Butter Croissants and Bad Dates

Layla, a talented baker and co-owner of a cozy bakehouse on a Christmas tree farm, endures yet another terrible first date with a man who belittles her and ditches her with the bill. Frustrated by a string of disappointing men, she reflects on her friends' happy relationships and wonders if she's destined to settle for less. Layla's yearning for genuine connection and her exhaustion with dating's pitfalls are palpable. She wants someone who makes her feel seen, cherished, and comfortable in the small, everyday moments. Her vulnerability and humor shine through as she dreams of a love that feels like home, even as she doubts such a person exists for her.

Rescue at the Beach Bar

After her date abandons her, Layla runs into Caleb Alvarez, a gentle, reliable man from her small town, at a beach bar. Caleb, usually a background figure in her life, surprises her with his warmth, humor, and unexpected attractiveness. He offers her a ride home, rescuing her from both logistical trouble and emotional defeat. Their easy banter and the comfort of his presence spark something new in Layla. Caleb's quiet heroism and genuine care stand in stark contrast to the men she's dated, planting the first seeds of hope that maybe, just maybe, she deserves more than crumbs.

The Social Experiment Proposal

During the drive home, Layla and Caleb commiserate over their mutual dating woes. Caleb confesses his own struggles—he's always "too much" or "too nice," and his relationships never last. Layla admits to settling for less out of fear of being alone. In a moment of inspiration, Caleb proposes they date each other as a "social experiment"—to practice being treated well and to learn what they're doing wrong. Layla is caught off guard but intrigued. The idea of a safe, honest arrangement where they can both be themselves and receive real feedback is both terrifying and exhilarating.

Croissants, Confessions, and Car Rides

Caleb misses his usual bakery visits, leaving Layla anxious and overthinking their conversation. When he finally returns, he apologizes for his absence and asks her out for their first "practice" date. Their interactions are laced with nervousness, attraction, and a growing sense of safety. Both are haunted by past disappointments, but the arrangement gives them permission to be honest and vulnerable. Layla's friends encourage her to take the leap, and Caleb's steadfastness begins to chip away at her defenses. The stage is set for something real to blossom under the guise of experimentation.

The Arrangement Begins

Their first official date—a roller skating rink—goes hilariously awry, with Caleb proving to be a disaster on wheels. Despite the chaos, Layla finds herself genuinely enjoying his company. The night is filled with laughter, gentle teasing, and the kind of fun she's been missing. Even when things go wrong, Caleb's kindness and humility shine through. Layla realizes that being treated well isn't just a fantasy, and Caleb starts to believe he might not be "too much" after all. Their arrangement, meant to be a safe experiment, quickly becomes the highlight of their lives.

Roller Rink Catastrophe

The roller rink date is a comedic mess—Caleb falls repeatedly, teenagers heckle them, and nothing goes as planned. Yet, the disaster brings them closer, stripping away pretenses and allowing them to see each other's flaws and strengths. Layla is charmed by Caleb's earnestness, and Caleb is captivated by Layla's resilience and humor. They agree to keep dating for a month, with the understanding that honesty and feedback are key. The night ends with nachos in the grass, laughter, and the first glimmers of real intimacy.

Escape Room Mayhem

Their next date—a zombie-themed escape room—descends into chaos with the addition of their town's most eccentric firefighters. Amidst fake body parts and shouting, Layla and Caleb work together, supporting each other through the madness. Caleb gets a black eye, but Layla's care and concern reveal how much they already mean to each other. The experience cements their partnership, showing that even in the most ridiculous situations, they make a great team. Their physical and emotional closeness grows, blurring the lines between arrangement and something more.

Baking, Boundaries, and Breakthroughs

As their arrangement continues, Layla and Caleb navigate boundaries, fears, and the growing intensity of their feelings. Layla confides her insecurities about her worth and her bakery's upcoming magazine feature. Caleb reassures her, seeing her in ways no one else has. Their first real kiss happens in the rain, a moment of pure, cinematic romance that leaves them both breathless. The kiss is a turning point—no longer just an experiment, their relationship is charged with longing, hope, and the terrifying possibility of real love.

The Kiss in the Rain

The rain-soaked kiss unleashes a flood of desire and vulnerability. Layla and Caleb can no longer deny their attraction or the depth of their connection. They begin to explore physical intimacy, each encounter marked by care, communication, and mutual discovery. Layla, who has never felt truly seen or satisfied, finds in Caleb a partner who is patient, attentive, and eager to learn what she needs. Their arrangement becomes a safe space for healing old wounds and building trust, but the looming end date casts a shadow over their happiness.

