own emotions, I am lost when it comes to reading or reacting to other people’s.

Bellamy’s voice is interrupted by a loudspeaker in the background calling for a flight to board. He pauses, and I can hear him shuffling, probably picking up his bags.

“Okay, that’s my flight! Finally. Let me know if you need anything. Think about asking Willa to work for you—at least temporarily. And please, stay away from the wildlife.”

I snort at his last sentence, then I set my phone face down on the counter.

This has all been a disaster. Maybe I should have stayed in New York and dealt with—no.

Even thinking of it gives me a visceral reaction. I couldn’t have stayed. Leaving was the best option, given everything.

Maybe I should have just taken a vacation rather than choosing this particular challenge. Worked remotely from a luxury beach resort until the dust settled and the headlines moved on to the next exciting thing.

In truth, I don’t know how to relax. I’ve never been to a beach resort. Or even taken a proper vacation.

The cookies catch my eye again, and I peel off the sticky note. I’ve turned down every offer from Bellamy to try Willa’s cookies.

But now, left alone with a whole box…

As though he somehow reads my thoughts from afar, my phone buzzes, and I turn it over to see another text from Bellamy.

Bellamy

Last text. You get to have my last batch of cookies from Willa. Enjoy. You’ll thank me later.

Bellamy

And if you’re thinking about not eating them, I could tell how much you wanted to try them that day in the kitchen. One cookie isn’t going to kill your regimented eating.

Bellamy

Maybe you could work cookies into the contract when you hire her. For me.

With a sigh, I type out a quick response, hoping to catch Bellamy before he gets on the plane. Or maybe hoping I don’t.

I don’t want to admit what I said to Willa a few minutes ago. But Bellamy needs to know.

Archer

The only problem with trying to hire Willa is that I might have told her that she needs to pay a rental fee for use of the kitchen.

Bellamy

You didn’t.

Archer