Page 37

“Absolutely not.” I shake my head. “Maybe I’ll just block Dennis and move on. I don’t want to drag Xander into this. He needs to focus.”

Ruin gives me a soft smile, but I see it—the flicker of worry in her eyes.

“Maybe don’t block him just yet,” she says gently. “If he continues to contact you, we can go to the police and file a no-contact order.”

I raise an eyebrow as she takes out her phone, typing something quickly.

“Here.” She scrolls, then reads, “Civil no-contact orders apply to situations where there is stalking or nonconsensual sexual conduct.” She looks at me as she continues reading. “It says that the contact has to be more than one time to be considered stalking. If he does it again, we act.”

I nod slowly. “Okay, yeah. That sounds like a plan. ”

We fall into another hug, and I rest my head on her shoulder, letting her warmth sink into my skin.

“I’m so sorry, Raindrop,” she whispers, voice thick. “No one should go through what you did. Especially not you. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you when it happened, or to help prevent it.”

Tears slip silently down my face, and I don’t fight them. I knew some part of me would never heal until I shared this with her.

“I know it’s hard to relive this part of your life,” she continues, “so I won’t push. But I love you, always. And I’m here. Every damn time.”

I reach out and wipe the tears from her cheeks. She gives me a small, grateful smile through it.

“I know this is your decision, but I think you need to tell Xander. Sooner rather than later. I cannot imagine my life without sharing everything with Gio. It would eat me alive.”

I raise a brow.

She chuckles. “Of course I won’t tell him any of this. I promise.”

“I’ll try to find a good time,” I say. “But I just don’t want to interfere with his game.”

I try to believe it—that I’m doing this for him. That this is the right call.

And maybe, just maybe, Dennis will take the hint and disappear for good.

Xander : Today was my first full contact practice. It felt great being able to hit my teammates against the glass *laughing emoji* and they didn’t shy away from returning the favor, but I’m good. I miss you!

Rain : So proud of you! Can’t wait to see you on the ice. *heart emoji*

“Good morning, everyone,” I say as the kitchen begins to fill with the staff and the scent of fresh coffee. “As summer winds down, there are a few items on the menu that we need to replace. Maybe we should start asking customers if they’re ready for everything pumpkin spice.”

A few chuckles ripple through the room as Blair shakes her head.

“Oh, someone asked me the other day when we were bringing back the pumpkin pancakes,” one of the high school servers chimes in.

“A tourist, right?” another one asks.

She nods, and we all chuckle.

“Yeah, locals know better,” Blair says, and a few “amens” echo around the room.

“Alright, everyone. The real reason I wanted to speak with you all before we get to work is because I have news.” I pause, making sure I have everyone’s attention. “I’m in the process of uprooting my life to spend more time in Raleigh.”

A few gasps and a few snickers move through the group, and I smile.

“I haven’t asked her yet, but I’m hoping Blair would accept the chef position.”

Applause erupts, and Blair’s cheeks flush a soft shade of pink.

“Of course, Chef. What an honor,” she says, giving a playful bow.

I clap as loud as I can. She’s grown so much from the first moment she started waiting tables to the incredible young woman she is today.

As the celebratory applause dies down, I continue, “This means I need to find a new sous-chef, but ultimately, that’ll be Blair’s call, since she’ll be the one working directly with this person.”

Everyone nods, and I wonder if one of the cooks will step forward and throw their name in the hat.

“I’ll be around until we find the new sous-chef and Blair feels comfortable enough running the kitchen on her own.

I think she does a pretty good job already,” I add with a wink, “Once things are running smoothly without me, I’ll officially step back as chef—but I’ll continue to manage the diner remotely, with regular check-ins. ”

People nod along, but I catch a few knowing looks exchanged, and it grates on me. I’ve always hated the gossip in the diner.

“Do you have something to say?” I ask aloud, crossing my arms and raising a brow.

“Hmm, sorry. No, Chef,” someone says quickly, covering her mouth.

The other clears her throat. “I’m sorry, Chef. We were just commenting on your relationship with Xander González, and how crazy it is that your video went viral.” Her friend elbows her, but she just shrugs.

“What video?” I ask, and within seconds, a handful of phones are pointed my way, each playing the same clip.

A smile spreads across my lips when I see Sprinkle pissing on Xander’s foot.

“That was a good day,” I say, and everyone chuckles.

My eyes drift to the username of the original post—Vanessa.

So this is how Dennis found out about me again. But how did he get my number?

Everyone returns to their stations as I spot Blair chatting with the cooks. I’m relieved she has such a strong rapport with the entire team—it’ll make this transition that much smoother.

As I start prepping for the lunch rush, my thoughts drift to Xander. The steady warmth of him, and how even an ordinary day feels like something golden.

Actually, every day is a good day with my man.

And I need to wrap things up here—fast—so I can go be with him.

Dennis : Rain, I know you’ve been reading my texts. All I want is to talk to you. Please.

Dennis : I thought that by now we both were adults and could have a conversation, but I guess you still are the same entitled, spoiled little girl I knew all those years ago.

Dennis : Even if I have to go back to Azalea Creek, something I swore I wouldn’t ever do again, I’ll do it. I need closure, and now that you have come back into my life, I need to deal with this.

My blood turns cold the moment I read his last text.

God, please let him be bluffing.

Please let him stay the hell away from this town.

From me.