Page 78 of Cooking Up My Comeback

Brett: Looking forward to it.

I set the phone aside, hoping he means that. Because if we’re really going to be partners—in business and whatever this personal thing is becoming—he’s going to have to prove he can handle more than just my accommodating side.

He’s going to have to handle the part of me that pushes back.

Jessica’s living room looks like a bookstore exploded.

That’s my first thought walking into her place the next evening. Books are stacked on every surface—coffee table, windowsills, even balanced onthe arms of her velvet armchair like literary Jenga towers.

“Sorry about the chaos,” Jessica calls from the kitchen, though she sounds more proud than apologetic. “I’m reorganizing inventory for the shop.”

Right. Because Jessica doesn’t just dream about owning a bookstore anymore—she actually opened The Fiction Nook on the boardwalk six months ago. Living the dream in a Victorian storefront with gingerbread trim and big windows that catch the morning light.

Michelle’s already claimed the chaise lounge, her legs tucked under her like a cat in a sunny spot. Her hair’s still slightly mussed from her coffee shop headband, and there’s a smudge of foam on her wrist she hasn’t noticed.

“Wine’s on the counter,” Jessica announces, appearing with three glasses and a bottle that definitely didn’t come from the grocery store. “And yes, I closed early. Benefits of being the boss.”

She settles cross-legged on the rug, somehow managing to look graceful while balancing her wine glass.

“Okay,” Michelle says, settling in with obvious anticipation. “Tell us about your romantic research expedition.”

I take a larger sip than necessary. “It was educational.”

“Educational good or educational disaster?” Jessica asks.

“Educational confusing.”

Michelle’s eyes narrow. “You kissed him.”

I say nothing, which apparently screamsyeslouder than actual words.

Michelle squeals. “I knew it!”

“Was it good?” Jessica leans forward. “Like, throw-the-book-across-the-room good?”

I blush. “It was unexpected. He was different yesterday. Pleasant. Helpful. Almost... charming.”

“And this is a problem because?” Michelle prompts.

“Because Brett Walker doesn’t do pleasant. He does gruff and sarcastic and emotionally unavailable. Yesterday felt like he was trying on a different personality.”

Jessica tilts her head. “Or maybe he was comfortable enough to let his guard down?”

“Or maybe he was being strategic. Sweet-talking me into agreeing to business decisions that benefit him more than me.”

“Amber.” Michelle’s voice carries gentle firmness. “What if he was just being himself? His actual self, not the armored version?”

I shake my head. “You don’t understand. Brett’s default setting is defensive and difficult. If he’s suddenly being nice, there’s a reason.”

“Maybe the reason is that he likes you,” Jessica suggests.

“Or maybe I’m being naive. Again.” The word tastes bitter. “Chad was charming too, remember? Swept me off my feet with romantic gestures and pretty promises. Look how that turned out.”

The room goes quiet because we all know what I’m really talking about. The gradual erosion of Chad’s attention, the way he made me feel like I was asking too much when I wanted basic consideration.

“Brett isn’t Chad,” Michelle says softly.

“No, he’s potentially worse. At least Chad was consistently charming until he wasn’t. Brett’s been consistently grumpy until yesterday, when suddenly he’s Prince Charming. Which version is real?”