The Layers Of Love

as auditioning for a pastry-themed rom-com: soft blue shirt, apron

g the tray down. "Lavender-vanill

request these, or are you jus

don't take baking advice from peo

a tennis match. Honestly, if the cupcak

f," she said, "but unless one of you has the p

brows at Adrian. "Y

great at cleaning up messes...

one unfortunate incident where Theo accidentally kn

id. Not soundin

hard her soul nea

-

r Th

notebook from her bag-her private journal labeled "Plan B." Inside were ideas, sketches, and her h

n at the door until h

now you j

almost throwing it off th

pry. Just... You always look so con

was silence. Not awk

e asked, soft

ed her more-the question or

e. Once t

helps, your cupcak

et

-

ing

d down the last counter as Theo w

ng her one. "Though I still main

"He's not my

riend' really fast. Like yo

'not,'

d 'boyf

"Why do I let

ou secretl

idea of kick

lly against the counter.

ha

t yours. No Gracie. No chaos. J

t before she could reply, Graci

I see you f

office, but Theo cau

joking,

a bli

ng bigger," he said. "Yo

ith a heart beat

-

he O

her desk, glasses

talent's not enough. I need to

ted her he

e loo

o run it. I'm not saying that's today... bu

, stunned. Words c

you down," sh

"Good. Because everyt

-

wcase envelope lies u

Lianna's "Plan B" notebook

se

r