But she knew if anything had gone sideways, it was entirely her own fault. While she had confidence in Cass’s talents, diving head-first into the world of reality television—alongside a swindler like Austin Nash, and without a plan—was a recipe for disaster. Charlie had now potentially ruined not only Cass’s situation at home in Starlight Peak but also her own career plans.

Feeling shaky, she phoned Cass.

“I’m so sorry,” Charlie said, her voice full of anguish even as she was relieved that she was finally, actually speaking to her sister. “I can’t believe I screwed up so badly. I forgot to send the recipes. I don’t know what’s wrong with me! Are you okay? Is everything okay?”

“Charlie, calm down,” Cass replied, sounding perfectly okay. “Everything is fine. I’ve been managing without the recipes. No need to panic.”

Charlie remained distraught. “I couldn’t find my phone, and then it was dead . . . and I’m just so angry with myself. You’re sure you’re doing okay? I tried to watch the show earlier but—” But I was preoccupied with the drama of my own life. And I let you down.

“Actually, I am!” Cass sounded it, too. “Yes, things were a bit dicey at first, but I’m getting the hang of it. I’ve actually liked developing my own recipes. And Sasha has given me a lot of compliments, so that’s good, right?”

“Really? That’s great, Cass.” Charlie let out a relieved sigh. “What about Austin? Is he making your life miserable?”

“I’m handling Austin. Charlie, you don’t need to worry about me,” Cass said reassuringly. “But what about you? How’s the bakery? And how’s your head? Are you okay?”

“The bakery is good. Walter’s been a huge help, and these recipes are sort of like riding a bike, you know? A lot of it is coming back to me, being home.” Charlie paused but decided not to mention being slightly off pace with the daily quota of Starlight loaves.

“I actually have some really good news. My sense of taste and smell are back. Which means . . . you can come home, and I’ll go back to L.A. to finish the show.” It was hard to ignore how this proposal made Charlie feel—deeply nostalgic for a hometown she hadn’t left yet. Plus, what would be like to say goodbye to Jake? All of it made her feel like her insides were being twisted up. “But thank you, Cass. I really do owe you one.”

There was silence on the other end of the line. “Are you still there?” Charlie asked.

“Sorry, yes! First of all, I’m so glad about your sense of taste and smell. That’s the best news.” Cass paused again. “But—how about Brett? Do you think you got through to him yet?”

Oh right. Brett. “Honestly? Not quite. He still doesn’t seem to understand your split is permanent.” Charlie cringed, thinking of Brett walking in on her and Jake. “I’m sorry, Cass. I know I said I’d deal with it for you, but he’s being incredibly obtuse.”