Page 32 of Donut Disaster
“She loves it.Ilove it. It’s amazing. You’re very fortunate to have not one but two booming careers.”
Her poppy-colored lips curl. “Don’t I know it. Hey, if you see Cormack today, tell her to call me. She put down a few hefty deposit on a few things and she might be under the time limit to get a full refund.” She plucks out her phone from her purse. “On second thought, I’d best shoot her a message myself. Thanks for the coffee.”
She starts to take off, and a thought comes to me. “Amanda? That medical gala? Do you know if they’re still selling tickets?”
She gives a quick nod. “It’s a fundraiser for Honey Hollow General. They hold it every year at the Hillshire Hotel out in Fallbrook because that’s where all the deep pockets are. It’s Monte Carlo night, so if you decide to come, bring some spare change. All proceeds go directly to the new wing they’re building.”
“Sounds good.” I shrug over at Keelie and Lily. “You girls in?”
Lily pulls out her phone and begins texting spastically. “I’m in and I’m inviting Alex. Take that, Naomi Turner.” Her phone pings as soon as she’s finished. “Ha! He said yes. I have to get to the Scarlet Sage Boutique.” She whips off her apron. “Lottie, I’m taking my lunch break.” No sooner does she shoot out the door than in file Britney, Noah, and Everett.
My heart lurches into my throat.
“Um, Keelie? Would you mind manning the register for me?”
“Ooh.” She leans in. “It looks as if that secret lunch with Noah and Everett is about to commence. You want me to help you get rid of the cycle queen?”
“No, that’s okay.” In fact, I welcome Britney at this point. God knows Noah and Everett need more than just me to referee their behavior lately.
Noah comes forward, his eyes alive and happy to see me. He’s wearing a suit and has his briefcase with him as if he were ready to head to the office despite the fact it’s Saturday.
“Lottie, you look beautiful today.” He takes a breath as he hitches his head to the tables. “Would you mind if we took a minute of your time?”
“Sure thing. Everett let me know we’d be going to lunch. Keelie is watching the bakery for me.”
I say a quick hello to Britney as I kiss Everett on the cheek. “So, where are we off to?”
Britney is dressed in her workout wear, black spandex from head to toe, and her hair is up in a ponytail save for a loose strand protecting her left eye from the world.
“I can’t do lunch.” She looks to Noah and shrugs. “I have class in a few minutes.” She looks my way. “You mind if we sit here?”
“No, not at all. I’ll go and grab some donuts and coffee.”
Britney reaches out as if to stop me. “Not right now, Lena. Let’s take a seat.”
Noah and Britney move to a table near the window as my eyes hook to Everett’s.
“Why do I feel there’s an impending storm headed my way you refused to warn me about?”
His head inches back—he’s clearly dismayed—but his lips curve upwards as if to assure me this would be fine.
“I wouldn’t let a thing hurt you, Lemon. I can promise you that.”
We head over to the table and join them just as Noah pulls a blue folder out of his briefcase and lands it before us.
Noah presses his warm gaze to mine. “It’s done, Lottie. Britney and I are officially divorced. We took care of it yesterday and picked up the papers from our attorneys this morning.”
The air in the room seems to dissipate. My muscles go rigid. I can’t seem to catch my next breath.
For so long Noah’s marriage lingered between us like a ghost, like an albatross, something forever out of reach but never coming to fruition, and just like that, it’s over.
I shake my head because words have failed me.
Britney leans in and sighs my way. “He’s all yours if you want him. Look, I know things between the three of you are complicated, but now at least you can start untangling the knot you’re in. Noah is no longer a married man. He’s free to date, mate, and do whatever he pleases with whomever he pleases. I have no say in it, and neither does the law. This was a long time coming.” She shifts her gaze to Noah. “And I want to apologize to you. When I came to town last February, I wasn’t completely being honest. Initially, I wanted the divorce at that moment, but I quickly learned you were having a great time with some baker and, I’ll admit, it made me feel a bit petty and jealous. A part of me wanted to ruin what happiness you had. I figured if I couldn’t be happy, neither should you.” She shrugs my way. “I apologize to you, too. I had no idea at the time that it would cost you both so much.” She offers a meager smile to Everett. “But maybe it was meant to be. If Essex is the victor at the end of the day, then I won’t feel too bad. And if he’s not, you can pen me a thank you for the wild time you both had.” She gives a slow blink my way, which in reality could have been a wink—it’s hard to tell with just one eye. “Do yourself and everyone involved a favor, Laundra. Take your time with this one. It’s the right thing to do.” She says goodbye and leaves a stunned silence in her wake.
“Noah,” his name croaks from my throat. “Congratulations.” I shrug over at Everett.
“Yes. Congratulations.” But Everett’s eyes never leave mine.