Ramona gasped. “You two broke up? Why?”
“Do you mind?” A spark of temper showed in Leonard’s eyes when he met Doreen’s gaze. Good. “You don’t know what you want, Dorie. You’re your own worst enemy. You want all or nothing, but all or nothing of what? Do you even know?”
Doreen unclenched her teeth. “I know exactly what I want.”
“So do I. I want a wife.”
Ramona gasped again. “Leo proposed to you?”
Doreen ignored Ramona’s interruption. “Your definition of a wife is someone who sits at home, waiting for you with dinner on the table.”
Leonard’s expression twisted as his temper built. “I want someone I can share my life with.”
“But you aren’t willi
ng to share hers.”
Ramona’s hum interrupted their exchange. “She’s got you there, Leo.”
Doreen shook her head. “Ramona, please.”
Leonard turned his temper to Ramona. “Mind your business.”
Ramona sipped her coffee, but never took her attention from Doreen and Leonard. Doreen looked around and realized Ramona wasn’t the only customer using her and Leonard as entertainment. Even Yvette watched them with a dismayed expression.
“Come on.” Doreen led the way into the kitchen.
“I told you,” Leonard muttered.
Doreen took a position beside the ovens and glared across the room at Leonard. “I had no idea you were such a selfish person.”
Leonard pressed an index finger to his chest. “I’m selfish? You’re the one who’s walking away from our relationship because you don’t have time for me.”
“I’m not going to give up who I want to be. If that’s not the woman you want to live with, then go ahead and have lunch with Yvette.” She nodded toward the dining area, just beyond the kitchen door.
Leonard tossed his arms. “So that’s it? You’re walking away from me? From us?”
Doreen battled the tears burning her eyes. “You broke up with me.”
“I’m in love with you, Dorie.”
Doreen crossed her arms. “You’ve got a strange way of showing it.”
“How long am I supposed to wait for you?”
She shook her head. “You’re in love with who you want me to be. But I’ve finally figured out who I want to be. I won’t let anyone else take that decision away from me. Not even you.”
She held his gaze for what seemed like an eternity. She willed him to change his heart, to be supportive, excited, happy for her. Leonard finally broke eye contact and turned away. Doreen leaned against the kitchen counter, watching Leonard leave. She lowered her head and slapped away the tears that dared to trail across her cheeks.
“Doreen?” Ramona stood in the kitchen doorway. “Leo’s gone.”
“What?” Doreen straightened from the counter.
“He and Yvette have left Books and Bakery. Are you all right?”
“I will be.” She hoped. Doreen turned toward the cabinet above the counter. She selected a coffee mug and filled it with water.
“Do you want me to get Megan?”