48
Aubrey
The bakery’s been closed for hours, but I still can’t make myself go home.
What’s the point? There’s no one waiting for me there.
I haven’t heard from Kade since he walked out of Mom’s house after finding out about me and Trent. And I haven’t heard from Trent since I called him to tell him Kade knows.
Days of silence.
It’s wearing me down more than I want to admit.
Liv keeps checking in. Mom keeps hovering. I appreciate it—I do—but none of it touches the hollow ache sitting in my chest. Only two people can fix the way I feel, and both of them are ghosts right now.
My playlist blares through the empty bakery as I knead dough for yet another batch of cinnamon rolls. My usual baking playlist wasn’t cutting it tonight, so I swapped it for something heavier—songs that ache, that bleed, that say all the things I’m too afraid to say out loud.
Somewhere between the lyrics and the press of dough beneath my palms, I realize I’m sinking deeper into my feelings than I meant to.
I’m rolling the dough out across the counter when the bell above the front door chimes.
I freeze.
Then immediately curse myself for not locking it. That’s the first thing I usually do after closing, but tonight my head’s everywhere except where it should be.
“We’re closed!” I call out, wiping my hands on a towel.
No response.
No footsteps.
With a frustrated huff, I step out of the kitchen and into the front of the bakery—and stop short.
Kade stands in the middle of the room.
We just stare at each other, like neither of us knows how to cross the distance between us. The sight of him me so hard my knees nearly buckle causing tears to sting my eyes instantly.
I haven’t seen him in days, and yet it feels like years.
“You should keep the door locked if you’re closed,” he says finally, raising his voice over the music echoing through the empty shop.
His tone isn’t sharp. Just tired. Like he doesn’t have the energy to be angry anymore.
My hands fumble as I reach for my phone on the counter. I tap the screen, and the music cuts off mid-note.
The sudden quiet slams into us.
Without the noise to hide behind, everything I’ve been trying to outrun rushes in—raw and exposed and impossible to ignore.
Now it’s just me and Kade, standing in the stillness, with too much unsaid hanging between us.
The silence somehow feels louder than the music ever was.
Kade drags a hand across the back of his neck, his gaze skimming the room like he doesn’t know where to land it. He looks exhausted—angry, yes—but mostly worn down in a way I’ve never seen before.
My vision blurs.
Hot tears spill over before I can stop them. I swipe at my cheeks, but Kade notices immediately. His shoulders soften as he steps toward me.
“Come here,” he says, arms opening.
My chest tightens, but I don’t hesitate. I take a shaky step forward, and then he’s pulling me into his arms. The moment I feel his hold, something inside me breaks and a sob tears free from my chest.
“I’m so sorry,” I choke, the words muffled against his shirt.
“Shhh. It’s okay. Just breathe. I got you.”
I let myself fall apart, because for the first time in days, someone is actually holding me together.
When my sobs finally ease, Kade pulls back just enough to meet my eyes. “Let’s talk,” he says gently, guiding me toward one of the booths.
We sit across from each other. The air is still heavy but no longer suffocating.
He exhales slowly, rubbing his palms over his thighs before finally looking at me. “Finding out about you and Trent like that… it fucking killed me, Strawb.”
My throat tightens. I stare down at my hands, twisted together in my lap. “I never wanted you to find out that way.”
“I just wish you’d talked to me,” he murmurs, quieter now. “Told me what you were feeling.”
I shake my head slightly. “It was complicated in the beginning.”
He huffs softly. “Yeah. So I’ve heard.” His eyes flick up to mine. “Trent came over and talked to me. But I guess you already knew that.”
My chest tightens. “I called him after you found out,” I admit. “I was scared I’d lost you forever because of this.”
His expression softens instantly. He leans forward, elbows resting on the table.
“Aubrey, you’re my sister. We’re family—and family is everything.
” He shakes his head, a small sigh escaping him.
“I was mad, yeah. I needed time to get my head straight. But I was never going to cut you out. Never. But that doesn’t mean I wasn’t hurt. ”
Tears burn behind my eyes. “I know,” I whisper. “And I’m sorry I hurt you.”
He nods once, his gaze steady and unwavering. “I don’t ever want you to feel scared to talk to me. Going forward—no more lies.”
I nod immediately. “I promise.”
He studies me for a moment, then leans back slightly. “You know he loves you, right?”
My chest aches in that familiar, tender way, and I nod.
He lets out a short, almost wry laugh. “He basically turned up at my house, had a go at me for upsetting you, and then took all the blame himself. And you love him?” he asks, his voice softer now.
I don’t hesitate. “Yeah.”
His brows knit together. “Am I the reason you two aren’t together right now?”
I shake my head quickly. “No. That’s on me.”
He leans back, considering that. “You want my advice?”
A small, sad smile pulls at my lips. “Always.”
“Life’s too fucking short, Strawb. If you want to be with him—then do it.
I’m not going to stand in the way. It won’t stop you being my sister, or him being my best friend.
I just… need some time to get used to it.
” Then he leans in slightly, gaze sharp but gentle.
“But you have to stop punishing yourself—and him.”
My throat tightens again. I nod.
“I’ve only ever wanted you to be happy,” he continues softly. “And if you’re happiest with Trent… then I’m okay with that.”
My voice cracks. “Thank you.” I hesitate, blinking back tears. “Are we okay?”
He reaches across the table and squeezes my hand, firm and grounding.
“Yeah. We’re okay. I’m sorry I upset you.
That’s never something I ever want to do.
I didn’t handle any of this well, and I’m sorry for that.
” His eyes hold mine, unwavering. “You know I love you, right? Nothing will ever change that.”
Tears spill freely now, but I’m smiling through them. “I love you too.”
Something inside me eases—just a fraction, but enough to breathe again.
Kade stands and offers me his hand. “Come on, Strawb. Let’s lock up and get you home. Tomorrow’s a new day.”
For the first time in days, something like peace finally settles in my chest. It’s small, fragile—but it’s real. The weight of Kade’s silence isn’t crushing me anymore, and having my brother back feels like getting a piece of myself back too.
And now that things between us are finally okay… I can breathe. I can think.
And I can finally focus on what comes next.
Because if there’s even the smallest chance I haven’t lost Trent completely, then I’m not done fighting for us. Not even close.
It’s time to get my man back.