Falling for the Good Guy

As Layla's magazine feature approaches, the whole town rallies to support her after a power outage threatens to ruin everything. Caleb orchestrates a rescue mission, enlisting friends and family to save the day. The experience shows Layla how loved and valued she is—not just by Caleb, but by her entire community. Caleb's unwavering support and the town's collective effort help her see her own worth. The magazine feature is a success, and Layla begins to believe she might deserve the "whole damn cake" after all.

The Magazine Meltdown

When disaster strikes the bakery, Layla is overwhelmed by fear and self-doubt. Caleb and the town come together to help her rebuild, baking through the night and restoring the shop to its former glory. The crisis becomes a testament to the strength of their bond and the love that surrounds them. Layla's vulnerability is met with compassion and action, proving that she is never truly alone. The experience deepens her feelings for Caleb and forces her to confront the possibility of lasting happiness.

The Town Rallies

With the magazine feature a triumph, Layla and Caleb face the end of their one-month arrangement. Both are afraid to admit how much they want more. Misunderstandings and old fears resurface, leading to a painful conversation where they agree to end the experiment. Layla, terrified of repeating past mistakes, pulls away, convinced she's not ready for real love. Caleb, heartbroken but patient, promises to keep showing up for her, hoping she'll find the courage to trust herself and their connection.

The End of the Arrangement

In the aftermath, both struggle with the loss. Layla is haunted by regret and the realization that she's been running from the very thing she wants most. Caleb, guided by his family's wisdom and his own steadfast heart, refuses to give up. The town's phone tree, always meddling, gives Layla the nudge she needs. With the support of friends and a hard-won understanding of her own fears, Layla decides to fight for what she wants. She grades Caleb's "performance" and, in a heartfelt confession, tells him she's falling in love.

Fear, Doubt, and Distance

Layla's journey is marked by fear—of being hurt, of making the wrong choice, of not being enough. Through honest conversations with friends and mentors, she confronts the roots of her doubt. She realizes that love is always a risk, but some people are worth the fall. Caleb's patience and unwavering belief in her help her find the courage to try again. Their reunion is tender, honest, and full of hope for a future built on trust, vulnerability, and mutual care.

The Final Grade

Layla presents Caleb with a "final grade" for their experiment, using it as a vehicle to confess her love and apologize for her fear. Caleb, overjoyed, reciprocates with his own declaration. They agree to a new arrangement—one without pretense or expiration dates. Their love is no longer an experiment, but a choice they make every day. The chapter is a celebration of second chances, forgiveness, and the transformative power of being truly seen and loved.

Falling Together

In the epilogue, Layla and Caleb are living together, surrounded by the warmth of their chosen family and the joy of everyday life. Their love is playful, passionate, and deeply rooted in friendship and respect. The town continues to meddle, but now it's in celebration of their happiness. Caleb proposes in their kitchen, surrounded by the scents and sounds that have always brought them together. Layla, finally trusting herself and her heart, says yes. Their story ends not with a grand gesture, but with the quiet, enduring promise of falling together—again and again.

Characters

Layla Dupree

Layla is a gifted baker and co-owner of a beloved bakehouse, known for her warmth, wit, and the comfort she brings to her small town. Outwardly confident and independent, she is haunted by a string of failed relationships and a deep-seated fear that she's unworthy of real love. Layla's longing for connection is matched only by her terror of being hurt again. Her journey is one of learning to trust herself, to accept that she deserves more than crumbs, and to risk her heart for the possibility of true happiness. Through her relationship with Caleb, she discovers the courage to be vulnerable, to ask for what she needs, and to believe in the kind of love she's always dreamed of.

Caleb Alvarez

Caleb is the embodiment of the "good guy"—kind, reliable, and deeply caring. A former deputy turned teacher, he is beloved in his community for his generosity and patience. Caleb struggles with feeling "too much" or "too nice," often overlooked or taken for granted in relationships. His crush on Layla has simmered for years, but he never dared to hope she'd see him as more than a friend. The arrangement gives him the chance to show his true self, to love without reservation, and to prove that kindness is not a weakness. Caleb's journey is about embracing his own worth, setting boundaries, and fighting for the love he knows he deserves.

Stella Bloom

Stella is Layla's best friend and business partner, the pragmatic heart of the bakehouse. She is the voice of reason and encouragement, always ready with a pep talk or a reality check. Stella's own journey to love has made her wise to the ways fear can sabotage happiness. She pushes Layla to take risks, to be honest with herself, and to accept the love that's right in front of her. Stella's unwavering support is a crucial anchor for Layla throughout the story.

