A/N:

Thanks to Sylvia Chrzonowski for the favorite and follow

Chapter 3: Tiffany

She wasn't sure how she got there. With all the emotions and thoughts in her head, she just let herself wander around and somehow ended up in that place.

The sound of the bell brought her attention to the door where a customer was coming out. She told herself that the delicious smell of baked goods tempted her to go in.

"Tiffany." The surprised tone of the woman in the front counter made her question her decision.

"Hello Aunt Veronica, long time no see." She shoved her hands in the pockets of her black parka.

"What brings you here?"

Tiff turned her gaze to the glass case displaying all sorts of sumptuous goodies. "Uh, maybe I can have one of those..."

"Cinnamon rolls," her aunt finished for her. The assistant placed one in a brown bag and handed it to her.

"Uh, how much..."

Veronica interrupted her again. "No need, it's on the house." Then she turned to her assistant. "Jen, wrap me one of those meat buns. I'll be back in an hour." She removed her apron and received the bread from Jen.

Tiff stayed rooted in her place until her aunt reached her. "Well, are you just gonna stand there? Come along, we don't have all day." The younger woman smiled despite Veronica's seemingly harsh tone. That was how her aunt had always been.

She just continued following her aunt until she recognized the place. "Wait a minute."

"It's right here, isn't it?" She kept looking around until she found it. "Ah, there it is." She sat down at the bench - her mother's bench. Tiff sat beside her.

Veronica placed the paper bag on her lap. "I remember me and your mom used to come here to talk about the struggles of being married to the Wallace brothers."

Tiff smiled. She knew that most of her aunt's family are from Florida so she treated Regina as a sister. "That couldn't have been easy."

"You know how stubborn your uncle is..." Veronica crossed her arms. "He wouldn't exactly be happy to know about your visit." She looked intently at her niece. "So why are you here?" Before Tiff could respond, she added, "And don't try to be a smartass with me and tell me that you just followed me."

The agent chuckled. "How did you know that I was gonna say that?"

"I know you too well, Tiffany," she said, smirking. "Now, enough deflecting and just tell me."

Tiff shrugged. "I honestly don't know. I was just walking and my feet led me to the bakery."

Her aunt took the paper bag and brought out the bread. "You should also eat yours before it gets cold. You know it's best eaten warm." After taking a bite and swallowing, she asked, "How's your brother?"

The agent almost dropped her food but thanks to her reflex, she caught it mid-air. "So you've heard," she replied after settling her nerves.

"Yes, Erika updates me from time to time." At her niece's silence, Veronica continued, "Don't be so surprised. We might not always agree on things but we're still family."

"Bryan is getting the help he needs through therapy. Last time we visited him, he's doing alright." Tiff started eating her roll.

"So that's not the reason," her aunt murmured. "How was work?"

When her niece cast her eyes downward, Veronica knew she hit the nail in the head. Tiff took a beat before answering, "Good."

Her aunt raised her eyebrow. "But..."

Sighing, Tiff knew she had to tell everything to her aunt. "We recently lost a good agent and it's sort of my fault." She then quietly added, "He was a good friend."

Veronica held her niece's arm. "I'm so sorry to hear that. There are things that happen in life that we may not know the reason why but we have to continue on." She gave her a smile. "I'm sure your friend wouldn't want you to blame yourself."

Tiff snorted. "The way Uncle Gary doesn't blame me for what happened to Terrence?"

"Well, I did say he's stubborn." Tiff smiled at that. Her aunt continued, "I admit that I was hurt when that happened. But I saw Terrence continue doing his good work inside. Sure, not everyone agrees with him but he just keeps going." Veronica gave her a smile. "And you should too. I know that you believe in the work that you do so, keep doing it." The agent nodded and continued eating.

When they finished their food, they both said their goodbyes. "I'm sure Regina would be so proud of you. Remember, Tiff, no matter what happens, we're family and well, I at least, am here for you."

Tiff laughed. "Thank you."

Veronica said, "From what I hear from Terrence, you have good people in your life now who could help you." She smiled, remembering her partner Stuart and how he tried to support her and so did the rest of the team. She waved to her aunt before walking home, feeling lighter.

Notes:

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