Chapter 16
Chapter Sixteen
J ules walked up the familiar path to her grandmother's house. The neighborhood was a picture of suburban tranquility, with neatly trimmed lawns and rows of modest, well-kept homes. The houses, painted in soft pastels and warm earth tones, sat comfortably close together, their porches adorned with potted plants and wind chimes that tinkled in the gentle breeze. Trees lined the streets, their branches heavy with leaves that provided a canopy of shade in the summer and a splash of color in the fall.
She remembered coming here after school, her backpack bouncing on her shoulders as she raced up the sidewalk, eager to find her grandfather in the front yard or her grandmother in the garden, snipping leaves for tea. The laughter of children playing nearby, the distant bark of a dog, and the faint rustle of newspaper pages from neighbors sitting on their porches—it was all so familiar, so comforting.
Taking the last step up the front porch, Jules heard the faint clinking of teacups and soft laughter coming from inside. Taking a deep breath, she opened the screen door and stepped into the cozy living room.
"Jules, dear, come in," N?inai called, her warm smile lighting up her face. Her cousin Birdy was already there, seated at the table with a delicate china teacup in hand.
"Hi, N?inai, Birdy," Jules greeted, trying to muster a smile despite the anxiety gnawing at her.
"I know what you’re here for, Jules. Let me go get your inheritance check." She gave Jules a knowing look before heading to the back room.
Well, that was easier than she'd thought. Jules had expected a lengthy lecture. Even though her grandmother had company, she thought she'd get at least a stern talking to. But not a peep.
"So what did you and your new hubby get up to on your wedding night?" Birdy's sharp eyes zeroed in on the faint red handprint on Jules’ neck. She raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips.
Jules's hand reached for her neck. Her fingertips were met with heat from her flush of embarrassment. "It’s not what you think. This happened in the morning after Fish woke up."
Birdy waggled her brows suggestively, her grin widening. "Morning after, huh? Sounds like a good time."
Jules huffed out an impatient breath. Birdy was usually the more practical of the Chou women. But Jules suspected that attitude was what loosened her tongue.
"It's not like that between us. Marriage of convenience, remember? I'm not in love with Fish."
Even as she said the words, she felt a bitter taste in her mouth. It was likely the residual tea leaves in the air. Jules waved at the steam wafting from the teapot, wrinkling her nose as though that would stop the invasion.
Birdy leaned back, still smirking. "But you like him, don’t you?"
"Of course I like him. We're going to be business partners. I suppose we are partners now. I like him a lot. Fish makes me feel strong and capable. He’s quick to get in front of me to move obstacles, then he’s happy to stand behind me and offer his support."
"Sounds like he’s more than just a convenience, cuz." Birdy made a sound in the back of her throat. It sounded more like a cat who had gotten into the cream. Jules looked past her cousin and into the room of other tea drinkers.
N?inai often hosted these little gatherings of the movers and shakers in the neighborhood. The PTA president sat in a corner chatting with two school board members as they stirred with tiny spoons. The mayor's wife chatted with the wife of one of the two churches in town. Jules’ grandmother had the creme de la crop of power in her living room sipping at her jasmine brew.
"Here you go, Jules," N?inai said, handing an envelope over with a gentle smile. "Marriage looks good on you."
Jules decided not to answer that. She'd escaped a lecture. Now she had to figure out how to escape getting roped into whatever the ladies of the town were plotting over their teacups. Jules was all set for her getaway until she heard the topic of conversation.
“I still think we should go with that bakery downtown,” Mrs. Thompson said, stirring her tea with a delicate silver spoon. “They have a good reputation, and they’re always reliable.”
“But their pastries are so heavy,” Mrs. Patel chimed in. “We need something lighter for the picnic, something everyone will enjoy.”
“Your right about that,” Mrs. Lee added, her tone wistful. “My grands all have dietary restrictions, and many companies have trouble making accommodations."
"I can do it."
The women turned to her, surprise evident on their faces. Mrs. Thompson raised an eyebrow. “Jules, of course you were our first option. Until the fire."
"She could borrow my ovens."
The deep voice was a surprise since Jules saw nothing but women in the room. She looked again and caught sight of a familiar face—Jed Winchester. He sat casually in a corner, his sharp blue eyes meeting hers with an unreadable expression.
"The committee has decided to use Jed's Grits and Grub to cater since Chow Town is undergoing minor renovations after the fire."
Jules gritted her teeth as she forced a smile. The smile wouldn't come, not for this man who had toyed with the heart of her middle sister back in high school. And now he was stealing business from her eldest sister. He was a snake, just as Jami had called him during their teenage years.
"I'm sure I can find another kitchen, but thank you anyway."
"It's no trouble," Jed drawled. "Especially since the event will be held outside of my restaurant."
Transporting baked goods was always an issue. Going from oven to table would make it easier. But Jules would feel like a traitor if she said yes. Not that she could afford to say no. These were all her best customers. She wanted her bakery to always be first in their minds for events like these.
"Well, if you're sure it's not a problem."
"Not a problem in the slightest." Even his smile looked reptilian. "I’ve got the space and the equipment. Plus, it’ll be good for the community."
Jules hesitated for a moment, glancing at N?inai, who gave her an encouraging nod. Jules almost wished for one of her lectures. She couldn't shake the feeling that she was about to side with her family's nemesis. But she had to put her business hat on. She'd already married a man who wasn't the love of her life. Now she'd be taking a favor from a man who had hurt her sibling. All for the sake of her business.
She was making hard decisions, choices that twisted her heart even as they made sense for her bakery. She hoped it would be worth it—that all this compromise and sacrifice would lead her to something better, something lasting. But as she walked away, the weight of her choices pressed down on her, making her wonder if the cost might be too high.