Paradise Found

Lauren’s brows pull together in confusion. I don’t know why I never thought about this before. Lauren’s good at business and marketing, and I’m great at baking, but I have no idea how to run a business. We need to join forces and do this together. She has been with me from day one. She knows my vision and my business ideas and plans as well as I do. I had no idea she was as passionate about my bakery as I am.

“Why don’t you and I create this business together. Let’s create the best motherfucking bakery in London, no England, no the world,” I tell her.

Lauren’s eyes widen. She seems surprised by my request. “You have been so adamant that you always wanted to do it yourself.”

“I know because I didn’t think anyone could love my business as much as I could, but I had no idea you loved the concept too,” I explain to her.

“I’ve always had faith in you, Elle. I’ve always admired your drive to get to this dream and make it a reality, and I was willing to do anything to help you achieve it because I believed in it and you too,” she says.

“Then join me. You and me against the world.”

“You sure?” she asks.

“I’m so fucking sure, babe. I don’t know why I never thought about it before. You and I have always made the best team.”

“Friendship and business can be tricky.”

“Then let’s get a lawyer to do their thing. We sign a contract and make it all legal,” I tell her excitedly.

“You’re actually serious?” she questions.

“Never beenmoreserious.”

“I’m in,” she says as tears begin to well in her eyes.

I launch myself at her, and we roll onto the floor in a fit of giggles.

“We’re going to be such a kick-ass team.” I chuckle as we lay on the floor.

“Fuck yeah, we are. My connections, your talent … we’re going to have the hottest bakery in London,” Lauren says enthusiastically. “And Elle … thank you.”

“You don’t need to thank me.”

Lauren looks at me seriously. “I do. You’ve given me purpose,” she says seriously. “I’ve never had that before.”

I give my best friend a smile as I reach out and squeeze her hand. “We’ve got this!”

She gives me a nod as we help each other up off the floor.

“First things first though, you have a hot man to get back to. We can sort things out when you get back. Enjoy the week, and then we will work out what happens next,” Lauren tells me.

“You sure?”

“Yes. The Universe is telling you to have fun with this man. How else do you explain Sierra’s weird broken ankle?” Lauren wiggles her brows.

“Coincidence,” I add.

“Nope, the Universe gave you two a second chance.”

“Nothing is going to happen other than a great week of fun. He goes back to his life in London. You and I sort out our new life. It was probably the Universe giving us both closure so we can move on in new directions,” I explain to her.

“If you say so,” Lauren mumbles.

“Lauren,” I say her name with a warning.

She holds up her hands and grins. “Go … pack! Do not leave that hot man waiting for one more second.”

I give her one last hug and quickly pack my bag.