Love Me True (Small Town Romances Book 5) Read online

  Kate sat up in her seat, and her face brightened. "It's down the road from here. You can't miss it. We've got two bright pink benches outside and a fabulous view of the lake."

  “That sounds amazing.” Allison nudged Tracy. “Could you imagine coming to work every day with a view like that?”

  "It would be nice, but a first-rate location isn't much help if you don't take advantage of its unique offerings."

  Tension settled over the table as Tracy proceeded to tell her sister exactly what she thought Patsy's Bakery was doing wrong. This was followed up by suggestions on how Kate could take the bakery to the next level. As the minutes wore on, a rock sank into Allison's stomach. Now she understood precisely why Tracy and Kate weren't close.

  Tracy was an accomplished businesswoman in her own right. There weren't a lot of women succeeding in tech. Her quick mind and ruthless business savvy had impressed Allison, especially when she discovered that Tracy brought the same intensity into everything she did. Now, Allison was starting to see that those same characteristics were a double-edged sword.

  The more Tracy spoke, the more excited she became. Her hands gestured more emotively, and she leaned forward in her seat. Conversely, Kate retreated into herself. Allison watched as the younger woman's shoulders caved and her jaw clenched as she fought to hold in a few choice words.

  “I’m sure the last thing Kate wants to talk about after a long day is more work,” Allison joked.

  Kate gave a tight smile, and Tracy tutted. “It’s always good to brainstorm. You never know when your next idea might pop up.”

  "Yes, but this is a family dinner." Kate lifted an eyebrow meaningfully, and Tracy shrugged and muttered to herself.

  “I’ll have to stop by the bakery some time,” Allison said to Kate.

  “That would be nice, but make sure you pop over in the late morning. That’s the only time we get a bit of a break.”

  “You still haven’t hired more help?” Tracy asked, her voice incredulous. “You can’t keep working like this.”

  “I’m not complaining.”

  “That’s not what Mom says. I heard you and Jamie had to cut your hours. That can’t be good for business.”

  Allison winced as Kate straightened in her seat, placing her elbows on the table. It seemed her patience had finally worn off.

  "Jamie and I decided to cut our hours so we could have more of a work-life balance. It wasn't that we couldn't handle the work. Could we do with more help? Sure, but we want to grow organically and smartly. Hiring someone else right now doesn't make sense."

  "My offer to invest in the bakery still stands," Tracy said. "I don't understand why you won't accept my help."

  Allison drew a shaky breath as her heart rate kicked up a notch. Kate had sat up with pride when Allison first brought up the bakery, and Tracy belittled everything she'd done.

  I’ll have to talk to her about this. How is it that I never noticed how insensitive Tracy could be? Or did I ignore it?

  Allison mentally berated herself. Ever since "the incident," as she liked to call it, she'd found herself finding more faults with Tracy. She didn't know if that was because she wasn't working anymore and had more time to spend with her girlfriend, or if she was overly sensitive.

  Tracy raised her hands. "Okay, I’ll stop. You look like you want to kill me. We're family, and I want to help."

  “I’ll be sure to let you know the moment I need your assistance. Until then, Jamie and I are going to do our own thing when it comes to Patsy’s Bakery.”

  “And for what it’s worth, I think you’re doing an exceptional job. I’ve seen the comments on Facebook. People love what you’ve done with the place.”

  “You’ve been checking up on me?” Kate asked, her eyes wide.

  “You’re my baby sister. I’ve got to keep an eye on you.”

  With that, all three women tucked into their meals, making small talk until the waiter cleared their plates with an offer of dessert.

  “I’m going to pass,” Kate said, smiling. “I work with sweets all day. The last thing I want to eat in my time off is more sugar.”

  Allison laughed. “I never thought of that. Celebrations must be tough for you.”

  “They are. I never want to be rude, especially at a birthday party, but all I can have is a bite or two. I’m always testing new recipes which means I’m always eating cake or pastry. But enough about me. What do you do?”

