Sugar, Spice & Secrets

61

"Avery, can we—?"

My sentence was cut short as Avery, her expression twisted with anger, splashed water on me. The cold liquid soaked through my clothes, sending shivers down my spine as droplets cascaded down my face.

In that split second, the bustling bakery around us fell silent, every pair of eyes turning to look at the unexpected commotion. Shock registered on the faces of our customers, some whispering among themselves as they tried to make sense of what had just happened.

Caught off guard, I could only stare at Avery, my mind racing to comprehend her sudden outburst. "What—?" I began, my voice barely a whisper as confusion clouded my thoughts.

But before I could utter another word, Zoe moved swiftly to cover me from the prying eyes of our customers. Her arms wrapped around me, shielding me from the curious stares as she shot Avery a reproachful look.

"What's going on?" Zoe demanded, her tone laced with concern as she glared at Avery.

Avery's anger seemed to rise further as she glared back at Zoe, her jaw clenched in frustration. "Are you happy with him?"

"What—?" I stammered, bewildered by the sudden accusation.

"Don't play fucking dumb, Julie," Avery snapped, her voice dripping with bitterness and hurt.

"I was going to tell you—"

"I was going to tell you—" I started, my words faltering as Avery's accusatory gaze bore into me.

"When?" she interrupted sharply, her tone cutting through the air like a knife.

"Is this about Gabriele?" Zoe interjected, her voice tinged with concern as she stepped in to diffuse the tension between us.

Avery's eyes flashed with a mix of anger and betrayal as she turned to face Zoe. "Of course it's about him," she spat, her voice trembling with emotion. "He's been nothing but trouble since he waltzed into this place."

Avery's eyes widened in disbelief as Laura joined the conversation, her voice filled with incredulity. "Trouble? He's suddenly trouble because he's with Julie?"

Avery's shoulders tensed as she turned to face Laura. "This has nothing to do with her happiness. I could care less about that," she retorted, her voice dripping with bitterness. "But we all know she's not as innocent as she likes to pretend. She's always been drawn to drama and attention, and now she's found the perfect man to rope into this."

"Excuse me?"

Zoe stepped forward but Laura shook her head, her eyes narrowing as she regarded Avery with a hint of skepticism. "And what exactly makes you think Gabriele ever wanted you?" She challenged, crossing her arms over her chest.

Avery's confidence faltered for a moment, her usual sharp retorts momentarily eluding her. She stammered, her words coming out in disjointed fragments as she struggled to find a coherent response.

"Well, I mean, it's just... it was obvious, wasn't it?" Avery began, her voice wavering slightly as she glanced between Zoe and Laura.

"That's not what I asked," Laura pressed, stepping up to Avery's face.

"He's a man, Laura," she finally replied, her voice tinged with frustration. "And men like him don't just settle for someone like Julie."

I felt a knot form in the pit of my stomach, a mixture of hurt and frustration swirling within me as I listened to her harsh words.

"Avery, that's not fair," my voice barely above a whisper as I sank back, feeling the weight of her judgment bearing down on me.

Zoe shot Avery a reproachful look, her eyes filled with disappointment. "You can't possibly believe that," she said, her tone firm yet compassionate. "Gabriele cares about Julie, and it's clear that she cares about him too. Their relationship is their own business."