Page 110 of The Backup Groom

“What are you doing?” Dean watched me inquisitively as I prepared the drink.

“What does it look like I’m doing?” I asked. “I’m making a Princess Leia Latte.”

“With soy milk?” He pointed to the order monitor. “Where does it say soy?”

I paused and glanced up at the monitor. “Crap.” I emptied the frothing pitcher into the sink and started the drink again, this time with almond milk. “Sorry, my head is stuck in the clouds.”

“Speaking of that,” Dean said, “what does a cloud wear under his raincoat?”

He was going to tell me whether or not I wanted to hear the answer.

“Thunderwear.” He chuckled and clapped me on the back. “Get it?”

I sighed. “The only thing I’m getting at this precise moment is a headache from your dumb jokes.” I finished preparing the drink and set it on the counter in front of Dakota. “Here you go, one large Princess Leia Latte. Enjoy.”

“Thanks, Scotty.”

I did my best to give her a smile, which was about as difficult as pushing out a gallstone. “My pleasure, thanks for coming in.”

Dean followed Dakota to the front door, and locked it after she left.

I rarely worked such a long day, but it was better than sitting at home and sulking over my foolishness. I would much rather sulk at work, where I felt I was being more productive.

Well—when I wasn’t distracted and messing up drink orders, that is.

While Brayden finished cleaning up, I walked to my office in the back and took a seat at my desk, flipping open my laptop to check the status of my divorce.

Not that it really mattered much at this point—it had become a habit.

Before I could login to the website, Dean entered my office and plopped down in the chair across from me. “Hey, let’s go get a bite to eat at that new Thai place.”

“Thanks, but I’m not hungry,” I said. “Let me know how it is.”

He cocked his head to the side. “Why are you trying to get rid of me? I don’t mind keeping you company, you know. It’s better than you being alone.”

I looked at him defiantly. “The strongest person is the person who isn’t scared to be alone.”

“Wow—it’s much worse than I thought,” Dean said. “Now, you’re quotingThe Queen’s Gambit.”He studied me for a moment. “So, that’s it? You’ve really given up?”

“Yes,” I said, not making eye contact with him, even though I could feel his glare.

“I know this is a long shot, but did your parents drop you on your head when you were a kid?” Dean asked. “Because you’re making a huge mistake by doing nothing.”

I really didn’t want to have this conversation with him. I didn’t need his help to feel horrible. I was doing perfectly fine on my own.

“Go to her,” Dean added. “Fight for her. Apologize a thousand times until she has no other option but to forgive you.”

It’s not like I hadn’t thought about going to see Amber, but every time I pictured that devastated look on her face, I realized there wasn’t a single thing I could say or do to repair the damage.

“Amber is miserable without you,” Dean said.

I blinked, leaning forward in my chair. “How do you know that? She told you?”

“Yup. Well, she told Stella, and Stella told me. So if you want to believe that it’s over between you and her, just know that it’s in your head and not based on reality. Let that simmer in your brain for a minute while I go to the bathroom. And when I come back, I expect you to put on your big-boy pants, and go after Amber before it’s too late. Otherwise, I’ll have no choice but to kick your butt.”

I shook my head. “Violence has no place here.”

Dean glared at me. “Neither does your depressing mood and behavior.” He turned and walked out, leaving me in my office, deep in my thoughts.