Chapter 192. The Neighbors

Candice

I jolted awake, the mouthwatering scent of freshly baked treats wafting through the air. As I stretched out my arms and legs, I felt that familiar ache around my hip bones.

"Oh, shit!"

I took my sweet time heading to the bathroom, going through my morning routine of brushing my teeth and splashing water on my face.

“Lia!” I called out as I strolled into the kitchen, convinced she was the mastermind behind that heavenly smell.

Suddenly, a scream pierced the air as Aunt Josephine popped out of the pantry. “Candice!” she exclaimed, rubbing her head. “You scared me! Don’t sneak up on people like that!”

“Sorry, I was just calling for Lia,” I said, and just then, the oven timer went off, prompting her to dash over.

She pulled out a tray of what looked like red velvet cinnamon rolls and set it down next to a strawberry shortcake. My mouth watered at the sight of my favorite treat.

“How’s your hip, princess?” she asked