She had one other problem: in yesterday’s chaos she’d managed to misplace her phone. Charlie had searched everywhere, but it seemed her phone had plain disappeared. She’d been planning to text back and forth with Cass and find out how her sister was faring in L.A., and now was riding a thin edge of panic as she kept pushing worst-case scenarios out of her mind. The bakery’s landline was now the only way to try and connect with her sister, but the phone had been ringing nonstop with holiday orders. Finding time to try and connect with Cass when she wasn’t on set and when Charlie had a free moment had proven impossible.

The bakery was finally closed for the day. Every surface was spotless, and the sourdough was prepped and ready to proof overnight. Charlie wanted nothing more than to drag herself upstairs and sleep for days. Then the bakery’s phone rang.

Charlie jumped, hoping it was Cass. If there was one thing—aside from a good night’s sleep—that would make her feel better, it would be to hear her sister’s voice and to know that everything had gone smoothly with Cass’s first two days on set. Plus, she was sure Cass wanted an update on the bakery. Not only was this the busiest time of year, Woodburn Breads was Cass’s Sweet & Salty. Charlie wanted to make sure Cass knew she would not let her down.

“Hey, Cass,” she said automatically, pressing the handpiece to her ear and stretching the cord so she could bend down to scratch Gateau under the chin. She had found the stash of kibble, but the cat had become accustomed to the bits of ham Charlie had been feeding her, and was back for another morsel.

“Hello?” A female voice—not Cass’s—replied, her tone confused. “Cass, is that you?”

“Oh, sorry. Yes. It’s me. Cass.” Why was she finding it so difficult to remember she was pretending to be her sister? Probably the concussion, but still. She was used to being much more in control of things.

“I know you’re closed, but I had an order to make and thought I’d take a chance. And look at that, there you are.” The woman still hadn’t identified herself, and Charlie realized she should probably recognize the voice.

“Here I am,” Charlie replied, forcing a smile onto her face and hopefully into her voice. “How can I help you?”

“Actually . . . First, I wanted to tell you I hope you didn’t think I was eavesdropping the other night. At the house.” Charlie still had no clue who this was, or what she was referring to. “I didn’t mean to overhear, but I was walking the girls and you were a touch . . . Well, you know how sound can carry around here. That was quite a grand gesture on Brett’s part!” The woman paused and waited for her to respond, but Charlie didn’t know what to say.

“Uh . . . you bet. Can you just spell your name for me so I’m sure I’ve got it right?”