Chapter 3
Olivia
Steam clings to the mirror as I step out of the shower, wrapping a towel tightly around myself. I pause in front of the fogged glass and swipe a hand across it.
My reflection stares back—clean, but tired. Still, better than I looked a few days ago.
The bruises have mostly faded, and the only lingering reminder is the dull ache tucked beneath my ribs. I loosen the towel and move carefully, easing lotion over my skin. One of the few lessons my mother ever taught me that stuck—always moisturize.
I pull on a soft, cream-colored sweater that drapes just right without drawing too much attention, then slip into my favorite high-waisted jeans.
Comfortable. Familiar. I don’t want to stand out, I just want to feel like myself again.
The version of me that isn’t controlled.
The version I’m still learning how to be.
Next is makeup, keeping it simple with a dab of concealer under my eyes and mascara to open them up a little, then finishing with a sweep of blush to warm my cheeks. Nothing bold. Just enough to feel like I’ve chosen this day, instead of letting it choose me.
I gather my hair into a high ponytail, smoothing it back with both hands. Just as I reach for the tie, my phone buzzes on the dresser. I pause, hair half-up, and glance at the screen.
Aubrey: Change of plans. Want a change of scenery? Come by the bakery instead?
My stomach knots. I was expecting her here, not a walk-through town.
I bite the inside of my cheek, tie my hair, and reread the message. Maybe a change of scenery is what I need.
Me: Okay… yeah, that sounds nice. I’ll be there soon.
I hover for a second, thumb poised like maybe I’ll unsend it. But it’s sent. The blue ticks indicating that she’s already read it.
I set my phone down and try to ignore the way my pulse kicks up like I’ve agreed to something bigger than coffee.
I move through the house, checking locks out of habit. Straighten the throw blanket. Anything to give my hands purpose.
I’m slipping on my boots when the phone buzzes again.
Aubrey: No rush. Come whenever you’re ready. I’ll save you a window seat.
A smile tugs at my mouth. Small, but real.
I lock the door behind me and step out onto the porch. The sun’s warm on my face, but it doesn’t stop the chill crawling down my spine. I glance over my shoulder once. Then again. Just to be sure.
The walk takes twenty minutes, but every step feels longer. I pass people I don’t know, but their eyes follow me like I’m the unfamiliar one. I guess I am.
I keep my head down. Pick up the pace. Try not to think about going back. Then, finally, the bakery comes into view. That hand-painted sign. The warm scent of cinnamon in the air before I even reach the door. I step inside, and the familiar ding of the bell breaks the quiet hum of the morning.
Aubrey looks up from behind the counter, face lighting up the second she sees me. “Olivia!” she says, surprised and bright. “You made it!”
I lift a hand in a shaky wave. “Hi.”
She rounds the corner, her smile softening. “Want something to drink?”
“Um… caramel iced coffee?”
“Of course.” She grins and calls over her shoulder. “Lucy, can you get two iced caramel lattes and a couple of cinnamon buns? Me and Olivia will be in the booth by the window.”
“Got it, Strawb,” Lucy replies with a teasing grin.
Aubrey nudges my elbow and steers me toward a cozy cream-colored booth, the warmth of the bakery softening the edge in my chest.
We slide in, and I give her a curious look. “Strawb?”
She laughs. “When I was little, my brothers couldn’t say Aubrey. I became Strawberry. Now it’s just… stuck.”
She nods toward the girl behind the counter. “That’s Lucy. She’s dating my brother Conrad. Basically family.”
Lucy sets down our drinks and buns with a smile. “Best cinnamon buns in town.”
I manage a quiet thank-you as Aubrey gently slides the cinnamon bun toward me. Her gaze lingers a second longer than expected—warm, but searching.
“How are you holding up?” she asks gently. “Ivy told me a little… I’m just glad you came today.”
My shoulders tense. “Ivy told you?” My voice is sharper than I mean.
Aubrey raises her hands. “Nothing specific. Just that you were starting over. That you needed space. I didn’t pry.”
I breathe out. “Okay. Thanks. It’s just… hard, letting people know too much.”
“I get it.” Her voice is kind. “No pressure. You’re safe here.”
Her words settle into me, slow and warm.
“Actually,” she says, “there might be something that could help you feel more settled?”
I raise a brow. “Yeah?”
She perks up. “My brothers run a construction company. They’re looking for someone to help with admin. Thought maybe you’d be interested?”
I blink. “Admin, huh? I mean, I’ve never done anything like that, but… I’m open to trying.”
Aubrey lights up. “Brandon and Kade are stopping by soon. Maybe you could meet them, see if it feels like a fit?”
I start to panic. “Wait—they’re coming here?”
The bell chimes before she can answer. I turn just in time to see two men walk in.
Oh. Wow.
They tower over me, each broad-shouldered and at least a foot taller, carrying their height like they were born to be noticed. One is clean-cut and serious, the other wears a casual, almost lazy grin.
Aubrey notices. “Sorry—I should’ve warned you.”
I shake my head, nerves tightening. “No, it’s fine. No time like the present, right?”
The more serious of the two men reaches us first. “Olivia, right? I’m Brandon. Heard you might be interested in the admin position.”
His handshake is firm, efficient. Then both men slide into the booth, facing us with easy familiarity.
The other man, I assume, is Kade, follows a beat behind, leaning an elbow on the table. “And I’m Kade. Don’t let Brandon scare you off.”
He grins. I feel my cheeks warm, but I force a neutral smile.
Brandon gives Kade a look but says nothing.
Aubrey chuckles. “See? Balanced team.”
I study them. Same dark hair, same sharp features. But Brandon is buttoned up and focused, while Kade is more… relaxed. The type who probably breaks rules just to see if anyone’s watching.
Brandon clears his throat. “It’s mostly paperwork, scheduling, and phone calls. Nothing too hard. But we need someone reliable.”
“No pressure,” Kade adds. “Unless you botch coffee orders.”
I laugh, just a little. “I think I can manage a coffee run.”
“Already ahead of the last girl,” Kade winks. “She never got mine right.”
“Because you were obnoxious,” Brandon mutters.
Aubrey rolls her eyes. “Ignore them. They bicker constantly, but they’re good at what they do.”
I pause at the unfamiliar feeling of being given a choice before nodding slowly. “Okay. I’ll give it a shot.”
Brandon pulls out his phone. “Can you stop by the office sometime this week?”
“Yeah. Sure.” The words come out easier than expected.
Kade’s smile deepens. “Looking forward to it, Olivia.”
Brandon checks his watch. “We’ve gotta head out. Site meeting.”
Kade stretches, then follows, but not before glancing back at me one more time.
I don’t look away until he’s gone.
Aubrey slips back into the booth. “So… what’d you think?”
I try to play it cool. “About what? The job or your brother winking like it’s a sport?”
She laughs. ”Yeah, that’s Kade for you. I swear he flirts with inanimate objects.”
I smirk. “That… makes sense.”
She tilts her head. “I wasn’t trying to overwhelm you. I just thought maybe this could be your thing. Your space. Something that’s yours.”
I look at her—really look—and nod. “Thank you. That means more than I can say.”
She smiles. “Slow and steady, yeah?”
“Slow sounds perfect,” I whisper, then glance down at the empty plate. “Also, I’m going to need another one of those cinnamon buns.”
Aubrey grins. “Welcome to the family.”