The Holiday Swap(92)
Sasha followed her gaze. “That’s what I see, anyway. “
Cass turned to Sasha. “I’m sorry for how things were left on set that day.” She gave Sasha an apologetic smile. “I accidentally eavesdropped on you and Austin in the greenroom, and when I heard that he was getting the job over Charlie, well, I knew I had to come home.”
Sasha pursed her lips. “I’m sorry you found out like that. The mistake was mine. I should have told Charlie as soon as I knew. I guess we all mess up now and then, right?”
Cass nodded, taking in the truth of that statement. “I hope you know I had no intention of messing up anything with the show, or with Charlie’s career.”
“Don’t worry a second longer about any of that,” Sasha said. “I should thank you, actually.”
“Thank me? Can’t say I was expecting that.” Cass let out a short laugh.
“It helped me see what I really want,” Sasha said. “Which is not to spend one more minute with jackasses like Austin Nash! Or as part of an executive team that couldn’t see how much better of a choice Charlie would have been for Bake My Day.”
“He really was the worst.” Cass scowled, remembering how awful Austin had been.
“Ugh, the absolute worst.” Sasha looked over again at Charlie and Jake. “I think we’ve all made better choices, don’t you?”
Cass stole a glance at Miguel. “I sure do.”
“Well, now that we have that behind us, I came here for a party and a skate because there is nothing more depressing than going to an ice rink with palm trees around it and sand instead of snow.” Sasha opened the zipper of her bag, pulling out a pair of figure skates. “But I can’t wait to chat with you and Charlie more about this new show idea. Outside of a proper white Christmas, there is nothing I am more excited about right now than the three of us ambitious, talented women putting our heads together and coming up with something magical.”
The week before, when Charlie had called Cass, desperate to swap places, she would never have imagined the seismic shift that would take place in such a short time. And if Charlie had told her the two of them would soon be starring in a new show, with Woodburn Breads and Starlight Peak as the setting, she would have told her that the knock on her head had possibly done some permanent damage.
Cass wasn’t sure exactly how it had happened, but she was not the same person she had been before the swap. She was even looking forward to being back on camera, except this time she would be in charge of wardrobe—comfortable clogs, yoga pants, and Woodburn Breads aprons. Bringing a reality show to Starlight Peak, and sharing the spotlight and bakery with Charlie hadn’t been part of the original plan, but Cass couldn’t wait to see what adventures awaited them.
“Oh, before I go. One question.” Sasha leaned toward Cass. “What happened to Austin’s cake that last day?”
Cass shrugged. “He forgot to add the baking soda. That’s all I know.”
Sasha chuckled at that, then went off to get her skates on. A few minutes later Charlie and Jake were back, ready to relieve Cass and Miguel from their shift at the stall.
“How are you doing?” Charlie asked her sister, looking to where Cass’s stitches were, even though they were hidden by her hat.
“Stop fussing. Dad and Mom have already checked in a half-dozen times, and Miguel keeps making me sit down.”
From beside her Miguel chimed in, “That’s what you get for falling for a physician assistant.”
“Well, we’re here and ready to take over.” Charlie and Jake were holding hands, and it thrilled Cass that her twin was so obviously smitten and happy. Especially with a guy like Jake. Faye, who had joined the couple, appeared as delighted as Cass felt to see Charlie and Jake together.
“Put me to work, Cassie,” Faye said, setting down her cup of cider. “I am more than capable of selling some cookies.” Then she added, “But I am keeping most of those lemon squares for myself. And for Bonnie, because that fool dog of his has great taste, and it’s Christmas.”
They all laughed, and then Cass and Miguel handed over their elf hats, branded with the Woodburn Breads logo, and Jake, Charlie, and Faye busied themselves getting the white-and-green-striped costume hats to stay put over their warm winter ones. The bakery’s booth had seen a constant stream of customers as the town enjoyed the Starlight Eve activities, and there was a significant dent in the confections and the loaves were nearly gone.
“Miguel, would you mind grabbing another dozen loaves from the car? I just need to take care of something.” Cass had seen a break in the line in front of Sharon’s stall, and she wanted to go and say hello.
“Sure thing. Want to meet up at the chili place?”
“You read my mind,” Cass said, kissing Miguel before he headed off to get the bread.
Once Cass made her way over to Sharon’s stall—stopping here and there to say hello to a few people as she did—she realized Sharon wasn’t alone behind the counter. Brett was there, a Top Dogs apron on over his parka.
“Hey, Sharon. Hi, Brett,” Cass said, initially surprised to see Brett helping Sharon out. But she didn’t feel even a whiff of jealousy. Things were turning out just as they should, for everyone it seemed.
“Thanks again for the starter, Sharon. You are a lifesaver.”