Page 66 of Tell It To The Waves

I decided not to tell Baylee about last night with Bohdi. It’s better if it’s just between the two of us. Because who knows where this is going to lead; we’re not those kids any longer; we’ve both changed and grown. And that is something that needs to stay between us for now.

My hand flies to my mouth. “Baylee, this is beautiful,” I mumble behind my palm. Her formal dining room is lit with candles; the chandelier hangs above, casting just enough light to transform the atmosphere. Seashells and votive candles line the table down the middle, with baby's breath placed impeccably between the decor. It’s beautiful.

I just freeze, staring at it in awe.

“Do you like?” She beams.

Turning to her, I pull her into a hug. “This is absolutely beautiful. You didn’t have to do this; I know you’re sick. I rub her belly.”

“Nah, I just told Kai to tell you that so I could get everything prepped and done.” She squishes up her nose.

“Kia is out back grilling the steaks and shrimp. Baked potatoes are already done.” Clapping her hands, “Do you want some wine?”

“Yes, please.” I point to a chair.

“Girl, wherever you want to sit.”

I pick the closest one I’m to, sitting on the far side of the table. My nerves are a little fried thinking about Bohdi being at dinner too. I know from what Bay and Kai said that Bohdi really stepped away from the family.

A drink is placed in front of me. Bay smiles as she takes her seat to the left of me at the head of the table. “Kai is coming in now.”

I can’t help but look at my phone to check the time; it’s a little past seven.That means nothing, August,I try to tell myself.

Tentatively, I take a drink of my wine, knowing I need to pace myself, when Kai comes through the swinging door, holding two trays.

I can smell the steak before he even places them on the table. “Smells so good, Kai.” My stomach growls in agreement, pissed that there has been nothing in it today besides coffee.

Kai plates mine and Baylee’s steak and shrimp, setting Bay’s down in front of her, then mine. Coming back around with our baked potatoes already topped. “I know, no sour cream,” he says while sitting mine next to my other plate.

“Thank you.”

I look over and see there is an extra steak, potato, and shrimp… My mouth turns downward on its own. Hurriedlytouching my phone screen, seeing that it is now seven fifteen. He’s fifteen minutes late.

Kai takes the other seat at the head of the table, his shoulders looking heavy. I don’t need him to voice what that was for; we were both looking forward to Bohdi being here tonight.

With his beer raised, “To August and her new bakery, back home where she’s meant to be,” Kai cheers.

We all three toast, and a tear comes to my eye. “Thank you. You both make it so worth it.” I tell them truthfully. Because if it weren’t for them, I don’t think I would have given this place a second thought when I came back. And that gives me a little zing when I realize that I could have done this all differently and the outcome wouldn’t be me sitting here with them two and owning a bakery. I smile down at my plate.

Kai is the first one to cut into his steak, and I follow suit. If I said I wasn’t disappointed Bohdi didn’t come, I’d be lying. But I won’t voice that.

The steak is flavorful; the seasoning’s bursting in my mouth. My stomach is happily enjoying it.

We make small talk, not really speaking about the elephant in the room, until Baylee lays her knife and fork down, clenching it. “He’s an asshole. Just one big gaping asshole.”

I choke on the piece of shrimp I was swallowing. Coughing, not able to catch a breath, forcing water down my throat. Looking at Bay, eyes watering, finally not dying, I bust out laughing. “He really is, isn’t he?”

“I should have never invited him. I’m not sure what I was thinking. Maybe the high of the morning got to my head.” Kai tips back his beer can, draining it. Hiding his face.

“Look, it’s fine. We didn’t need him to come,” I tell them, but my head is screaming, you're a damn liar. “This was such a perfect dinner. The food is amazing, and Baylee, this table is beautiful. You both made me feel special. And I want you two tobe the first ones to know the name of the bakery.” I look between both of them, smiling.

“Yes,” Bay cries out, hands clapping

Taking the last sip of my wine, licking my lips of the taste, I say, “Goose and Anchor Bakery.” I can feel my face heating up, scared they’ll hate it.

“That’s perfect, August! Wait, I actually freaking love it.” Bay grins at me.

“Seriously, Aug, you couldn’t have picked a more perfect name. I’ll send you my sign guy's number, and you can get with him.” Kai crushes his beer can.