"Breakfast with pancakes?" she asks, as if it were any other day.
And even though she tries to sound cheerful, there's a hidden sadness in her voice. I know it. As much as it pains me to admit it, she looked up to Blake. She cared for her. In her own way, she was an important figure for her.
"With pancakes," I tell her. "And with chocolate chips."
I moved closer, stroked her hair, and kissed her forehead.
I promise myself to do everything I can to keep that smile from fading.
For her, I will stand firm.
For her, I will rebuild whatever is necessary.
Ryan
When I hang up the phone, I slump heavily into the chair. Ever since Michelle discovered my deceit, everything has fallen apart. I shouldn't have let things escalate to this point. I shouldn't have let Candace get close to her. I s
