Chapter Thirty

CHAPTER THIRTY

Gabby

" G ood morning, Marie." I wave at Barrett's mom as she comes walking in with what looks like a friend. She and I have texted a few times, and it's been pleasant. I'm surprised to see her, but pleasantly so.

"Hey." She waves back. "I brought a good friend of mine to try that sandwich you gave me the other day. I truly hope you have some."

Giving her a teasing smile, I wink. "I keep those sandwiches on the ready in case Barrett wants one. I'm almost positive that sandwich is what won him over for me. That and the chocolate chip cookies. The cookies lured him in, but the sandwich got him to stay."

She laughs smiling back over at me. "I wouldn't doubt it."

"If the two of you take a seat, I'll bring it out for you." I offer, pointing to the table over in the corner. It's the one I tend to try and keep clear for anyone I want to have a private conversation with.

I don't do this for just anyone, and I don't want to think about why I do it for her. Except I want her to like me, want her realize how much I care for her son. If I have to wait on her for the rest of my life, I will, because that's how much I love him. I plate this just like I would for a food critic, taking care to give it a flourish and put my best foot forward. It's what I've always done, but for Marie and Barrett, I want to do it ever better than I have previously. When I have both plates to my liking, I pick them up and bring them out. "Here you ladies go."

"Please sit with us for a minute?" Marie asks, a hopeful lilt in her voice.

I'm not used to this and don't know if I ever will be. I wasn't close with Jeff's mom, and he was never the type of man to take a minute out of his busy schedule to include anyone else. Glancing around, it's obvious that Valentina has taken care of the small number of customers milling around, and the students are in the back getting us prepared for what will be the lunch rush in an hour. I can take a break, which is what I've been wanting. "Sure. Thank you so much."

"I told Susan about the amazing sandwich I had here the other day. She's excited to try it." She explains again, and I recognize it's more than likely a nervous habit.

My cheeks warm with the heat of embarrassment. While I do want the praise, I'm still not used to it and I don't know if I ever will be. "Please tell me what you think. I'm going to go get a coffee, do you either of you need anything?"

They shake their heads, and I escape behind the counter, and into the back to make my iced drink. My hands are shaking as I pour my drink. Val comes up behind me, and it causes me to squeal in surprise.

"What's got you so rattled?" Her voice raises slightly with amusement.

"Barrett's mom invited her friend to try the sandwich I made specifically for him. This is after she had a whole problem with me being older than him. I think we're beginning to win her over."

Val reaches out, hugging me tightly. It's the first time she's done anything like this. Emotion washes over me. First Marie, and now Val, after I've worked so hard to earn both of their trust. "She's going to love you, like everyone else who knows you, Gabby. You're an amazing person, and I hope you know we'd all go to bat for you in a heartbeat. Now go out there and own the fact that you cook better than most people I know."

I don't remind her that she hardly knows anyone here, I take the compliment for what it is. "Thanks Val, I appreciate you."

"I know, and I appreciate you, too."

Composing myself, I set my chin and head back out, having a seat with the ladies. Susan makes a noise. "This is the best thing I've had to eat in years. You have a talent."

Marie winks. "She would know. She cooked down at Ryman's Bakery before it closed."

Everyone in the area knows that bakery. It's a local legend. "Oh wow, I've never met anyone who worked there before. I wish I could've seen it in all its glory. I'm not from Broken Falls, but we did visit it while passing through a few times, not when it was super popular."

"I worked there when it was the only thing within three counties. We'd have people out the door, much like you had the other day. Barrett sent me a link to see your line. That's amazing in this day and age."

Her praise warms a place in my chest that's been cold since Jeff walked all over my dream. "Thank you so much."

I'm smiling, reveling in this feeling of being exactly where I'm supposed to be when I feel someone tap me on the shoulder. "Gabby Smithfield?"

No one has called me that name since I was married. I took my maiden name back as soon as I could and I've never used it since. This catches me so off-guard, I answer. "Yeah?"

He drops a folded-up piece of paper on the table in front of me. "You've been served."

I'm so confused, and my heart is pounding in my chest, as I fight to open the paper. "Served? Served by who?"

But he's already out of the bakery before I can get the words past my lips. With shaking hands, I finally manage to get the piece of paper open, and I see the name of the man who has haunted me since I said "I do" to him.

My ex-husband. Jeff Smithfield. He's suing me for Get Baked because it's such a sensation now, and he can prove he put up the capital for it by giving me living expenses. I look over at Marie, my face crumbling. "He will never let me be happy."

"Who, Gabby?" She reaches over, putting her arm around my shoulder.

But all I do is cry...