Page 1 of The Hang Up (Lilac Harbor #3)

ONE

Lena

I love the mornings. The bakery is quiet, and it feels like I’m the only one in this small town who’s awake.

I smile at the view of the sun rising above the lake out the back door as I finish lining up the fresh cupcakes on the display case tray. It’s almost opening time, and everything is set for the day. Auden and Arlowe will be here soon, and then this place will be bustling.

The three of us opened up Clay & Cupcakes a few weeks ago, and it’s already become the new hot spot in town. People stop in all day for baked goods and to paint ceramics. Arlowe has also started offering art classes, which are filling up quickly.

This business venture is already a success, which is great. I needed something in my life to go well. Things have been rough since my dad died in a car crash when I was eight.

He left me and my mom behind. She struggled to make ends meet, and I started working when I was fourteen to help out. I’ve been taking care of us both since.

My mom and I have had a rough relationship for as long as I can remember. We always butt heads. I think she always expected me to be perfect. She always wanted me to work harder, to do more.

After Dad died, things got worse. I was running myself ragged keeping up with my schoolwork, ensuring the bills were paid, and we had food in the cupboards. It was exhausting.

College was supposed to be my escape, but before I could leave, my mom got her diagnosis.

Fibromyalgia.

The news was a gut punch. I didn’t know how much time I would have with her, so I put off college and stayed in Lilac Harbor. I’ve tried to improve our relationship, but it hasn’t worked. I’ve been working two jobs, driving her to all her appointments, and taking care of our apartment.

It’s grueling. The kitchen is my only comfort—it reminds me of my dad, who taught me how to bake. He studied in France and was the best. Remembering that connection with him keeps me going.

That and my friends. Auden came back after college. She’s been my closest friend since we were kids, and having her back in town has been awesome.

Arlowe came to town a few months back to open a clay studio next to the café, and we quickly became friends. When the clay studio went out of business, we decided to buy the space and open a shop. Thus, Clay & Cupcakes was born.

Having friends to hang out with and share life struggles has been exactly what I needed— but I’m still not sure it’s enough.

The truth is, I burned out years ago, but somehow, I’ve still managed to juggle all the balls.

It’s what’s expected of me, and I’m nothing if not the dutiful daughter.

My dad would want me to help my mom. Though sometimes I wonder where the line is.

At what point am I allowed to stop living for her and start living my life?

A knock sounds at the front door. I grab the tray and head out front. Sliding the cupcakes into the display case, I paste a smile on my face and look through the front window at our first eager customer of the day.

My smile drops when I see who it is.

Holden.

My ex-boyfriend.

Holden was my high school boyfriend—my only boyfriend. I thought he was my forever, but after we graduated, he left town—and me—behind.

I never thought I’d see him again, but he showed up in Lilac Harbor six months ago, and he’s been trying to talk to me ever since.

I’ve ignored him. I won’t let him back in my life. I won’t give him a second chance to break my heart.

Holden knocks again.

I glare at him. “We’re closed,” I yell, refusing to let him in.

“Lena, please,” he pleads.

I shake my head. Seeing him is like a punch to the gut. I hate the guy, but a part of me still has feelings for him. I hate that part of me.

I wish I could cut off those feelings. I wish I could forget about Holden and our history. I wish he’d never come back to Lilac Harbor.

No, you don’t, my subconscious whispers.

I ignore it.

“I just want to talk to you,” Holden hollers. “Five minutes, Lena!”

He’s done this a lot lately—at least twice a week. He comes in and tries to talk to me or asks me out for coffee. He’s tried to catch me on my break or when the shop is quiet, so I don’t have a reason to ignore him. I hope he’ll get the message soon and leave me alone.

It hasn’t worked so far.

I pretend I’m sick of seeing him, but deep down, I can’t deny that I still have feelings for him.

“Go. Away!”

He sighs, looking defeated. For a second, I want to give him a chance. Then I remember how cold and distant he was, how he barely looked at me the night he told me it was over and left me and this town behind.

I reinforce my defenses against him, determined to ignore him. Turning my back, I head for the kitchen. I clean up the mess I made, wipe down the counters, and wash the dishes. I work until the space is spotless and the stainless-steel countertops and appliances shine.

Once I’m done, I finally admit that the distraction didn’t work.

I’m still thinking about Holden.

“Fuck,” I hiss, closing my eyes and hanging my head.

Something needs to change. I’m just not sure what.