  Allison's face dropped as she was reminded for the first time that day that things had changed for her after the incident. She was, for all intents and purposes, unemployed with no idea of what her future held. Allison stared down at her hands and twiddled her thumbs before Tracy placed her hand on her knee.

  “Allison is a gifted architect. Up until a month ago, she was a partner at a top firm.”

  “And now?” Kate asked gently.

  Allison looked up. “And now I’m trying to find my next thing.”

  “Does that have anything to do with why you guys moved to Rose Lake?”

  Tracy’s phone rang. “Sorry, babe. This is my emergency line. I’ve got to take it, but don’t feel pressured to answer anything you don’t want to.”

  With those words, Tracy left the table, and Allison stared at Kate with apprehension. The younger woman's eyes softened.

  “Tracy’s right. You don’t have to tell me anything. Not if it’s going to upset you.”

  Allison sighed. As much as she appreciated that sentiment, she'd have to come clean eventually. She was moving to Rose Lake after all, and Kate was Tracy's sister. Despite their strained relationship, Allison had no doubt she would see a lot of her girlfriend’s sister. Hiding the real reason for the move was going to get old fast.

  “No, it’s okay.”

  Allison shut her eyes and took a deep breath. It had been a while since she'd had to tell the story. After the incident, she'd called Tracy who in turn had informed Allison's parents. Allison herself only had to retell the story to her therapist upon their first meeting. Her throat constricted as she fought to get the words out.

  “Over a month ago I got mugged on my way home from work. Thankfully, I wasn’t hurt physically. He took my purse and ran off. I tried therapy, but I still found it hard to work and live in the same city where it happened, so I told Tracy I had to leave. She suggested we come here.”

  Allison lifted her gaze, expecting to see pity in Kate's eyes. Instead, she saw admiration and a hint of protection. Allison's breath hitched. Kate was looking at her as if she was some hero, when in fact she was a coward who’d packed up and run.

  "You're so brave," Kate said, her voice low.

  “I’m not. I couldn’t leave my apartment for a whole week. I quit my job because I couldn’t stand walking that same street. I decided to move despite my therapist’s advice. Nothing about that sounds brave to me.”

  Kate stretched her hand across the table and placed it over Allison’s. The blonde woman stared at their connected hands through watery eyes, and a warmth spread over her chest. Kate stroked the side of her thumb, sending electric shocks up Allison’s arm.

  How could one simple action make her feel safe and vulnerable at the same time?

  "Hey," Kate said. "Don't put yourself down. You're a survivor. You could still be lying in that bed, but you're not. And yeah, you didn't want to live in the same city where you got attacked. That's normal! It sounds to me like you want a fresh start, and that's nothing to be ashamed of. The fact that you were willing to give up so much for your health and happiness tells me you've got your head screwed on straight. I don't care what any therapist says. Only you know what's best for you. The way I see it, life gave you lemons, and you're making lemonade."

  Allison finally lifted her eyes to Kate's, and her heart ached as she saw the same affection behind those blue eyes. Kate wasn't trying to make her feel better; she meant every word she said. For the first time in a long time, Allison started to think that maybe she was a lot stronger than she'd given h
erself credit for.

  Letting go of a position she'd spent seven years fighting to get to had been hard. Committing to moving to a new town, with someone she'd only dated for six months, had been terrifying. But Allison had taken it all in stride. Nothing I've done is noteworthy, but I guess I did pick myself up.

  "Thank you," Allison said. "After the incident, I didn't know what to do or how to feel. The fact that my therapist was asking me to do things I didn't feel comfortable doing only added to my stress. I had to stop seeing her and have been trying to find ways to cope. I'm doing okay, but I've been in this funky mental place for the longest time, you know? Things that never upset me before upset me now."

  “You’re allowed to be there for as long as you need to be. What happened to you was life-changing, and you’re handling it like a champ.”

  Allison smiled. “Maybe you should be my therapist. It’s so easy to open up to you, and you don’t make me feel horrible.”

  "That's because I believe most people know what's best for them. They need support and encouragement to go after it."

