Sighing, I rub my forehead.
Lauren is dead.
How the hell do I make sense of this terrible tragedy?
Suddenly a frightening thought washes over me.
“Oh, God.”
Beckett pins me with concerned eyes. “What is it?”
“What am I going to tell Naomi?”
Beckett’s head jerks back. “She’s four. Surely you’re not going to tell her about this?”
I shake my head. “Not right now, but it’s all over the Internet. One day she’ll need to know.”
My heart already breaks for her.
CHAPTER 35
Everly
I’m up early even if I don’t have to go downstairs for a few more hours. We open at ten on Sundays, and since Christmas is next weekend, I’m determined to enjoy every restful second I can. It’s been nonstop all week––too many office parties, not enough donuts.
Thandie texted me to let me know the overnight team worked their buns off. Virginia and a few others are already hard at work. Apparently, Marion and Aline went crazy on the festive decoration for the first few batches. I can’t wait to see what they came up with.
Callum called me an hour ago to let me know he was going in early. Yesterday was a stellar day, and he wants to make sure today is a repeat. You got to love his dedication. He told me not to rush because he had everything under control. Thanks to him and my phenomenal employees, I can linger a bit longer. This is my chance to do absolutely nothing before I jump back into the fire.
Sweet!
I have a small balcony, but on a glorious morning like this, it’s a godsend. Mom and Dad are freezing their asses off back home. It’s been snowing worse than in the North Pole. Yet, I’m standing here in a loose-fitting pink long-sleeve t-shirt, old ripped jeans and a pair of Tory Burch pink sandals Skylar scored for me at a crazy sample sale when she was in New York. Life is good.
After a few minutes spent contemplating LA as it wakes up, I head back inside in search of coffee. I cross my apartment belching the bridge to, ‘It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year’. I grab my trusted Bialetti from the cupboard and head to the stove. Callum converted me to the Italian way of brewing coffee and I’ve never looked back. Even Mom changed her ways. When the next song comes on, I jump for joy. ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’ is my favorite Christmas song. I’m not a fan of the original version, but love Fifth Harmony’s rendition. Yup, I watch Love Actually every single year. What can I say? I’m a sucker for a happy ever after during the holidays.
My heart constricts at the thought.
I haven’t heard from Holt in two weeks. I texted him after Ainsley called to share the shocking news. Since then, he’s been in touch sporadically. Always via text. I feel for him and Naomi. The tragedy brought back some bad memories. The sadness that always sweeps through me when I think of Aurora took grip of me as I was reading the highlights of the Miami drug murders. I’m not sure it will ever go away, ever present like a shadow. I know it’s different, but I’m sure Holt is completely overwhelmed. It’s only fair I give him some space.
Still, I miss him.
As I reach for the coffee grinder, my phone chimes in. I drop everything and walk to the kitchen table.
“Oh, my God!” My face lights up when I see the name flashing back at me.
-----
Hey, precious. Are you up?
-----
With rushed fingers, I type.
Someone has to bake those donuts. They don’t call me the donut dominatrix for nothing.
-----
Ah! I forgot about that.
-----
How could you?
-----
Forgive me. Of course, you have a title to defend.
-----
Absolutely!
-----
It would be a shame if someone dethroned the donut dominatrix.
-----
Like that’s ever going to happen.
I explode in laughter as I type.
My God, I miss this. I miss him.
-----
That’s my girl.
My face breaks into a huge grin.
On a serious note, how are you, precious?
-----
I’m just about to type my response when my doorbell rings.
Hold on tight, I think Callum is at my door.
-----
Okay, I won’t budge.
-----
With my eyes still glued to my screen and with a stupid grin on my face, I unlock the door and swing it open.
I freeze.
The sight makes my breath catch.
My gaze bounces from the tall, gorgeous man smiling at me and my iPhone. I do that a few times before I regain my ability to speak.
“You’ve been standing there the whole time?” I croak.
“I have,” Holt confirms.
He’s here.
My chest swarms with butterflies.
He’s really here.
I grin at him like a fool.
“Can I come in?” he smiles back.
Fuck. His irresistible panty-melting smile turns me into putty.
Roll your tongue back into your mouth, Everly.
“Of course. Please. What a surprise. How did you know I was up?” I blurt out.
He chuckles. “I wanted to come over, but I needed a partner in crime––someone who could confirm I wasn’t going to disturb you. I’ve heard there’s no business like the Christmas donut business.”
I squint my eyes at him. “Have you been drinking the same Kool-Aid as Callum?”
“Guilty as charged.”
“So now the two of you are best friends?”
“He’s warmed to me.” I shake my head, amused. “I’ve been planning this morning all week with him,” Holt says.
“You’ve been planning to pop by and see me?”
“No, something bigger. One sec,” he lifts his index finger before going back into the hallway.
I extend my neck to see what’s going on.
He’s back inside my apartment holding three bags. The heavenly smell of food hits my nostrils full force.
“What are you up to, Mr. Christensen?”
“Why, nothing dishonorable, Miss Bickford-Smith. You have my word.”
“You’re such a gentleman.”
“Always.” He gives me a tight nod.
We both laugh.
“I was hoping I could seduce you into having breakfast with me.”
You can seduce me into a whole lot more.
“You’re the sweetest.”
“It’s been a while. There’s a lot to catch up on.”
“Yeah,” I nod with a small smile.
“Can we head to the kitchen?”
“Absolutely! Let me help you,” I reach for one of the bags.
“Tsk. Did I ask for help?”
“I’m just being a courteous host.”
“Get your fine ass in the kitchen, woman.”
“Yes, sir.” I even give him a salute.
That cracks him up.
“What a pleasant surprise. I can’t believe you’re here.”
“My kid and my dog are spending the morning with my brother and my cousins, so I’m all yours.”
“Ohhh,” my eyes widen like saucers.
“Yeah, breakfast first. Then, I drop the gentleman act.”