Page 16 of This Life of Mine

We’re both laughing when Donna pokes her head into the kitchen. “Uh, boss ladies? Just a heads-up—the line’s wrapped around the corner.”

Val and I exchange a look.

Showtime.

She wipes her hands on her apron and grins. “I’ll take the front. You keep the ovens running. Let’s make some magic.”

I nod, adrenaline humming as the first wave of customers floods the shop.

By nine-thirty, Enchanted Nook is buzzing.

The smell of our delicious baked goods linger in the air while the cafe lights cast a soft golden glow over the crowd.

The playlist thrums gently in the background—soft indie rock. People chatter, laugh, and point out books between bites of pastries.

It’s everything we dreamed this place would be—warm, alive, full of small moments that make the exhaustion worth it.

Val moves through the front like she was born to it, chatting easily with customers, laughing with regulars, and convincing one poor man to try the new Ube roll with a smile that promises spiritual transformation.

From the kitchen doorway, I watch her and sense that familiar warmth in my chest—the one that whispers, you guys did this.

Val slips back into the kitchen between customers, cheeks flushed, eyes bright.

“Ube Magic is a hit! Someone literally moaned out loud.” she says.

“God bless whoever that was,” I say, sliding another tray into the oven. “We need that kind of marketing.”

“Speaking of moaning…”

“Val,” I warn, already laughing.

She holds up her hands. “I’m just saying! Maybe your next flavor should be Afterglow Almond.”

“Not very family-friendly, dear.”

“True.”

She grins, leaning against the counter. “Tell me about your little friends-with-benefits. The one you see in between dates that go terribly wrong.”

I feign annoyance, but I can’t stop the smile tugging at my lips. It’s automatic—muscle memory at this point. Humor as armor. “EJ? He’s…fun. Simple. No expectations, and we are definitely on the same page about this only being friendly benefits.”

“I’m just glad you didn’t let the second asshole of your love life ruin you for good.”

Before EJ, there washim.

He, who shall not be named.

Eight months of something that was supposed to stay casual and somehow didn’t. Eight months of charm and attention and enough vulnerability to make me lower my guard.

He wasn’t meant to be serious. None of it was. But he talked like it could be. Settling down. Building something. Futures voiced quietly enough to render them substantial.

He basically love-bombed the hell out of me.

Who knew words without actions could be so captivating?

That’s the thing nobody tells you. Love bombing isn’t always extravagant gifts, surprise vacations, or grand gestures. Sometimes it’s promises. Attention. Future plans. Carefully chosen words that evoke a sense of being seen, understood, and cherished.

Someone with that kind of charm can paint entire futures with their mouth.