Lizzie Blake's Best Mistake (A Brush with Love, #2)(91)

“Because our auras were complementary and I was willing to bake titties all day.”

Bernadette opened her mouth to say something, thought about it, then nodded. “That’s the long and short of it, yes,” she said, a small laugh in her voice. “But it was more than that.”

Lizzie looked at her, blowing her nose on a thin napkin.

“All my life, I’ve had these strong cosmic … feelings,” Bernadette continued, fiddling with the many rings on her fingers as she spoke. “These nudges of energy that point me in the direction I’m supposed to go. And I trust them. Fiercely. And by trusting them, I try to plan for them, accommodate them. Sometimes I get it wrong, but many times I get it right. And I was planning for you.”

Lizzie’s eyes shot wide. “Shut up. You predicted me? That’s so badass, Bernie.”

Bernadette smiled. “Not you specifically, dear, no. And I’m not psychic. But I had a feeling about this bakery, like I was holding things down until the right energy could fill the space and allow it to shine. I started making the erotic treats on a whim, and it made my wife and our friends giggle. But something about it felt like that energy nudge. So, I kept doing it, trying not to question this odd little hobby.”

Lizzie smiled.

“Over the past few years, I’ve sensed my time running this shop myself was coming to an end, and I began to plan for what the next phase in my journey will look like.”

Lizzie held up a hand. “Bernadette, I’m begging you, if you’re about to tell me you’re closing the store and I’m out of a job, this is objectively not the best moment.”

“Hush, child, let me finish.” Bernadette picked up one of Lizzie’s hands. “What I’m telling you is you’re the energy this store always needed, exactly what it’s been waiting for. What I’ve been waiting for.”

“Bernie, you’re going to make me cry again,” Lizzie said, dabbing at her eyes.

“Which is why, at the end of the year, I’m making you a co-owner of Bernadette’s Bakery.”

Lizzie’s mouth dropped to the floor. “You’re what?”

“I’m handing over the reins, dear. I’m old, and my wife and I are feeling called to travel. Explore and play. I want to learn to share some of the responsibilities that keep me here. And I know you are the perfect person to do that with. The finances are in good shape, our customer base strong, and I’ve watched your talent blossom. I’m ready to entrust more of the bakery into your incredibly capable, creative hands.”

Lizzie stared at Bernadette, trying to process this. “But … but what if I fail? What if I lose you money?” Lizzie said, fear snaking across her gut. “I don’t know how to run a business. I don’t know what I’m doing.”

“Don’t you?” Bernadette said, looking at her closely. “Because in the time you’ve worked here, you’ve gotten our website and ordering off the ground, created enough buzz to generate lines out the door, learned the bookkeeping, and are thriving with the increased responsibilities I’ve handed you.”

Lizzie opened her mouth, but Bernadette quieted her. “And I’m not dying, Lizzie,” she said with a laugh. “I’m not leaving you high and dry. We’ll be partners until maybe one day you won’t need me at all. I’ll be around to troubleshoot. To help however you need.”

“I don’t know what to say,” Lizzie whispered. She loved this shop like it was a piece of her own heart, and the idea of co-owning it felt too delicious and terrifying to believe.

“Say ‘thank you,’ and then get back to work,” Bernadette said, cupping Lizzie’s cheek. “We have plenty of time and we’ll work out the details as we go.”

Lizzie launched herself at Bernadette, wrapping her in a giant hug. “Thank you,” Lizzie said, a small tremble of excitement vibrating through her body. “I can do this.”





Chapter 45




RAKE was absolutely miserable at work on Monday. He hadn’t slept in two days, and Lizzie had ignored all his texts and calls. He was a fool, and he wanted her back. He’d do anything to get her back.

He tried to focus on work, but his brain was stuck on Lizzie, wondering if she was okay. Wondering what he could do to fix this.

His office phone rang, the loud noise making him jump.

“Hello?” he answered, not bothering to check the number.

“Come to my office,” Dominic said by way of greeting. “We need to strategize.” Then hung up.

Rake sighed, slamming his phone down with more force than was necessary. He buried his face in his hands, wishing he had any excuse in the world not to go talk to Dominic. After a moment, he stood and headed to his office.

“Shut the door,” Dominic said without looking up from the file in front of him.

Rake did as he was told, taking a seat at the open chair in front of his desk.

“We need to hit Nicholás hard with the pitch tonight,” Dominic said, finally putting the file down and glancing at Rake. “I want you to figure out a way to make that market research shine and fluff up those return projections. I think that’s what’s given him cold feet.”

Rake nodded. There was only so much he could do to change the outlook of the numbers he’d already run without outright lying to the man.