Sincerely, Sinclair || Sinclair Bryant x Reader ||

Chapter 7: The Invitation

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"Well, humble or not, I was hoping that the two of you would attend on Saturday," 

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As fast as the next morning came around, I made a beeline for Jade's bakery. I knew Jade would be there early to get to work on some orders, so I figured I'd catch up with her before things got hectic. However, with the way business had been, I feared that Jade wouldn't be busy at all. 

Jade was eager to hear about how the second date had gone, considering that she didn't have the opportunity to be a part of the preparation this time. I told her about dinner and how Sinclair's house was much more than I had anticipated. I also told her about how I had let Sinclair down easy...for now.

"Oh, [Y/N]. I hate that you turned him down." Jade sighed, her line of sight never tearing away from the layered birthday cake that she was currently piping icing onto.

Jade's nimble fingers held the piping bag expertly as she moved effortlessly from dollop to dollop of the pink icing. I was mesmerized as I witnessed Jade create one of the best looking cakes that my eyes ever did see. 

"I did NOT turn him down. I simply told him that I wasn't ready and that I'd like to see him again." I corrected, taking a bite from the freshly baked cupcake in my hand.

Jade's silky hair was neatly tied behind her, the inky black locks of hair resting behind her face to keep from getting too close to the cake. Her earrings swayed when she shook her head in disapproval.

"You're putting this off. I thought you liked him?" Jade questioned.

"I do like him, but-"

"You can't string him along like this. Either you date him or you don't." Jade said in a way than was less than her usually pleasant tone.

I was stunned silent at Jade's out of character reaction. My eyes widened in surprise and my movements stilled. 

"Jade, I'm...I'm sorry. I didn't realize you felt so strongly about it, I-"

Jade interrupted with a harsh sigh, one that I knew held much more weight behind it than what was on the surface.

"No, I'm sorry. It's not you," She admitted, setting the piping bag down to give her wrist a break, "It's this whole mess with the bakery. I'm going to lose this place before the end of summer."

It was the beginning of June now, meaning Jade had just under two months to scrounge up enough money to keep the bakery afloat. It frustrated her, because there was a time where she was more than able to make enough money to keep everything in business. Now it seems that Simmons' Sweets had just fallen too far behind to catch back up. I accepted Jade's apology, not even sweating it in the slightest.

"What are you going to do if you can't get enough money in time?" I questioned, setting my unwrapped and half eaten cupcake to be finished later.

Jade's shoulders lifted and then sank in a motion of defeat. Her dark brown irises were gleaming as always, but they still didn't contain their usual luster.

"I have no idea. I'd have to move in with my sister and get a job there." Jade stated, her heart sinking at the mere thought of moving so far away.

"Then you'd be living in an entirely different country. We'd never get to see you!" I shrilled, suddenly very aware of the situation at hand.

"I know, but I don't have much of a choice. Your and Audrey's flats aren't made for more than one person," Jade replied, untying her apron from around her back, "Let's face it. This place is past the point of going belly up."