Beckett Porter

Beckett is the farm's head of operations and a close friend to both Layla and Stella. Though he presents a tough exterior, he is deeply caring and always ready to help those he loves. Beckett's own experience with vulnerability and love gives him a unique perspective on Layla's struggles. He offers practical support, emotional wisdom, and the occasional tough love needed to nudge Layla in the right direction.

Evelyn "Evie" Jones

Evie is Beckett's partner and a source of gentle encouragement for Layla. She understands the challenges of opening up and trusting in love, offering a compassionate ear and thoughtful advice. Evie's presence is calming, and her belief in Layla's worth helps counteract the self-doubt that plagues her friend.

Luka Peters

Luka is Stella's partner and a steadying force in the group. His easygoing nature and unwavering support make him a safe haven for those around him. Luka's relationship with Stella serves as a model for Layla, showing that love can be both passionate and peaceful, built on trust and mutual respect.

Alex Alvarez

Caleb's brother, Alex, is a source of comic relief and sage advice. He is quick to tease but even quicker to defend those he loves. Alex's insights into Caleb's patterns and his encouragement to be honest about his feelings are instrumental in pushing Caleb toward happiness.

Charlie Porter

Charlie, Beckett's half-brother, is a larger-than-life presence who delights in stirring the pot. His humor and boldness mask a deep loyalty to his family and friends. Charlie's involvement in the town's phone tree and his relentless matchmaking provide both chaos and clarity, often forcing the main characters to confront their true feelings.

Ms. Beatrice

Ms. Beatrice is the town's other baker and Layla's secret mentor. Their "rivalry" is a front for a deep, supportive friendship. Beatrice's tough love and hard-won wisdom help Layla see her own value and push her to stop settling for less. She is a living example of resilience and the power of second chances.

Gus

Gus is the town's resident gossip and a fixture at the bakehouse. His nosiness and blunt observations often provide much-needed perspective (and humor) for Layla. Despite his meddling, Gus's loyalty and affection for his friends are never in doubt.

Plot Devices

The "Practice Dating" Arrangement

The central device of the story is the agreement between Layla and Caleb to "date" each other as a social experiment. This arrangement allows both characters to lower their defenses, be honest about their needs, and practice healthy relationship skills without the pressure of real stakes—or so they think. The structure provides a framework for exploring boundaries, communication, and the difference between settling and thriving. As the experiment progresses, the lines between practice and reality blur, forcing both to confront their true feelings and the risks of genuine intimacy.

Small Town as Character

The town of Inglewild is more than a backdrop—it's an active participant in the story. The phone tree, the bakehouse, and the interconnected lives of its residents create a sense of belonging and accountability. The town's collective meddling, support, and celebration of love serve as both obstacle and safety net, pushing the characters toward growth and healing.

Food as Metaphor

Food—especially Layla's baking—is a recurring symbol of care, creativity, and the desire to nurture others. The act of baking becomes a metaphor for Layla's journey: the courage to try, the patience to wait for something to rise, and the willingness to start over when things fall apart. Sharing food is an act of love, and the bakehouse is a sanctuary where Layla learns to believe she deserves the "whole damn cake."

Miscommunication and Fear of Vulnerability

The story uses miscommunication and the characters' fear of being hurt as sources of tension and foreshadowing. Both Layla and Caleb are haunted by past disappointments, and their reluctance to be fully honest leads to setbacks and heartbreak. These moments are not just obstacles but opportunities for growth, forcing them to choose courage over comfort.

Community Rescue and Found Family

When disaster strikes the bakehouse, the town's collective effort to save the day serves as the emotional climax. This plot device affirms Layla's worth, the power of community, and the idea that love is not just romantic but communal. It's a turning point that allows both Layla and Caleb to see themselves—and each other—through the eyes of those who love them.

Analysis

Mixed Signals is a heartfelt, witty, and emotionally resonant exploration of what it means to risk your heart after disappointment. Through the lens of a "practice dating" arrangement, B.K. Borison crafts a story that is both a celebration and a deconstruction of the romance genre's tropes. The novel's greatest strength lies in its honesty: it acknowledges the messiness of love, the scars of past hurt, and the courage required to try again. Layla and Caleb's journey is a testament to the power of kindness, vulnerability, and community. The book argues that real love is not about perfection or grand gestures, but about showing up—again and again—for yourself and for each other. It's about believing you deserve more than crumbs, and having the courage to ask for the whole damn cake. In a world where so many settle for less, Mixed Signals is a reminder that the best things in life are worth the risk, and that sometimes, the greatest love stories begin with a simple act of kindness and a butter croissant.

Last updated: December 23, 2025