Page 45 of How to Break My Heart 1

“Looking for red flags.”

I huff. “I don’t look for red flags, okay? They get waved in my face, which is impossible to ignore.”

“Okay, so explain why you think it didn’t end well?”

“I never said it didn’t end well. It’s just…” I hesitate again, then blurt out, “Maddy’s older brother showed up and ruined the evening.”

Billie tilts her head in confusion. “How did he ruin it?”

“Long story,” I mutter, then exhale loudly. “He’s coming here this morning because we need to get some wedding stuff sorted. We have to have some sort of code. If I need an out, I will ask if you ordered the extra cinnamon, okay?”

“Um… sure. And then what?” Billie pokes her head near the oven door to check the last remaining batch. “Is there a reason why you would need an out?”

“It’s Maddy’s brother. Ialwaysneed an out. The guy is a pain in my ass. If the code is used, tell him we need to end our meeting because I need to help with an urgent delivery issue.”

“Why don’t you just tell Maddy you don’t get along?” Billie questions like it’s no big deal. “I know she’s your best friend, surely she will understand.”

“Maddy has enough on her plate,” I answer softly, then sigh. “We’re adults. I’m sure we can get through this and then never have to see each other again.”

The oven dings again, pulling my attention to the clock.Seven o’clock on the dot.Right on cue, our regulars are gathered outside, peering in, eager to be let through the door.

I open the doors and greet Mrs. Brimsley first. She has her Yorkshire terrier, Gloria, sitting inside her purse. Gloria is by far the most well-behaved dog I have ever met. Not once have I heard her bark or fuss over the attention she gets for being so cute. With a pink bow and diamanté collar, she is definitely the queen of the Brimsley household.

Mrs. Brimsley is a well-loved socialite in town. I always go out of my way to treat her nicely, so she tells her social clubs, which will bring us more business.

“Hello, my dear.” She steps into the store with a smile. “I hope you’ve got those delicious balls for me this morning.”

Thank God Maddy isn’t here, or we wouldn’t hear the end of it. Billie ushers Mrs. Brimsley to her regular table, then returns to the espresso machine to make her nonfat latte with one decaf shot and sugar-free vanilla. Additionally, Mrs. Brimsley requests room at the top to add cold milk and sugar. It’s bizarre, but she tips more than 20 percent, so we don’t give a damn how odd it is.

By eight, the morning rush is well underway. It’s Monday, so the café is busier than usual as people try to start their week with a bang. Over the next hour, I lose track of time. Billie is serving a customer at the counter who is so indecisive, I can see Billie’s patience being tested as she fidgets with her braids. I quickly put together some extra take-out boxes in the back until she calls to me.

“Oh, Eva, sunshine,” Billie sings out. “You have a visitor.”

“Who?” I yell out, sucking my finger from a paper cut.

Billie pokes her head in the back with a knowing grin. “Um… a very sexy man, who you clearly didn’t describe in your story.”

“His looks have no relevance in my stories.”

A snort escapes Billie. “Uh, yes, they do. C’mon, Eva, he looks like he just walked out ofGQmagazine.”

“Keep your voice down. If he hears, I’m sure he’ll find a way to use it against me.”

I’m taken aback by the fact he showed up, though, in hindsight, I wish I hadn’t made such a big deal out of yesterday. Maybe then he wouldn’t feel the need to prove a point, and I wouldn’t be standing here dreading leaving this kitchen.

“He may be sexy, but his arrogance is not.” I breathe deeply, clenching my fists tightly to ward off the nervous energy. Billiewatches me with amusement before I shoot a dagger at her with my eyes. “Don’t even think about saying it.”

She raises her hands. “I said nothing of the sort.”

Aston is already sitting at a table, wearing a light blue dress shirt and dark pants. Although he’s sans tie, he looks professional for our casual meeting. I glance down at my green apron, ignoring the urge to call him hot to his face. Knowing my luck, I’ll accidentally blurt it out and Aston willneverlet me hear the end of it.

Note to self—strangle Billie later.

“Good morning,” I say, almost choking on my words.

Aston glances up from his phone, a smirk settling on his lips. “I’m sure it is. Nine on the dot, as promised.”

I coerce a smile, desperately trying to forget about the words he whispered last night outside my apartment. With another deep breath, I take a seat across from him. A few customers are still sitting around, but Billie can manage alone.