Chapter 233: Chocolate and Nate

Chocolate and Nate would be best, but I can't bother him while he's at work. I refuse to be that helpless in my life. The money I received in the divorce, which I planned to supplement my income for the next sixteen years while Emma is living at home, has dwindled down to nearly nothing. Before I realized it, needing a job became a serious concern. Expenses kept piling up when I wasn't looking.

I drive down Main Street in Pelican Bay, intending to head to the beach and clear my thoughts by listening to the waves crash against the shore, but the smell of fresh baked bread forces my car to pull over into a space in front of the bakery.

I walk in the front doors not talking to anyone, but Anessa takes one look at me and pulls a chocolate cupcake from her display case. The frosting is white with black specks and it's easy to figure out the flavor with the circular Oreo placed on top standing straight up in the frosting.

"You look like you need this," she says, handing me the cupcake.