The Holiday Swap(61)
Faye paid Charlie and took the box, but didn’t seem ready to leave. “You’re looking lovely, as always, but those bags under your eyes look like they’re packed for an international flight, and you seem a bit down.”
“Truth is, I’m not having the best day, Faye.”
“You really haven’t been yourself lately, have you?” For a moment, Charlie felt almost sure the jig was up; there was something so knowing in Faye’s tone and in her gaze. But the moment passed. “A lot on your mind, I suppose. I heard the rumor.”
“Which one?” Charlie smiled and rolled her eyes.
Faye chuckled. “Ah, yes. News does travel fast around this town. But the one I’m referring to is about a competing bakery moving in?”
“Right. According to Brett, that one’s more than just a rumor, and I won’t let it happen. I need to fight it. It’s important to my entire family, this bakery.”
“Well, of course it is!” Faye said. “And, it’s important to you, too. This bakery is your life. Right, Cass?” Again, something in her tone made Charlie feel exposed. For a moment, she thought about how freeing it would be to tell someone the truth. She was sure Faye wouldn’t judge her too harshly, if she could explain how and why it all started. But . . . what if she did? And what if Faye told Jake? Certainly, no matter how fond she was of Cass, her loyalty would be to her grandson. No, Charlie could not deal with that. Not yet.
“Yes, but I feel like I’m failing it, you know? Like, today should be busy. Right now the bakery should be packed. Makewell’s hasn’t even opened yet.” Charlie shrugged, feeling dejected and worried.
Faye put her box of squares down on the counter. “Oh, honey, you think the fact that no one has come in here yet today has anything to do with the Makewell’s rumor?”
“Well, I don’t think I’ve ever seen the place this slow on a Monday morning. So far, you’re my only customer—and Sharon, but she didn’t buy anything.”
Faye grimaced. “Oh dear. Listen, Cassie. Sharon may have gotten a few people on her side, but trust me when I say no one will last past this morning. Mark my words.”
“On her side about . . . ?”
“Technology isn’t my strong suit, dear, so I’m not exactly sure what this means, but something about a livelier stream?”
Charlie nodded. “We started something new online yesterday, to make things a little more modern around here and get the bakery some exposure. But I messed up.”
“I didn’t see it, but from what I hear, some people think you were perhaps a bit harsh on that boy.”
Charlie thought back to her heated conversation with Brett. Realizing it had all taken place online, and that people had seen it, made her so embarrassed she could barely look at Faye. “I was. I feel awful.”
“Oh, don’t be too hard on yourself. It was about time he got the message. You’re a dear, Cassie, but you do need to stand up for yourself more. And it sounds like you did.”
“I guess I did.” Charlie gave Faye a weak smile.
“Please, don’t let it get to you like this. It’ll blow over, I’m sure of it. And if you want Sharon to be on your side, all you need to do is give her some of your sourdough starter. She’s trying to start a dog biscuit company or some such, and she’s been yapping all over town about how if she only had some of the famous Woodburn starter she’d be able to make the best biscuits in the world.”
“Oh, so that’s why she was acting strange about the starter this morning,” Charlie said. “But why wouldn’t she have just said something?”
“We don’t always know how to ask for what we want,” Faye replied. “Look, Cassie. You’re a smart, tough young lady and you’ll figure out what to do about this, and Makewell’s. I know you will. And I know it will not involve backing down and apologizing to Brett, or rolling over and letting anyone ruin your family business.” Faye glanced at her watch. “Now, I need to get going. I have some Christmas shopping to do, and then Jake’s dog will be wanting her romp around the yard.”
Just the mention of Jake’s name, even in her bleak mood, lifted Charlie’s spirits. But only for a second. A boycott. This was not good. She thanked Faye for coming in, and then reluctantly returned to the laptop and the streaming. She fast-forwarded past all the innocuous stuff—mostly, she and Walter discussing the Starlight Bread—and then, a long tract of time when it was just Walter working in the bakery, which must have been during her hike with Jake. Charlie pressed play again as a shadowy figure appeared at the door, then came into focus. Then, on-screen Walter was telling her someone was there to see her. She was used to watching herself on camera, but this was different, and her mouth went dry.
“How about you don’t tell me how to run my bakery?” On the screen, her voice was harsh and cold. It made her wonder how anyone at all believed she was Cass. Her sister never spoke to anyone like that.
The on-screen conversation went on. “You’re like a stranger these days, Cass,” Brett was saying. “Like an imposter. Like someone has taken over your brain. I’m here because I love you, and up until recently, I thought you loved me, too!”
“Well, that’s on you, Brett. I think I’ve been very clear about my wishes for you to give me some space—”