I'd rather be with you.

The closed restaurant smelled of freshly baked pies, their aroma drifting from the kitchen and tempting anyone nearby. But it was already fifteen minutes past nine—Hailey’s Bakery was officially closed for the day. The source of the delightful scent was the small kitchen, where Hailey’s face glowed with a satisfied smile as she removed a tray of perfectly baked pies from the oven. Her eyes sparkled as she admired what she considered a masterpiece. “Perfect,” she muttered, placing the tray of five pies on the counter. She set aside her oven gloves neatly and looked up at the sound of bells jingling—the signal that someone had entered the restaurant. She smiled, already knowing who it was. “Bestie!” a feminine voice called, followed by the clicking of heels on the tiled floor. The guest made her way into the kitchen. “Darcie,” Hailey greeted, admiration in her eyes. “You are always a sight for sore eyes.” Darcie laughed. “Wouldn’t want to be caught slacking,” she joked. Hailey nodded in agreement. “I see you got my orders ready,” Darcie said, sitting on a stool and eyeing the pies. “Anything for my bestie. Help yourself,” Hailey replied. Darcie picked up a fork from the utensil holder and sampled one of the pies. “Oh my… this is so delicious,” she exclaimed, eyes closed in dramatic delight. Hailey chuckled and sat opposite her. “I’m definitely taking them home,” Darcie added, pulling the tray closer. “Be my guest,” Hailey said. Then, with a knowing look, she asked, “So… how was your blind date?” “The usual. I just don’t know where Dad finds these men. I already told him I’m not interested,” Darcie replied. “But they all meet your standards, as far as I know,” Hailey said. “Yeah, but not my standard,” Darcie said with a grin. “Remind me—what’s your standard again?” Hailey teased. “Wealthy, sexy, and handsome,” Darcie said, making Hailey laugh. “But the guys you go on dates with already have those qualities—and more,” Hailey noted. “Yeah, but they’re not my crush,” Darcie said, eyes dreamy. Hailey sighed. “Oh… your celebrity crush? You’re still hung up on him? I thought he had a girlfriend,” Hailey said. “Yeah, he does. But anything can happen, you know,” Darcie replied, chuckling. “Gosh, Darcie, you’re persistent. He doesn’t even know you,” Hailey reminded her. “He will, someday,” Darcie said, quickly snapping out of her thoughts. “s**t, we have a party to attend!” She jumped off the stool. “We?” Hailey asked, eyebrows raising. “Please don’t tell me you’re not going. We talked about this,” Darcie said. “Darcie, I wasn’t even invited,” Hailey said, walking to the sink and starting the dishes. “It’s your brother’s welcome party, girl. You don’t need an invitation,” Darcie said, staring at her. “Brothers?” Hailey scoffed. “I’m sure they don’t even know I exist,” she muttered. Darcie heaved a sigh and stepped closer, holding Hailey’s shoulders. “You’re going as my plus one.” “I don’t want to see my dad,” Hailey cut in. “So that’s the real reason,” Darcie said, eyes searching hers. Hailey nodded, staring at the floor. Darcie lifted her chin. “I’m pretty sure it’ll mostly be young people. Your brothers just arrived in the country, and your parents…” “They’re not my parents,” Hailey said sharply. “I’m sorry,” Darcie quickly apologized. “I mean your dad and stepmother. They organized the party after a long hiatus in Russia. They won’t be there—we’re just going to have fun.” Darcie shook Hailey gently, earning a chuckle. “That’s the smile I’ve been looking for,” Darcie said. Hailey sighed. “Fine… but I have nothing to wear,” Hailey complained. “What do you take your best friend for? Of course I’ve got you covered,” Darcie said, flipping her hair. “You were going to force me to the party even if I didn’t agree, right?” Hailey asked. Darcie giggled. “Guilty as charged. Come on, let’s go.” She pulled Hailey along, and they left the kitchen. “How did you even get an invite? Are you friends with them?” Hailey asked. “Not directly. Mr. and Mrs. Drew are long-time acquaintances of my dad,” Darcie said. “So it’s a wealthy people thing,” Hailey observed. Darcie chuckled. “You could say that,” she replied. The cold air hit their faces as they stepped out. “You got a new car?” Hailey asked, staring at the white Jeep with tinted windows parked in front of the restaurant. Darcie squealed and leaned on it. “Meet my new baby.” “But you bought a Lamborghini last week—how’s this possible?” Hailey said in surprise. “I grew tired of it,” Darcie said flippantly. Hailey shook her head, still amazed. “Come on, let’s hit the road,” Darcie said, and they both got in.