---- However, he was in over his head, and before long, the business tanked. Then he was on the run, dodging a mountain of debt. Natasha's cheeks ballooned with scorn. ''He got what was coming to him." I gave her cheek a playful squeeze. ''I stopped worrying about his drama ages ago." Years flew by. Natasha got into a great college. Frank finished his degree. With tears brimming in his eyes, he asked me, " Rebecca, after all these years, don't we stand a chance?" I ruffled his hair. ---- "Frank, we might not be sweethearts, but you're family to me. Thanks for sticking by me, you and your sister both." Soon after, Natasha headed off to a university far away. She clung to me tight before she left. "I'm off, Rebecca, and you'll be on your own." "Don't worry about me, I'll be fine." "Make sure you save me a slice of your cake when I get back." I dabbed at a tear sneaking down my cheek. Time marched on, and Frank tied the knot. Watching the lovebirds on stage, I sent a silent wish that every couple could find their slice of happiness ever after. The cake shop? It was still full of life, with kids ---- coming and going. I had seen so many little faces that I had lost count. Lately, I have started to notice the telltale signs of time etched at the corners of my eyes-those little lines that fan out like whispers of age. Each month, like clockwork, I was there waiting for the delivery van-the one that brought the creamy goodness I needed for my cakes. All those years, there was one constant on my route: the local convenience store, always open, a beacon of fluorescent light. An employee there, Thomas-a blast from the past I had not seen in forever-was just working his shifts, month in and month out, catching glimpses of me as I passed by. Me? I had been clueless, never once spotting him.