  Kate withdrew her hand quickly and eased into her seat. Allison immediately felt the loss of connection. While Tracy had been supportive and physically present, Allison had never felt comfortable enough opening up to the level that she had with Kate. What did that say about their relationship?

  Allison instantly regretted her line of thought. Tracy and Kate were two different people. It wasn't fair to compare them. They each had their strengths, and Tracy had been an amazing girlfriend through all of this. She'd picked up her life and moved for Allison even though it would be hard for her to relocate.

  If that’s not love, I don’t know what is.

  “Sorry about that,” Tracy said, sitting down. “This upcoming launch has got the team on edge. They’re running around like chickens with their heads cut off.”

  “It’s okay,” Allison said. “I understand. I’m glad you agreed to move here so soon.”

  Tracy pecked Allison’s cheek. “Anything for you.”

  She hugged Allison, but the embrace didn't get a reaction from Allison's body. What did, though, was the feel of Kate's eyes roaming her skin. The younger woman's gaze was like a laser beam, setting off goosebumps wherever it landed.

  Allison shut her eyes and mentally groaned.

  Dammit. I'm attracted to my girlfriend's sister. I need to get myself together. This can't be happening.

  3

  "You shouldn't be doing that," Tracy's mother said, walking into the kitchen with the last of the dishes. The middle-aged woman had thrown a welcome home party for her oldest daughter, and while it had been a pleasant way to spend the day, Allison needed a moment to herself to recoup. Allison was an only child. The energy and personality she'd encountered all day while trying to make a good first impression had overwhelmed her, which was why she stood at the sink, washing dishes.

  “It’s okay. I don’t mind.”

  Tracy’s mother tutted. “You’re a guest. Guests shouldn’t be washing dishes.”

  "I'm not a guest. I mean, I'm going to be living in Rose Lake and dating your daughter. I'd hate to presume, but I think that makes me more than a guest and a less than a fully fledged family member. Perhaps a friend of the family?"

  “I don’t know. I’ve never had anyone volunteer to help.”

  “Not even Amanda?”

  Tracy's mother scoffed. "I love my daughter-in-law, but she’s a bit of a klutz. I couldn't have her ruining my good china."

  “Glad to know I passed that test.”

  “You’ve passed more than one. I hope you won’t get mad at me for saying this, but Tracy told me about the event that led to the two of you moving here. I’m so sorry about what happened to you, honey.”

  Allison took a deep breath and welcomed the warmth that the look in Tracy’s mother’s eyes provided. It spoke of compassion and a touch of pride. There was no pity in her tone either.

  “Thanks.”

  “I mean it. And even though we’re more than acquaintances and less than family,” the older woman said, winking, “you can always talk to me about anything. Even that daughter of mine, who I know can be difficult from time to time.”

  “Really, Mom?” Tracy said, walking into the kitchen with her arms folded. “And here I thought you were my most avid advocate.”

  Allison giggled when she saw the mischievous glint in Tracy’s eyes. “Your mother’s a good woman. I’ll gladly take any tips she’s got on how to handle you.”

  “And I’ve got a lot to share,” Tracy’s mother said. “It’s my duty to help steer my children into a happy future.”

  Tracy rolled her eyes. "Don't you go getting any ideas about us adding to your brood of grandchildren out there. God, I can't believe Amanda is pregnant again. What's Keith trying to do? Start a football team?”

  "Five children is hardly a football team. Besides, your brother's picking up the slack for you and Kate. I don't know if it's a lesbian thing, but I want to see you both settled and happy. Preferably with children."

  Allison's shoulders shook as she held in her laughter. Her afternoon with the Morrison family had given her new insight into her girlfriend and Kate. Tracy got her blunt streak from her mother, while Kate got her more reserved, affectionate nature from her father. In the Morrison matriarch and patriarch, Allison saw both different personality styles complemented one another, provided both were willing to work on understanding and accepting each other.

  "Mom," Tracy said. "I'm happy, and I think Kate is, too. You've got to let us live our lives the way we see fit and be there for us."

