Page 28 of Whisk Me Away

"Okay, spill," Mia said gently, setting her sandwich down. "I know something happened. I have given you time to process and work your way through it, but now I'm demanding answers."

I sighed, my gaze fixed on a spot across the room. "It's Brant," I admitted, finally meeting Mia's eyes. "We kinda sorta kissed," I said quickly, knowing Mia would lose it because I hadn’t told her sooner.

Usually, it would have been the first thing I did, but after that night, everything was still so raw. The emotions whirling inside me were both confusing and overwhelming. We went from being interrupted by some woman from his past to him standing outside the bakery with my face in his hands, telling me she meant nothing to him. He then proceeded to give me the best kiss I've ever had in my entire life.

"You what?" Mia said slowly. I could tell this news was processing. It wouldn't be long before she pounced.

"What do you mean kinda, sorta? It was either a kiss or it wasn't. Did he kiss you on the cheek like he would his mom or Gram, or did he kiss you on the lips like he was interested in something more with you?" She pressed.

"Let me put it this way. It was the greatest kiss of my entire life,” I said with a sheepish smile.

Mia spent the next thirty minutes grilling me on all the things that had happened over the last few weeks. Once she was all caught up and I laid everything out for her, she asked the question I'd been asking myself for the last few weeks.

Mia reached out to squeeze my hand. "What's holding you back?" she asked softly.

"It's like... I've built these walls around myself for so long, Mia," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. "And every time Brant gets close, I feel like I'm about to lose control. Like if I let him in, I'll lose a part of myself."

Mia listened intently. "But K, letting someone in doesn't mean losing yourself," she reassured. "It means allowing yourself to be vulnerable, to trust someone enough to share your fears and your dreams."

I nodded slowly, absorbing Mia's words. "I know, I know," I murmured. "But it's so hard to break down those walls. I've been doing it all by myself for so long. The thought of giving someone that kind of power to break my heart is terrifying."

Mia reached across the table, her expression gentle but firm. "You don't have to do it all at once,” she said softly. "Take it one step at a time. And remember, Brant cares about you. He wants to be there for you, walls and all."

I smiled weakly. "Thank you, Mi," I whispered, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. "I needed to hear that.”

I balled up my trash and tossed it in the garbage before hugging Mia and heading back to the bakery. I should have about an hour to wipe down tables and restock things before the afternoon rush hit.

I hurried down Main Street, taking in the view. We were well into January, and the air was cold enough to sting when the wind picked up. My hair flew around my face as I pulled my fluffy coat tighter. One of the reasons I loved the location of Whisk Me Away was because it was only a few blocks from Hansons. Mia and I had made it a habit of grabbing lunch together a few times a week, and now that we were back in constant contact, I never wanted to go back to the way it’d been the last few years.

I turned the key in the lock on the bakery's front door and hurried inside. I got to work cleaning tables and wiping down the counters and the display case before I pulled out the broom to sweep.

Once satisfied with the cleaning, I went to the back to pull out more lemon cookies, raspberry scones, and the last of peppermint brownie cookies. When the display case was stocked, I sat on the stool by the register and began planning the menu for February.

I was so excited to try different Valentine's Day treats. I also needed to create a cute display to draw on the front windows. The snowflakes that were scattered across them were my favorite, but it would soon be time for all things love. The jingle above the front door pulled my attention from the sketch of the window display I was working on.

I looked up to see Brant's Gram striding in the bakery with a kind smile playing on her lips.

"Welcome to Whisk Me Away. What can I get for you today, Mrs. Landon?” I asked cheerfully, sliding my notepad and pen to the side.

"Oh, now, what have I told you about calling me that? It's Gram, please!" The mock glare she gave me had me wanting to laugh.

I pulled my cheek between my teeth, forcing the giggle back down before it could escape.

"Right. Of course. What can I get for you, Gram?" I smiled.

She took a moment to browse the display case before returning to the counter to order.

"I'll take a cup of coffee with cream, sugar, and a raspberry scone on the side,” she beamed.

I was surprised by the look she gave me, and it immediately raised my hackles.

"Would you like that here or to-go?” I asked, eyeing her suspiciously.

"For here, please, dear,” she replied, giving me an easy smile.

Maybe I was being paranoid, and she just wanted to sit and enjoy her treats. I busied myself getting her order ready while she sat at one of the tables next to the window.

I brought her cup of coffee and plate to the table, and as I set them down, she spoke.