Faye paid Charlie and took the box, but didn’t seem ready to leave. “You’re looking lovely, as always, but those bags under your eyes look like they’re packed for an international flight, and you seem a bit down.”

“Truth is, I’m not having the best day, Faye.”

“You really haven’t been yourself lately, have you?” For a moment, Charlie felt almost sure the jig was up; there was something so knowing in Faye’s tone and in her gaze. But the moment passed. “A lot on your mind, I suppose. I heard the rumor.”

“Which one?” Charlie smiled and rolled her eyes.

Faye chuckled. “Ah, yes. News does travel fast around this town. But the one I’m referring to is about a competing bakery moving in?”

“Right. According to Brett, that one’s more than just a rumor, and I won’t let it happen. I need to fight it. It’s important to my entire family, this bakery.”

“Well, of course it is!” Faye said. “And, it’s important to you, too. This bakery is your life. Right, Cass?” Again, something in her tone made Charlie feel exposed. For a moment, she thought about how freeing it would be to tell someone the truth. She was sure Faye wouldn’t judge her too harshly, if she could explain how and why it all started. But . . . what if she did? And what if Faye told Jake? Certainly, no matter how fond she was of Cass, her loyalty would be to her grandson. No, Charlie could not deal with that. Not yet.

“Yes, but I feel like I’m failing it, you know? Like, today should be busy. Right now the bakery should be packed. Makewell’s hasn’t even opened yet.” Charlie shrugged, feeling dejected and worried.

Faye put her box of squares down on the counter. “Oh, honey, you think the fact that no one has come in here yet today has anything to do with the Makewell’s rumor?”

“Well, I don’t think I’ve ever seen the place this slow on a Monday morning. So far, you’re my only customer—and Sharon, but she didn’t buy anything.”

Faye grimaced. “Oh dear. Listen, Cassie. Sharon may have gotten a few people on her side, but trust me when I say no one will last past this morning. Mark my words.”

“On her side about . . . ?”

“Technology isn’t my strong suit, dear, so I’m not exactly sure what this means, but something about a livelier stream?”

Charlie nodded. “We started something new online yesterday, to make things a little more modern around here and get the bakery some exposure. But I messed up.”

“I didn’t see it, but from what I hear, some people think you were perhaps a bit harsh on that boy.”

Charlie thought back to her heated conversation with Brett. Realizing it had all taken place online, and that people had seen it, made her so embarrassed she could barely look at Faye. “I was. I feel awful.”

“Oh, don’t be too hard on yourself. It was about time he got the message. You’re a dear, Cassie, but you do need to stand up for yourself more. And it sounds like you did.”