I worked to keep my face from showing my real feelings. “Yes. Of course. Why?”
“Cy never struck me as a friends-with-benefits sort of guy. Even after Lora ended, things, I’m not aware of any hookups even. He’s always seemed like an all-in kind of guy.”
I shrugged, not sure how to respond to that.
“I understand why he didn’t want me to know about you two, and I will say that if he hurts you, I will kick his ass.” Jude flashed me a grin.
I managed a smile in return.
“You’re a sister to me, so of course, I’ll make him pay. But I know Cy and he’ll try to do what’s right,” he said it with confidence. I had the same confidence in Cy.
“I know.”
“It’s too bad you can’t move to Chicago. Not that I want you to go and April would kill me if she knew I was saying this. It’s just a shame that you two have to be so far apart right now when there’s a baby involved.”
I wondered if I could go. I’d have to close my business. Was it hard to open a business in Chicago? It was a lot more expensive there, I was sure. Plus living expenses. I didn’t know if I could afford to make such a move.
Jude pulled up to the bakery.
“It’s still here,” I said.
He laughed. “April and Libby didn’t burn it down.”
“I knew they wouldn’t.” I got out of the car.
“It was smart to hire Libby. I’m glad you did that.” Jude pulled my suitcase out from the back of his SUV. “Babies take up a lot of time and energy.”
“How is Bertie?” I took my bag from him.
Jude grinned. “He’s great.”
“Proud papa.” I unlocked the door to my building. “Thank you for the ride, Jude. I enjoyed catching up with you.”
“You too, Petal. If there’s anything you need, really, just ask okay? You and Cy are important to me and April. We want to help you both as best we can. April has already set aside a bazillion onesies and socks to give you.”
I laughed and felt so grateful to have good friends like them. Life wasn’t perfect right now, but it wasn’t terrible either. I needed to remember that.
“Thank you, Jude.” I gave him a hug. “Pass that hug on to April, Maya and Bertie.”
“On my way to do it now.” He waited until I was inside heading up the stairs before returning to his vehicle.
I unlocked my door and entered my apartment. It was just how I’d left it. I put the items in my bag away and made a cup of tea.
My phone pinged with a text from Cyrus.
Did you make it home okay?
Like everything surrounding Cyrus, his message was bittersweet. I was glad he was thinking of me, but I knew it was just the good guy in him. It didn’t mean anything.
Yes. I’m having tea and then going to bed.
A few seconds later, another text came in.
Thank you for coming. My mother loved meeting you.
Another wave of bittersweet emotion flooded me. His mom loved meeting me, but not him.
I loved meeting her too. And seeing you. Thank you for inviting me.