Chapter 14
CHAPTER 14
KENZIE
I applied for my small business loan last night. I have no idea how decisions are made. Bo suggested a few revisions to the contract, which I approved. I gave it to Gabriel this morning.
“I'm so happy for you,” he says.
“Me? I'm happy for you,” I joke. “You'll be off to Florida, with warm winters and beaches, and you'll be near your grandkids. You'll love it.” I'm happy for him. He's worked tirelessly for years. Now, that will be me.
“I will,” he agrees.
“I have an idea too. I want to obtain contracts with high-end restaurants. It will be another revenue stream. Is there any reason you didn't do it?”
“I'm one person. I was happy with where I was. It is a great idea. I'm sure you'll do very well. It makes me happy you'll carry on the business.”
“Thank you for giving me the time to decide.”
“I understand. You're young, and you'll be overwhelmed with responsibilities, but you’ll persevere and ultimately be very successful. You'll have great staff and you’ll have to wear many hats to get the job done. But I have faith in you, Kenzie.”
“Thanks. I'm excited. I just need my business loan to be approved.”
“What made you change your mind?”
“I met someone who put it into perspective for me. I can't live my life around the unknown. Sometimes, I must force myself to step out of my comfort zone. Besides, it's me and Sherlock. I don't have a husband or kids, so there are no outside distractions, so why not? It's good that I keep busy doing something I love.”
“Well, I'm glad you're taking over. I'm proud of you.”
“Thanks.” I'm filled with pride. I respect Gabriel. Since he hired me, I have learned how to run a business. He's a mentor and a friend. I'll miss him when he moves.
I'm called to the counter to help, and when I return to the kitchen, I see an order with Mikael's name on it, which causes my heart to skip a beat. It's an unusual name. It has to be him.
He's a distraction I didn't anticipate. Every time the bell rings, I glance at the door, and my heart sinks when it's not him.
How did I get into this situation?
Yes, Sherlock was the reason, and I'm relieved he's safe, but did the man have to be drop-dead gorgeous?
The lunch rush has slowed, and I'm making a cake for a child's birthday when Courtney grabs the large to-go order.
“Is he here?”
“Some gorgeous man is here, and he has a woman with him,” she explains, picking up the order.
Woman?
What?
“I'll take this,” I say, grabbing the huge food tray.
I take a deep breath and walk to the counter.
I have mixed emotions as I say, “Hi.”
“Kenzie. I didn't know you would be here. How are you?”
I don’t believe that for a minute.
“Great. You?”
“I can't complain.”
“Do you need any sides with this?”
“A dozen of your red velvet cupcakes.”
“Regular size?”
“Yes, please.”
I'm casing the shop, and my eyes stop when I see the brunette.
“A friend of yours?”
“Yes,” he replies. “A friend of a friend. You know how that goes.”
Mm.
“No, I don't, actually.”
His eyebrows furrow. “New acquaintance.”
The woman in question glances his way, and her eyes send a curt warning shot.
“She appears to be possessive.”
“I'm sure she's harmless,” he replies.
“Well, if you're into Barbies, she's it.”
He chuckles, and I notice a glint in his eye that I can’t decipher. He doesn’t appear to be offended.
Why does this hurt so badly? I'm thrown. I knew he wasn't into me when he didn't try to kiss me after the perfect date.
Don't be silly, Kenzie. It's not like we're dating, so why does it hurt like we were? I feel betrayed. Will I always be passed over for the woman with everything?
“I've roped you into it. Y’know,“ he shrugs.
“I don't. But, whatever. I don't think you meet my criteria for dating.“
“What do you mean?”
I reach into the case and box his order before I slide it onto the counter.
“You're not relationship material,” I murmur.
His face falls as if he's never heard this before. “Relationship material?” His eyes darken. “Ouch.”
I chuckle. “I call it as I see it.”
The brunette joins Mikael and slips her hand through his arm possessively.
“What did I miss?”
Her lips are so full of filler she can barely talk.
“Nothing, Susan. This is my friend, Kenzie. She makes the best desserts. I bought some for the party.”
“Great,” she replies, forcing a smile.
I smile to be polite when I'd rather gouge out her eyes. I doubt Susan eats sugar. Her waist has been sucked to the size of a twig. Does she eat?
The cashier rings up the order, and Mikael pays with his credit card.
“Have a great time.” I force myself to sound chipper.
“Thank you, see ya,” he says, picking up the food.
“No problem.”
He turns, and Susan glares over her shoulder as they exit.
Damn.
A chill runs up my spine. She's cold.
I sneak to the back and call Bo.
“I'm in the friend zone.”
“What?”
“Mikael was here with a Barbie, and she shot daggers at me.”
“No!”
“Yes. That's why he never acted on our moment. I feel so stupid! Why did I think he liked me?”
“I'm sure he does. She might be a friend.”
“It sounded like it was set up. It doesn't matter. He went along with the date even if he didn't want to. I don't know how I can face him again.”
“Men marry their best friends all the time,” she replies.
“You're trying to make me feel better, but it's obvious he isn't interested in me.”
“Maybe not today. You're still friends, right?”
“I don't know. I told him she was Barbie.”
“Oh.” She pauses before she adds, “Well, you're honest.”
“To a fault, it appears. Why did I say anything?”
“You can't help yourself.”
“I talked about the vibrator and now this. He must think I'm a disaster.”
“Never. Stop talking like you're not worthy. You can't put yourself down.”
“I know,” I murmur. I say the words she wants to hear. But I'm not worthy of him.
“I swear that woman's lips would explode if he kissed her.”
Bo giggles. “The visual of that is hysterical.”
If only I were laughing.
“I gotta go.”
“Okay, see you later,” she says before we hang up.
I bury my head in my hands.
When will I learn to think before I say stupid shit?
What if I fucked up? What if he never talks to me again?
My day has turned into a shitshow.
I blame myself.
Why did I interfere? Why did I criticize the woman he's dating?
He'll probably never speak to me again.