Chapter 28

1 Year and 6 Months Later

Paul has had a very successful year in the stock market again as well as the profits from Dawn's cafe. He currently owns 0.5% of Galactic Co.'s stock. Fortunately, whenever there is about to be a scandal at Galactic Co., Saturn is one of the first to hear about it, so he warns Paul before the price drops. That way, Paul can sell his shares at a high price and then reinvest once the news of Cyrus's scandal is out and the stock plummets again.

Due to the recent scandal, Cyrus has been laying low as well. He's been having too many mishaps, and a lot of people are keeping an eye on him, including the media and law enforcement. Thus, he hasn't bothered Paul yet, but Saturn still warns Paul to be careful. Also, Cyrus wanted to open a club in Twinleaf Town near the cafe to take away Dawn's customers, but Saturn managed to convince the board that it's a useless project since Galactic Co. focuses on technology. Fortunately, the board agreed, and Cyrus's plan was rejected.

Dawn's cafe is very successful, especially after Twinleaf Town's expansion. There are more residents in the town, and since her cafe/bar is well known now, she gets a line of customers waiting to enter it. Dawn is looking to expand the ground level so that she can have more customers. She's been talking to a recent investor about this. They want to add on a glasshouse outdoor extension so customers can enjoy the weather during warmer seasons, but would be protected from the cold during chillier seasons.

Moreover, Dawn has hired more staff, so the cafe hours have extended until 3PM rather than noon. She's gone back to school to finish her degree while she promoted Zoey, Kenny, and Barry as shift leads. Maylene is still a bouncer there as well as Paul. He was let go from the construction job because his shoulder hadn't fully healed, so he couldn't do adequate work. Fortunately, Dawn lowers his rent, and he gets his profits as an investor in the cafe.

After Dawn's confession to Paul, he suggested they just stay friends. He isn't looking for a relationship and doesn't want to be distracted from his plans. Dawn agreed but told him she just wants him to know. Of course, Paul has no idea what this means, and the two have been going about their days as friends. Paul is still skeptical of her because he hasn't figured out who told the mob about him, but he isn't cold to Dawn anymore.

"Summer is my favorite season." Maylene says as she breathes in the fresh air. She is standing outside of the backdoor since there is already a line of people at the locked front door. Dawn is beside her as well while they prepare for the intense night ahead. Barry couldn't come in today, so Dawn offered to cover his shift. The other 2 workers are currently inside getting ready.

The two women have spent a lot of time together at the bar, and Dawn has grown to like Maylene. She's dependent and trustworthy. While Maylene likes Dawn too, she doesn't trust the younger woman. Maylene and Paul still haven't figured out the culprit is to the harbor incident almost 2 years ago.

"I like it too, but winter is my favorite." Dawn blushes.

Maylene notices this and laughs. "Is it due to a certain grumpy tenant?"

Dawn's blush deepens as she waves a hand in front of her face. "Wow! This summer heat is intense." She lies.

"Paul isn't a people person." Maylene reassures the younger woman.

"I know." Dawn laughs. She then looks at Maylene. "How do you put up with him?"

The older woman looks at the ground and sighs. "I owe him."

"Because you reported him to the police?" Maylene snaps her attention to the bluenette who sheepishly smiles at her. "Paul told me a long time ago. Sorry."

Maylene gives her a soft smile. "It's not really a secret." she chuckles.

"You know, I really thought you two were dating." Dawn laughs as she thinks back to when she first met Maylene. "I kept asking Paul about you."

"I would never date Paul!" Exclaims an amused pinkette. "That's also why I told you we were just friends when I met you."

"Never say never." Dawn knowingly responds.

"I love someone else." Maylene softly replies.

Dawn gives her a concerned look. "I like Paul, but he doesn't like me back." The younger woman confesses. "I told him over a year ago, so just know, I'll help support you as best I can!"

The older woman smiles at the bluenette. "Thanks, Dawn. But that's not my problem." She then looks up to the beautiful clear sky. "The man I love loved me too."

"Loved?" Dawn emphasizes the past tense.

Maylene nods while keeping her gaze above. "I love Paul's brother." She then gives Dawn a smile. "That's why I'll never like Paul. He's like a little brother to me." She giggles. Dawn finds herself hugging Maylene while a few tears fall down the bluentte's cheeks. Maylene hugs her back. "I'm okay now, Dawn. Thank you." She tries to comfort the crying girl.

"I never knew! I'm sorry I was so mean to you!"

"It's okay, Dawn." the pinkette smiles. "I appreciate the thought, and I'm doing a lot better now that you, Paul, Kenny, Barry, and Zoey are in my life."

Dawn lets go of Maylene and looks at her. "We'll never leave you, Maylene!" She extends a thumbs up. "No need to worry!" Maylene smiles. She finds it really hard to believe Dawn is a spy, but then again, it's usually the ones you least expect. The two women then head inside for their shift.