Chapter 3

Lula emphasized the word "peach" with a lingering sweetness, but I simply set the cup down. "Thanks. You guys drink it."

Lula shrank back. "I swear I don't have any contagious diseases."

Todd's brow furrowed. He grabbed my arm and pulled me out onto the balcony, lowering his voice. "What is wrong with you? Lula made that drink specifically for you. Don't make her feel miserable."

"I can't have peaches," I said flatly, unflinching.

"Since when?" Todd scoffed, irritated. "You've always loved peach spritzers. Stop targeting her."

It was entirely ridiculous. I had told him about my severe peach allergy the year we met. Just inhaling the fuzz could make me wheeze. Yet his memory had somehow twisted it into my favorite flavor.

When I stayed silent, Todd sighed heavily. "Is this still about me forgetting your drink yesterday, or because Lula drank yours? You're being way too sensitive.

"Lula is just a childhood friend. Don't let your jealousy ruin things."

Glancing past me, he noticed my work suits were missing from the balcony. He assumed I had put them away to prepare for my upcoming promotion.

He softened, squeezing my wrist. "Alright, don't be petty. You're about to become a supervisor. Once I finish this busy stretch, I'll take you to that rooftop restaurant. Just the two of us, okay?"

I pressed my lips together, pulling my wrist free. He paused, stepping closer, but Lula appeared at the balcony door, tears streaming down her face.

"I'm sorry, Harper!" she sobbed. "I won't make you anything ever again. Please don't fight because of me!"

With that, she turned and bolted out.

"Happy now?" Todd scowled, grabbing his jacket to give chase.

"Todd," I called after him, "do you remember my birthday?"

He paused at the door. "When? I've been so swamped lately."

"Yesterday," I said evenly.

I hadn't wanted to go to his friends' gathering at all. I had foolishly thought he was taking me out to celebrate.

A flicker of guilt crossed his face, but the elevator arrived. He rushed over, saying quickly, "Wait for me at home. I'll buy a cake tonight and make it up to you!"

The elevator doors shut, and he was gone. I released the hem of my shirt I had been clutching, my palm cold.

By 8:00 PM, the apartment was pitch-black. My phone rang, and Todd's voice buzzed with excitement. "Lula mentioned missing our high school teacher, and he happened to be in town. I called Jake and the others. We're having a reunion!"

I looked at the dining table. The ice cream on the cake had melted into a sad puddle.

"But you said..." I started.

The line went dead. A text followed: [Too loud here. I'll head back after dinner. Go to bed early.]

My fingers hovered over the screen, but I had no energy left to reply.

After a while, I checked out Lula's social media. Her latest post was a video of Todd placing food onto her plate.

Lula giggled behind the camera. "You still remember I love this after all these years?"

Todd winked. "Of course. How could I ever forget anything about you?"

I closed my eyes, but my phone chimed again, this time with an email notification.

[Dear Ms. Reed, congratulations! You have been hired. Please report for onboarding at 8 a.m. the day after tomorrow.]

I stood up, calmly dumping the untouched dinner and the cake into the trash. Afraid Todd might get the cake wrong, I had ordered one myself.

Now the "Happy Birthday" chocolate was melting on top, looking pathetic. The cake couldn't wait for him, and neither would I.

Todd finally stumbled home late.

"You're still awake?" he mumbled, tossing a bakery box onto the counter. "Sorry, I forgot the cake, but Lula picked this one out as an apology."

Without turning, I knew it was a peach crepe cake. "Have it yourself."

Todd's patience evaporated. "Enough already! There is a limit to your tantrums. Lula went out of her way..."