  Allison's heart warmed as she recognized the words she'd spoken to Kate a couple of nights ago. After the awkward tension at dinner, Allison had gently brought up to Tracy that it seemed that Kate didn't appreciate her input when it came to Patsy's Bakery. To her surprise, Tracy had taken her advice and even called to apologize to her sister.

  I love how we’re helping each other grow and become better. Talk about relationship goals!

  Tracy's mother raised her hands. "Fine. I'll keep my thoughts to myself, but don't come crying to me with regrets that you didn't settle down sooner."

  Tracy shook her head as her mother left the kitchen. “How is it that a woman who was so progressive in accepting two lesbian daughters is so traditional when it comes to settling down and having kids early?”

  “We can’t all be perfect.”

  "No, we can't." Tracy rubbed the back of her neck. "I've got some bad news."

  Allison’s heart stopped, and her throat constricted. She turned off the tap and dried her hands on a dishcloth nearby. “What is it?”

  "Things with the launch of our new app aren't going well. Marcel called me in a panic. We have a bunch of bugs not only when it comes to the coding, but the design as well. I’m seriously thinking of heading out there to make sure this launch goes smoothly. If I don't, the last nine months of work are going to go down the drain. The app is for a huge client, and we can't afford to mess up."

  Allison shut her eyes and fought down the wave of anxiety engulfing her. Her hands shook as the thought of spending night after night by herself stirred her stomach. Right after the incident, images of her mugger breaking into her home haunted her, which was why she'd asked Tracy to move in. Even though she knew that wasn't a possibility now, she couldn't shake her fear.

  "Oh, God. I can see how much this is upsetting you," Tracy said, wrapping her arms around Allison. "I won’t go if it's going to upset you this much."

  Allison rested her blonde head against her girlfriend's shoulder and fought to hold in her tears. She needed to get her emotions under control. The last thing Allison wanted to do was have to take one of the pills her therapist had prescribed her for whenever she felt overwhelmed.

  The fact was that Tracy had to leave. Her business was on the line. Tracy had already made so many sacrifices by offering to move to Rose Lake, and Allison couldn’t find it in herself to ask Tracy to give
one more thing up.

  “It’s okay.” Allison squeezed her girlfriend’s arms. “I want you to go.”

  "But you're upset. I wouldn't even be able to focus on anything knowing you wouldn't be okay."

  Allison cupped Tracy’s cheek. “It’s sweet of you to think of me, but you put a lot of work into this. I’m not going to let it all fail because I’m scared of spending a few nights by myself.”

  “More like a month,” Tracy said, grimacing.

  Allison drew in a sharp breath. She was tempted to curl up into a ball and beg Tracy to at least consider cutting her trip short, but that would be selfish. She squared her shoulders and forced herself to utter words she hoped would be true in a few days’ time.

  “It’s fine. If I need you, I’ll call you.”

  “You could stay here.”

  “What? No. That’s going to invite more questions. Besides, I’d feel weird. I don’t know your family that well.”

  “Are you sure? Maybe you could come with me.”

  “That would be even worse.” Allison pecked Tracy’s cheek briefly. “What time do you have to leave?”

  “As soon as possible. If you give me the green light, I’ll head out right now.”

  Allison hugged Tracy tightly. “You have it. Go do what you have to do.”

  "Are you sure?" Tracy's eyes bore into Allison's. While there was fierce protection in her gaze, Allison could also see Tracy's longing to go and do what she was best at. How could anyone stand in the way of that?

  “I am.”

  Tracy’s lips curled up. “You’re the best.”

  An hour later, Allison sat on one of the chairs in the front porch of the Morrison family home, doing her best to stay calm. Tracy had booked a flight, then said her goodbyes. At this very moment, she was heading to the airport. Tracy had offered to drop Allison home, but Allison refused. She didn't want to be alone. There'd be plenty of that in the coming days.

  “Hey,” Kate said, dropping down into one of the chairs opposite Allison. “Are you okay?”

  Allison’s emotions bubbled up to the surface. Something about Kate’s warm energy caused her to drop her guard.