Liam helped me get her an interview at some really expensive restaurant in the heart of the city. This place was where a lot of lawyers, bankers, and investment people went for lunch and dinner. The kind of place where it was three figures a plate, easily, and Ember was working the kitchen. Her salary was more than I could ever offer her here, and so well deserved. So much so that it was like she was getting back pay for running the bakery.
It made me happy to see her happy.
As far as Lucy went, she officially just retired. She had no idea what that really looked like, but she was ready for it.
“So, Emily,” Lucy said with that tone telling me she was about to dig into my personal life. “What’s next for you?”
“A life of crime,” I said.
“And hot sex,” Ember said.
“Oh, of course,” I said.
“Hopefully with Liam,” Lucy said.
“I don’t kiss and tell.”
“You’re not just kissing him,” Lucy said.
“Or… where are you kissing him?” Ember asked.
They oohhhed and aahhhed at me.
I heard a knock behind Lucy and saw Henry standing near the back office.
“Henry,” I said.
“Forgive the intrusion here,” he said. “The front door was locked shut.”
“Yeah,” I said. “We’re officially shut down.”
“Damn shame,” he said.
“Not even close to being a damn shame,” I said. “It’s a good thing.”
“Well, I’m going to miss seeing you three. I’m pretty sure most of the work I did here you could have done yourselves.”
“But then we wouldn’t have seen your handsome face,” Lucy said. “Did you know sometimes I would unplug something or twist the bulbs out just to have an excuse to call you?”
“Are you serious?” I asked.
Lucy looked back at me and winked.
Henry laughed. “Funny you should say that, Lucy. I came here to say goodbye… to Emily and Ember. No way I’m saying goodbye to you.”
“Is that so?” Lucy asked.
“I’d like to take you to dinner,” Henry said.
“Come to my restaurant,” Ember said.
“Henry would have to sell a kidney to do that,” Lucy said.
“I’ll sell both to get a date with you, Lucy,” Henry said.
Lucy touched her cheeks. “Now, Henry, you’re going to make me blush.”
“And that’s before we even get to go out on a date,” he said.
“You know, it is early enough in the day,” I said. “A nice day date…”
“What do you say?” Henry asked.
“Looks like my retirement just got busy,” Lucy said.
It was cute to see those two flirting.
I looked at Ember and smiled.
I was going to miss them.
And this place.
There was no denying it.
With the mood so high and a sense of love in the air, I didn’t think anything could drag it down.
I was wrong.
A short while later, Miranda showed up.
Ember, Lucy, and Henry left.
I told them to leave.
They didn’t need to deal with Miranda today, or ever again.
I walked to the front of the bakery as she stood in the middle of the floor.
It was the first time seeing her since my apartment.
I didn’t exactly find out what Jeff told her about Liam and I. Most of me didn’t even care. I knew the truth. Liam knew the truth. And somewhere deep down inside of Miranda, she knew the truth too.
“Closed for the day?” Miranda asked.
“Read the sign on the door?” I asked.
“No.”
“Maybe you should start looking at what’s right in front of you.”
Miranda laughed. “You’re giving life advice now?”
“Just saying what’s on my mind.”
“A whole new side to you.”
“No choice, Miranda. Look at the way things ended up.”
“And how’s that?”
I smiled. “I don’t need to dance in the past anymore. You know what you did. I know what I allowed to have happen. It’s really that simple. But if I have to say it, you were a shit friend. From day one. You set your sights on me and used me when it was convenient. You knew I was loyal and you knew you could tell me anything. Then you turned that into using me. I let it all happen though. Until one day…”
“You fucked Liam,” she said.
“No. I knew this before I fucked Liam.”
Miranda gasped. Her lip slowly began to curl.
I shrugged my shoulders.
“I want you to know something,” Miranda said. “I came here to kick you out. I want you gone from this place. Right now. The lease is ripped up. I don’t care anymore. I’d rather lose money than see you here.”
I laughed. “That’s cute, Miranda. I already shut the place down. I have a real estate person and a lawyer at my disposal. The lease you made me sign was bullshit. You probably printed it online and just assumed I would sign it and pay you what I said. Which I did. Until now. I’m leaving, Miranda. You’re not kicking me out. And if you say otherwise, then I will call that lawyer of mine and he will call in favors and I will sue you and ruin your career and your life. Understand?”
Miranda’s eyes widened. “Wow.”
“I’ll ask again,” I said. “Do you understand?”
“Yeah,” Miranda said.
“Good. Then we’re done here.”
I walked toward Miranda and then around her.
“You’re a fucking bitch, Emily,” she said.
“I know,” I said.
At the front door, I looked back.
Miranda was looking back.
We nodded to each other.
I walked out of the building, knowing I’d never be back in there again.
And I’d never see Miranda again.
What did I actually care though…
I had Liam.
I had my music.
I had myself.
Chapter Forty-Five
Liam
I looked at the bed and then at the bathroom.
The door was opened a few inches.
I heard the water running.
As I approached, the sound of the rushing water was replaced by the sound of Emily singing.
Tonight was her big show.
Just her up on stage.
I was excited and nervous for her at the same time.
I told her if she wanted, I would gladly get up on stage and sing first to warm up the crowd.
She told me if I did that she would have Carla do something to me.
Chop, chop…
I wasn’t exactly sure what that meant, but I could have taken a
