Chapter 23
TESSA
Tessa rolled over fully refreshed from her deep sleep. After Hayes had kissed her and walked away, she thought she would never sleep, but she had been out as soon as her head hit the pillow.
However, she was wide awake now, and she and Hayes were due for a conversation. But first, she decided to get ready for the day. A serious conversation would be difficult with bed head and morning breath.
Tessa bounced down the stairs dressed in her regular resort t-shirt and shorts.
She had let her red hair fall in its natural curls.
She smiled as she entered the kitchen, certain that it was time for her and Hayes to have their conversation.
The kitchen was empty. The house was quiet.
She saw a note propped up next to the coffee maker.
Tessa,
I had to leave really early this morning for a last-minute meeting. Sorry, I missed you. Want to meet at Willow’s bakery later? Text me.
Hayes
“Seriously?” Tessa muttered. She had gathered all her courage and was ready to talk about all these feelings with Hayes, and he wasn’t even here. At least he wanted to meet later. That meant he wanted to talk too, right?
Tessa pocketed the letter and poured herself a cup of coffee. She hoped her courage and resolve would stay with her until their bakery date.
“He kissed you goodnight?” Willow whispered intently. “And what did you think?”
“I think I really liked it,” Tessa admitted. “He’s meeting me here in a little while. We are going to talk.”
“Oh, thank goodness!” Willow said, slumping back in her chair. “I am so glad you two are going to straighten everything out.”
“Me too,” Tessa replied. “I’m nervous, but I think I am kind of excited. This could be a good thing.”
“It is a good thing,” Willow assured her. “For both of you. I think it is great!”
Tessa smiled and took a bite of her chocolate croissant. This was a good thing. A new beginning for her and for Hayes. The future was looking bright. The bell on the door chimed as a customer entered. Tessa sat up straighter. Was it time for Hayes to be here already?
Across from Tessa, Willow’s mouth gaped open.
“What is it?” Tessa asked, turning around. She almost choked on her croissant. “Landry? What are you doing here?”
HAYES
Hayes glanced at his watch and saw it was almost time to meet Tessa at Willow’s bakery.
He smiled to himself. He was disappointed that she had fallen asleep last night before they could talk, but he was sure now that he and Tessa were on the same page.
He knew he had taken a risk by kissing her goodnight, but he thought it had been okay with her. Hopefully more than okay, he thought.
He quickly made his way to the bakery. This was it. It was time. He and Tessa were about to embark on something new, and he just knew it was going to be a good thing.
He entered the bakery, his smile wide, then he stopped dead in his tracks. Tessa was sitting at a table with Landry.
“What the heck?” he muttered. He paused for a second, trying to decide what to do. He almost turned around and left but then decided he was tired of just letting things happen. He wanted to take charge of what was going on in his life. He strode over to the table and greeted Tessa and Landry.
“Hi, Tessa. And Landry,” Hayes semi-growled out. “What are you doing here?”
“Hayes, buddy!” Landry rose and gave him a bro-hug. “How’s it going?”
“Good,” Hayes said as he joined them at the table. “Why are you here?”
Landry laughed. “Well, my family still lives here. And it is my hometown.”
“Of course,” Hayes said. “I just thought you were very busy in New York.”
“Well, I had some time off owed to me since I was able to get up there so quickly before,” Landry smiled.
Hayes saw Tessa wince a little. Hayes wanted to punch Landry. Didn’t he remember that when he left so abruptly, he had broken Tessa’s heart?
“Anyway, I came to visit the fam and pack a few more things,” Landry said. “Also, I heard that congratulations were in order. You two got married, huh?”
“Yes, we did,” Hayes said, grabbing Tessa’s hand. “When you know, you just don’t wait.”
“Hmm, I guess so,” Landry returned, his eyes narrowing at Hayes. “Well, congratulations.”
“Thanks,” Hayes responded, not taking his eyes off Landry.
“Well, this has been nice, but we have to go,” Tessa said, rising from the table. “Hayes and I have something we have to see to back at the resort. It was good to see you, Landry.”
“It was great to see you, Tessa,” Landry said as he pulled her into a hug. “I’m really sorry I left so quickly when I moved. New York is missing something for me.”
Hayes glared at Landry, immediately seeing through to his motives.
Landry didn’t like it that Tessa was with someone else.
Landry wanted Tessa back, even though she was married.
Hayes also knew that Landry didn’t like losing her to him.
They may have been good friends in high school, but there was always an undercurrent of competition, especially from Landry.
Landry always wanted the best and wanted to be the best.
“Uh, sure, it must be different up there,” Tessa said.
“Well, I will let y’all get on to your ‘something’,” Landry smiled. “I’ll definitely see you later. And my mom will send the RSVP officially, but I will be at your ceremony next week.”
“Great,” Hayes said as he and Tessa went out the door. “See you later.”
Hayes was sure they would be seeing a lot of Landry in the next week. He just wished they hadn’t had to see him at all, especially right now. He just knew this was going to throw a wrench into the plans he and Tessa had been about to make.