Sort of like finding Sienna had caused Ethan to find himself again. He glanced at the woman by his side as they pulled up to Harper and Em’s Bake and Brew, Emily’s new business in town. Sienna watched the scenery pass with interested eyes, her dark hair falling around her face. Although he’d been to town before, he found himself viewing it through her fresh eyes.
“Emily mentioned this place is new?” Sienna asked, her eyes wide as they took in the huge signage over the shop.
“Harper had a small coffee shop. Emily baked at home and brought her goods here daily for Harper to sell. Their dream was to take over the space next door that was available but Emily couldn’t afford it. Parker insisted she let him help. They’re still arguing over whether or not it’s a loan.” Ethan shook his head and laughed. “I’m sure I know who’ll win that one.”
“For a quiet guy, I take it Parker can be pretty insistent?”
Ethan nodded. “Especially when it comes to Emily and keeping her happy. He’ll do anything.”
Her expression softened as he spoke, and he could see in her eyes how much she wanted that for herself. Before he could think it through, a knock sounded on the window.
“Hey, you two coming in?” Parker asked through the glass.
Ethan refrained from shooting his brother the finger for interrupting. Instead he glanced at Sienna. “Are you ready?”
She nodded, then grinned. “I’m starving.”
He rolled his eyes and they climbed out of the SUV.
* * *
Sienna took in the restaurant with greedy eyes. It was homey, with wood chairs and tables, yet modern, including phone-charging stations and USB ports, and very neighborhood friendly, selling local artisan cups and portraits on the walls. She loved the intimate space on sight, and she envied Emily that she had something all her own.
Though she hadn’t wanted to admit it to herself, Sienna wasn’t as fulfilled by working for Ian as she wanted to be. She’d been thrilled by his excitement over her ideas, but the execution wasn’t all that satisfying. Getting out of town and having time to herself to think had only brought that truth to the forefront of her mind. Though she was grateful to Ian for the opportunity and she loved contributing to his new stadium, she didn’t want to work in online marketing and merchandising after this project ended.
Before she could overthink things, a pretty blonde met them as they entered, greeting Parker with a hug and reintroducing herself to Ethan, who she’d apparently met at Parker and Emily’s wedding.
Then she turned to Sienna, welcoming her with a warm smile. “I’m so excited you all came by! I’m Harper, Emily’s partner and best friend.”
“So nice to meet you. I love your café.”
Harper beamed. “Thank you. I’m pretty proud of it myself. Emily and I worked hard getting it ready for opening.”
“I bet it’s amazing, working with your best friend.” Sienna and Avery had gotten together to do charity work for the hospital where Sienna had had her stem cell transplant, organizing a prom-like party for sick children who couldn’t leave the hospital to attend their own proms. Avery’s now-husband, Grey, head of a huge rock band, had performed, and there’d been nothing more satisfying than seeing the hopeful, happy look on the kids’ faces. They’d gone so far as to find businesses to donate dresses, brought in makeup artists to help them feel beautiful, and the night had been a huge success.
She sighed at the memory.
“Sienna?” Ethan’s voice brought her back to the present.
“Yes?”
“We’re going to a table. Are you okay?” he asked, sounding worried, his intense gaze focused on hers.
She smiled. “Yeah. When I thought about Emily working with her best friend, I remembered the time Avery and I put together a charity event. It was amazingly fulfilling.” She shook her head. “Sorry. I got distracted.”
He gave her a concerned look, then led her to the table, where Emily joined them, apron on and a dusting of flour on her cheek. Parker pulled her onto his lap.
After another woman served them, they sat around together, talking and laughing, and Sienna almost felt like she and Ethan belonged together … except despite his arm around her shoulder and the sweet way he’d lean into her and include her in conversation, she forced herself to remember they weren’t a permanent couple like Parker and Emily. She and Ethan were temporary.
Despite the upset that thought caused, Sienna devoured the most delicious banana muffin and took another one for the road when it was time to leave, causing Ethan to chuckle. He found her eating habits more amusing than he should.
She stuffed the bag with the muffin in her purse and climbed into the car. Ethan shut the door behind her.
Once he was settled in, he faced her before turning on the ignition. “What was that about in there? The charity project. You never mentioned it before but that look on your face? You were glowing.”