Chapter 39
Whitney’s heart was heavy with Roland’s words, but it only made her wanna smash it at the charity event to help families like his. In her mind. Whitney didn’t want to bum Roland out if her plans didn’t pan out, so she kept the charity thing under wraps.
Looking at Roland, she said like any daughter might, “Guess I’ll have to come by more for these biscuits. Any chance for a family deal?”
Roland gave a good–natured laugh that kind of blew away th
the heavy air from before. “A family discount? Not sure about that…” he joked.
“Come on, I thought I was like your bonus daughter!” Whitney shot back with a playful pout.
Roland burst out laughing. “How’s free sound?”
Lina jumped in, and the three of them just yakked and had a ball, feeling totally like family.
Off to the side, Jonah watched Whitney. He was blown away by this artsy girl who had such a big heart. She was nothing like the high–and- mighty Greene family type he’d expected. He was falling for Whitney, and he didn’t even try to hide it.
“It’s been ages since I last visited. I missed their biscuits. Wonder if it has changed over the years,” Finnick said, pulling Thiago along toward
Jennie’s Biscuits.
Even after getting the cold shoulder from a girl, nothing could stand between Finnick and his love of grub. But Thiago was just not feeling it. He was too busy sulking about Whitney getting all that attention earlier. It was bugging him big time.
“And we’re here. And check this out, it hasn’t changed a bit. Man, it smells amazing in here!” Finnick couldn’t help but say out loud, totally loving that bakery smell. As he was heading for the door, he realized Thiago was just standing there like a statue.
Thiago was peeping inside, and there was Whitney looking all cheerful talking to a man, while Jonah was right there giving her adorable puppy–dog eyes.
Seeing Whitney again made Thiago’s jaw clench on its own. ‘Seriously, why does she keep popping up everywhere?‘ he thought, grinding his teeth a little. But if he was being honest with himself, it wasn’t Whitney who was bugging him–it was Jonah hanging around her like that
what’s up with
Why the hold–up? Finnick noticed Thiago just wasn’t moving and stopped to check on him.
you, man? W
There was no spark in Thiago’s eyes. “Nah, I’m not into it anymore. Just lost my appetite,” he said with a chilly vibe and took off. Finnick followed him. Finnick understood his friend’s stubbornness all too well. If Thiago didn’t want to do something, no amount of persuasion would change his mind.
Feeling hungry, Finnick was wishing he’d packed some snacks.
Thiago hunched a bit as he walked away like something was weighing him down hardcore. He couldn’t wrap his head around how Whitney seemed like a whole new person post–divorce. Or why he, of all people, who couldn’t stand her before, was now low–key catching feelings for
her.
“You were just dying for those biscuits, and now what? Come on, dude, I’m starving. You totally owe me,” Finnick complained, tagging along, but Thiago was in his own world. Finnick knew this drill, Thiago was as stubborn as they come, so he just kept quiet while trailing behind.
Then something hit Finnick, and he blurted out, “Hey, isn’t Mr. Gibson’s birthday thing happening soon? You going?”
Thiago stopped in his tracks, his furrowed brow easing slightly. Patrick Gibson was a respected elder of the influential Gibson family. Even the Greene family was cautious around them, let alone the Mackenzie family, Patrick had always treated the younger generation kindly, earning him deep respect from all. Plus, who’d miss a shot at big–time networking? Thiago knew he had to show face.
Despite being consumed with thoughts of Whitney and that loving gaze of Jonah, Thiago knew his priorities.
“I’ll be there,” he softly said before falling silent again.
By the time Whitney and the crew wrapped things up with Roland, it was already afternoon. Roland closed up his shop and was ready to go home. His establishment did not operate all day, as he did not intend to run his business for the money. Roland closed up once he had used all his ingredients for the day. The unexpected afternoon rush allowed him to shut down early
After saying goodbye to Roland, Whitney and her friends headed to their own homes. Whitney, feeling tired and sore from the physical labor, only wanted a good rest for herself,
However, she still had a mountain of work ahead of her, especially concerning her collaboration with Indigox Corporation. Though she had laid out her plans for the charity event, there were still many details to hammer out. It seemed like she would be pulling another all–nighter
tonight
There were times when Whitney wished she could rely on the influence of the Greene family. However, whenever she pictured Thiago’s and Quincey’s faces, she would quickly abandon the idea. Whitney understood she could only rely on herself. She realized that strengthening herself was the only way to confront the two.
Whitney shook her head to push aside those jumbled thoughts from her mind. She refused to let the thought of them affect her work.
Whitney’s ringtone broke the quiet and she jumped a little, grabbing her phone. It was Lester on the other end. She hit the answer button right away.
“Whitney, any updates on the stuff we’re digging into?” Lester’s voice was the same as always, kinda deep with a chill vibe wrapped around
Whitney was cool with him skipping the small talk. Lester was the kind of dude who had mad skills but also acted a bit weird sometimes–like most mega–smart people do.
“Chill, Lester. I’m on it Remember? You’re on my team now, so your problems are my problems,” Whitney reassured him.
