The day is just beginning, and already I’ve knocked over the container of half-n-half, caught my toe in the swinging kitchen door, and burned my hand taking out a pan of muffins. Usually, pre-opening is my favorite time of day with the sun coming in and the smells of things like Irish Cream brewing and cinnamon rolls baking. But there’s an ache inside me that sunlight and cinnamon can’t fill. I don’t expect to hear from Damon again, and it’s totally my fault.

He last called a couple of days ago, and I tentatively answered. He told me he’d gone over to have a talk with his mother and give her his resignation. Hearing that he actually did this stunned me.

My God, Damon, I said weakly. I told you not to do that.

And as you should know by now, he replied, with a smile in his voice, I don’t like people telling me what to do. 

I can’t be the reason you lose everything, Damon. I just can’t.

I haven’t lost anything, Sprite. And I have everything to gain.

My hope soars, a white bird winging its way toward Hollywood-style happy endings. Does that mean you won’t actually be resigning? That your mother changed her mind?

He pauses. I gave her my resignation, and before she could say anything, we were interrupted by a phone call from Portia. But my mother’s acknowledgment only matters in terms of my professional life, not my personal. I’m done with her.

 The bird plummets back toward Earth, folding her wings. Damon isn’t thinking rationally, so I need to. The effect of him leaving his company and family wealth would be staggering for him. If she hasn’t accepted his resignation, there’s still a chance he could take it back.

I know what I have to do.

Damon, I’m not sure how to tell you this, but this isn’t about your mother. I’m not interested in a relationship with you anymore. I’ve had time to think while we’ve been apart, and I don’t want to hurt you, but looking back on it, I really think it was just about the sex for me.

Silence. Then, a chuckle. Nice try, Sprite.

I’m being serious.

Sure you are. I know what you’re doing, and it isn’t going to work. You’re forgetting that I’ve been witness plenty of times to how you respond to me—your face, your body. What I’ve seen in your eyes.

You need to listen to me. I’ve had time to really reflect on what this was, and what I want for my future. My feelings for you have cooled in just a couple of weeks, which is a major red flag. We wouldn’t make it, Damon. Please accept that.

More silence, while my heart flops helplessly. I want him to believe me, but I so don’t want him to believe me.

All right, Delaney. Damon’s voice is expressionless. If this is what you want, I won’t plan on contacting you again.

Then he’s not there anymore, and the realization that he really won’t be there, ever again, creeps into me like cold, black sludge until I’m choking on it and bursting into great, racking sobs.

Congratulations, Lane. You’ve just pulled off another acting role. Standing O material for sure, only when the curtain closes and the audience leaves, you’ll be all alone.

My God, what am I doing?

You’re trying to save Damon from making a huge mistake. You’re protecting him.

These are the things I’m telling myself while I’m putting bagels in the display case and trying to keep from crying on the merchandise. Probably wouldn’t be good for business.

The phone rings, and God damn me for thinking—hoping—it’s the person I broke up with. It’s not—it’s my mother.

“Hey, Mom.”

“Hi, sweetheart. I know you’re almost ready to open, but I just wanted to catch you for a second.”

“Sure. What’s going on?”

“A wedding.”

“You mean Maddie’s? I know—four days away.”

“No.” She gives a gentle laugh. “Mine. I mean, your father’s and mine.”

OMG. I was thinking they’d just get married at City Hall or something. “Oh, wow! I didn’t know you’d actually have a wedding. But I think that’s awesome,” I add hastily.

And I do. The little girl inside me that wants her parents together is thrilled.

“Thanks, Laney. We picked a date, and I wanted to tell you right away because it’s next month.”

“Wow! So soon. Fall weddings are so beautiful.”

“September 24th. It will be fairly small—family and good friends. We’d like you and Wilder to stand up with us.”

“Of course. Mom—” I feel my throat tighten up. “I’m so happy for you. You two belong together.”

“We do. It took me being away from him to realize it, but once I weeded out the distractions, there it was. Like I said before—my simple truth.” There’s a little pause, and I know what’s coming. “How’s Damon?”

“He’s...we’re not seeing each other anymore, Mom.”

“What? Oh, Laney—I’m sorry. What happened?”

“I don’t really want to go into it now, but we just decided the relationship wasn’t going to work out.”

“Well, I’m very sad to hear that. And very surprised. I had a good feeling about him—thought he might even be the one. I hope you don’t completely close the door, sweetie.”

She doesn’t understand, and I can’t expect her to. “Okay, Mom. Speaking of doors, it’s almost time for me to open mine, so I’ve got to let you go.”

“Of course. Dad and I will see you at Maddie’s wedding in just a few days. It should be lovely.”

“Yes, it will be.”

I end the call and set my phone on the shelf under the counter. Everything is so quiet in here. I ask my Google Home to play big band music, and I feel a little less alone.

All is right with the world, I tell myself, using the most cheery inner voice I can muster. Maddie and Jack are getting married and having a baby. My parents are going to remarry. I have this absolutely lovely café, and I was able to overcome a pretty significant trust issue and be intimate with a man again.

A wonderful man.

Stoppp, I scold myself, as my eyes begin to burn. I may not feel happy, but I can feel grateful, and for now, that will have to be enough.