Page 2 of The Sacrifice
“Obviously.” I was waiting for him to show up at the flower shop when he called from the airport to give me the good news. The sound of a PA system still makes me nauseous.
“What’s your plan?” She pulls back and takes another bite of her cupcake. My scone is alopsided1” x 1” misshaped square, which gives me the creeps, and her baked good is still threequarters intact.
“I’ll put in for another position. The Wright’s have replaced me, so I can’t go back there.”
I stuck around New York for several weeks selling our furniture and canceling our scheduled wedding activities. And moping. We can’t forget the moping. I had everything planned to a T. And now, this…. Nothing. I’ve never felt more like a failure in my life.
It didn’t help that I was staying in the home we were planning to live in, surrounded by his stuff. He didn’t take anything. And yes, I was the responsible person and sent him half of the money from the sold items. The rest is in the bank in my savings account.
“What are the chances you’ll end up here?”
“Here?” I glance around the place. I could easily see myself working here, shoving pastries in my face, if I didn’t love kids so much. But she means Kansas City. “I doubt it.” I shrug. “I’ve opened my profile for placements in the Midwest and the West Coast. I’ve seen enough of the Atlantic Ocean and the city.” I pop the last bite into my mouth and groan inwardly. I’m not about to make a fool out of myself again.
“It would be wonderful if you did. We could see each other more.”
“I don’t know.” Growing up in the Midwest was stifling. I wanted to attend art exhibit openings, and go to the Opera, or attend a Broadway play. “I guess if the right opportunity came along, it would be fine. It just depends on the situation. There’s a part of me that would like to see more of the West Coast. I’ve only been there once for a vacation. It was in the mountains. The snowcapped mountain tops were mesmerizing. After the bustle of New York, I’d like a slower pace.”
“It must have been nice to travel and see the world. I can’t remember the last time I went to the grand opening of anything.” She laughs and shakes her head. “Unless it was a gym or an adventure park.”
Jade’s husband is a personal trainer, and her older kids, from her ex-husband, are in grade school. She and Kevin’s baby is still in diapers.
I smile, but the emotion is shallow. Travelling wasn’t as much fun as I expected, in fact I can’t remember the last time I went. The Wrights were workaholics, and most of the time, I was watching the kids when I was scheduled to be off. My heart pangs against my ribs.
Don’t go there. I shove thoughts of Luna and Matteo, my previous kiddos, into a box and turn the key. Remember. Nanny Rule #1–Don’t let your emotions get involved.
A perky blonde with a huge smile holds an oversized silver tray against her hip as she replaces baked goods on the glassed-in shelf. More scones. My mouth waters and I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear while keeping my feet flat on the floor. I don’t need another scone.
What’s wrong with one more? I can run an extra mile tonight. Andrew’s street is quiet, and I have nothing else to do. Loveless. Living in my brother’s spare bedroom. Jobless. Fuck it.
“I’ll be right back.” I shove my chair from under the table and straighten my back with my head held high. I deserve it. Yes, I deserve to eat my emotions.
I walk past the blue-haired woman who’s rubbing her pregnant belly.Son of a bitch. I’ll get two more.That makes it an even four for today. Everywhere I look, someone has kids or is pregnant.
Tears sting my eyes, and I blink them away.Don’t. You’re not a baby.I swallow and tighten my jaw.
“What can I get you?” The badge above the woman’s badge says, Chloe.
“Do you own the place?”
“Yes, I do.” Her face flushes with pride.
“It’s adorable, and your scones are delicious.”
“Thank you.” She smiles.
“I’ll take two more.” I swipe my hands on my jeans. Why didn’t I wear spandex instead of denim? “In a box, of course. I’ll eat one for breakfast the next two mornings. Or every other morning.”
God, you sound like an idiot. She knows you’ll shove them in your face in the parking lot after you eat the second one that’s still on your plate.
After she hands me the box, she takes my cash and deposits it into the register giving me my change in return. “Come in again. I love a woman with good taste. So many people get my cupcakes and ignore my other baked goods.”
“I’ll be back.” I spin around and come face-to-face with Jade.
“Sex is better than emotional eating.”
“Shut up.” I tuck the box between my arm and my side.
“If you ever need anUltimate Fantasy Box, I know a great place that combines pastries with sex toys,” Chloe says with a lyrical cadence to her tone.