His Shortcake

Chapter 22

Dustyn Franco

My eyes remained fixed on the closed door long after Alec had left my room.

I still couldn't believe how she flinched away from me. Was she afraid I might hurt her? Is my shortcake afraid of me now?

I'm overwhelmed by a deep sense of shock and helplessness as I stand here, dumbfounded. The weight of my confusion is almost unbearable.

There are so many questions swirling in my mind, questions I'm desperate to ask. Yet I know she's not ready to answer them. Not after what she went through last night. Not with those memories still so fresh and raw.

Those memories have a vise-like grip on Mara, like a fresh scar being torn open over and over again.

I can hardly imagine how difficult it must have been for Alec to watch her endure that. Just witnessing what happened last night was a nightmare in itself for me.

The pain Mara experiences every time it rains, the memories from that day still fresh and tormenting her at every turn—it's almost too much to bear.

I don't think I could have handled it as Alec has over the years. His strength and resilience in the face of such relentless pain and trauma are beyond what I could ever manage.

"Dust, you okay?" Mark's concerned voice jolted me from my thoughts. Dressed in a black shirt and dark blue jeans, he stood in my kitchen, holding a whisk with flour and other ingredients dusting his apron. He had come to make something for shortcake.

I nodded, attempting to mask my emotions with a smile as I picked up the tray in front of him. "Need any help?" I asked, forcing the cheerfulness into my voice.

Veronica had been worried when I canceled the board meeting today and sent Mark to check on me. It seems I'm not as convincing with Vero as I'd hoped. She can be such a mother hen sometimes.

Mark shook his head, taking the tray from me with a firm grip. "Sit your ass down. Now, how is Mara?"

I shrugged, not out of indifference but because I honestly don't know how she's doing. Her flinching away from even the smallest movement of my hand and her refusal to meet my gaze are troubling signs.

I wasn't sure if Mara would want to see Mark. Even though he's friendly and well-meaning, he's still a male. No matter how comforting he might be, she might still feel the need to keep her distance from him.

"Can I at least say hi to her?" Mark asked as he placed the first batch of cupcakes in the oven, wiping his hands on a clean towel after cleaning up the mess he made.

"We'll see," I said, my gaze drifting to the closed door. It was eerily quiet inside.

I hoped Mara would find some solace with Alec beside her. I might have helped her last night, but I know I can't provide the same level of comfort and relief that Alec can. To be honest, I'm not even sure if I can be of any real help to her at all.

It felt like an eternity, but Alec had been in the room for a good two hours before he finally emerged. He avoided meeting my gaze, taking the nearest seat with his head still lowered.

"Al?" I called out, my worry growing as I feared Mara might be in worse condition than we anticipated. Alec's delayed response only deepened my anxiety.

"She just took a shower. She'll be out soon," Alec said, finally looking up and offering a smile. It was a smile that seemed different, as if he could finally express genuine happiness without something gnawing at him. "I told her Mark's here to see her."

Mark, seemingly oblivious to Alec's shift in demeanor, responded, "Good. Because the last batch of cupcakes just finished."

Alec's smile widened, a mix of gratitude and relief. "I'm glad. She'll need to replenish her energy."