Sadie reached for the glass jars labeled “Traditions” and “Protection.” She inhaled the scent of freshly ground cinnamon before sprinkling some into the dough. Traditions—would this do the trick?
With careful fingers, she grabbed a pinch of salt and whispered a quick blessing over it before dashing it into the bowl, hoping it would keep whatever was coming at bay.
Sadie stirred the ingredients in with her wooden spoon, carved by hand from the white oak tree in the forest behind Gigi’s backyard. Her grandfather had loved wood carving in his spare time. He had passed away when the twins were six, and she didn’t remember much about him other than his famous pastrami sandwiches and the little wood figurines he’d sculpt for her. He had traveled a lot for work as a technician and would always bring Gigi a small collector spoon from whatever state he’d visited. Sadie had loved those little spoons, tracing her finger over the intricate filigree or studying the resin design. She hadn’t thought of those spoons in years.
“Querido amado.” A high, musical voice barged into her sanctuary just as she slid the baking tray into the oven. “Did a tornado hit in here?”
Sadie turned and frowned at the raven-haired woman. Raquel, her best friend since childhood, scanned the room with wide, expressive eyes. Even when she was still, she somehow seemed to be in motion. Fingers or foot always tapping, eyes so thoughtful you could practically hear her talking even when she was silent.
“I thought I banned you from coming in here if you couldn’t say anything nice,” Sadie retorted, holding up her wooden spoon like a sword.
“I’m not worried until I see the fire in your eyes.” Raquel laughed. “That’s when I know we’ve really got a problem.”
Sadie hugged her best friend and then pinched her on the arm.
“Ow!” Raquel cried, her face drawn into a frown.
“Pinching is my love language.” Sadie shrugged, checking the timer.
“What’s wrong?” Raquel demanded, leaning against the counter and eyeing her best friend, waiting.
Sadie’s lips pursed. She never could hide anything from Raquel and found it rather inconvenient the way best friends could see into you even when you refused to look yourself.
“Hello!” Raquel snapped her fingers. “You in there?”
“I’m thinking.”
“You’re always thinking. Sometimes it’s healthy to just say what’s on your mind, you little control freak.”
Sadie laughed.
“I’m just—you know, just wallowing in a bit of self-pity. Freaking out about being alone for the rest of my life. I had a minor panic attack over toothbrushes this morning. So, you know, the usual.”
“Were the toothbrushes on fire? Did they insult you?”
“More the fact that there was only one.”
“Exactly how many toothbrushes do you need?” Raquel demanded, arching a perfectly lined eyebrow.
“I’ll only ever have one. You know, because I’ll always be brushing alone.” Sadie dragged a finger along the countertop, trying and failing to stop the ache that bloomed in her chest.
“Do you want me to brush my teeth with you? All you have to do is ask, you know.”
“Shut up.” Sadie laughed again. “It’s just the curse,” she started.
“The curse, the curse,” Raquel chattered. “When are you going to let that go? Listen, you’re not alone. Nobody is abandoning you. Your brother is going to come back. Gigi’s not going anywhere. Neither am I. You run a successful business. You’re loved. We’re all here to support you.” The words came out in a rush, like they’d been rehearsed. For all Sadie knew, maybe they had. She wondered when she’d become the friend who had to be talked off a ledge so often that Raquel had a speech for it.
Sadie took a deep breath and let the words wash over her. Reassure her. But for some reason, they couldn’t pierce completely through her armor. Because the truth of the matter was that Seth wasn’t back, and even if he did return, there was no guarantee he wouldn’t vanish again. Gigi wouldn’t be around forever. They’d both leave. Just like her mother. Just like Jake.
“And now that I’ve buttered you up …” Raquel started.
“Oh no.” Sadie groaned, again folding the thoughts in half and tucking them away. “What are you roping me into this time?”
“Let me start off with the good news.” Raquel was practically beaming. “They said yes!”