The Sweet Spot

16

The message from Sam hung in my mind all morning, a dark cloud casting shadows over everything I did. I tried to focus on the bakery, on my customers, and on keeping Elliot entertained, but my thoughts kept drifting back to his words: We need to talk. I have something to tell you.

What could he possibly have to say that he hadn't already? He had reappeared after all these years, claiming he wanted to reconnect with Elliot, to be part of his life. But something about this message felt different—he wasn't just reaching out to talk about his intentions. There was a weight to it, something that made my stomach twist with anxiety.

I managed to keep things together through the morning rush, but by mid-afternoon, I couldn't take it anymore. I stepped into the back, dialing Sam's number before I could talk myself out of it. He answered after the second ring.

"Charlotte," he said, his voice tense. "I'm glad you called. We need to talk. In person."

His tone sent another wave of unease through me. "What is it, Sam? What do you need to tell me?"

There was a long pause on the other end of the line, and I could almost hear him weighing his words. "It's not something I can say over the phone. Can we meet?"

I swallowed hard, my pulse quickening. "Fine. I'll meet you at the park in an hour."

"Thank you, Charlotte," Sam said quietly, and the call ended with a click.

I stared at the phone for a long moment, my mind racing. What could possibly be so important that he needed to tell me in person? Part of me wanted to cancel the meeting, to avoid whatever drama Sam was about to throw into my already complicated life. But I knew I couldn't. Not if it involved Elliot. Not if it could affect our future.

When I stepped back into the bakery, Oliver was cleaning up the counter, his usual focused expression in place. He glanced up when he saw me, and his brow furrowed.

"You okay?" he asked, setting down the dish towel.

I hesitated, knowing that Oliver could always tell when something was off. "I'm meeting Sam in an hour. He says he has something to tell me."

Oliver's jaw tightened, and for a moment, I thought he was going to say something about Sam, something sharp or dismissive. But instead, he nodded slowly, his expression serious. "Do you want me to come with you?"

The offer took me by surprise. I hadn't expected Oliver to offer support like that, but the fact that he had made me feel a warmth in my chest. "No, I'll be okay. I just... I don't know what he's going to say."

Oliver studied me for a moment, his gaze softening. "Whatever it is, you'll handle it."

His words gave me strength, and I smiled gratefully at him. "Thank you."

With that, I headed out of the bakery, my heart pounding as I made my way to the park. The sky was overcast, the air heavy with the promise of rain, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to change—something big.

When I arrived at the park, I spotted Sam sitting on a bench near the playground, his hands clasped in front of him as he stared at the ground. He looked... nervous. Almost as if he was dreading this conversation as much as I was.

I approached slowly, my steps careful, and when he looked up, I saw a flicker of something in his eyes—guilt, maybe, or fear.

"Charlotte," he said, standing as I reached him.

"Sam," I replied, keeping my voice steady. "What's this about? What do you need to tell me?"

He gestured for me to sit, and reluctantly, I did, though my muscles were tense with anticipation. Sam sat down beside me, his hands still clasped together as if he were bracing himself.