Mariana
The weeks have been flying by as I prepare to re-open The Rolling Pin. I didn’t realize how much I needed to get done to get this place up and running again.
Each day blurs into the next, but it’s been a welcome distraction. Between the renovations and spending every free moment with my mom in the hospital, I haven’t had much time to sit, let alone think.
And, honestly, that’s been a relief. The constant movement and constant noise leave no room for doubt. Admittedly, it’s been nice being on the go, lost in the hustle and bustle of opening my own place. My. Own. Place. I still can’t believe I get to say that. What a dream. How is this even my life? I’m equal parts excited and scared shitless.
I’ve been having so much fun these last few weeks, I forgot what it felt like. Testing out new recipes has been a dream, and Anna is more than happy to be my designated taste tester.
I want to keep The Rolling Pin mostly the same, amplify what already makes it special, while adding my own roots, my own culture.
I’ve been playing around with a coquito cupcake recipe, and I think I’m so close to perfecting it. Anna thinks I’m crazy, thatthe recipe is already great, but great isn't enough. It has to be perfect. I need everything to be perfect.
After hours of cleaning, I finally collapse onto the floor, which is a reminder that I still need tables and chairs, and let exhaustion seep into my bones.
The summer heat has settled in, thick and relentless, and I take a large gulp of ice-cold water. The condensation drips onto my fingers, and the cool contrast against my overheated skin feels too good.
I need to get the air conditioning running in here. Another thing to add to my never-ending to-do list. Every time I cross one thing off, five more things are added.
The bell chimes softly as the door swings open, and a wave of humid air rushes inside. Anna steps in first, and behind her….Oh. Oh, no. Sebastian.
I haven’t seen him since the school bake sale. He’s in uniform, and damn, he looks good. Broad shoulders, strong forearms, and looking way too damn sexy for me to handle.
My pulse jumps before I can stop it. I need to shut this down. Now. He looks… nice. Like an old friend. A regular old friend. Not someone who used to kiss me with more passion than I’ve ever felt in my entire life. Jeez, Mari. Get a grip.
“Um, friend, it’s looking great in here and all,” Anna says, fanning herself, “but it feels like a million degrees.”
“I’m aware.” I groan, rubbing my temples. “The air conditioner isn’t working, and I didn’t realize how bad it was until today. Now it’s impossible to ignore.”
“Ahem.”
I look up. Right. Sebastian. I still don’t know why he’s here.
“Seb, what are you doing here?” My voice comes out too sharp, my defenses rising fast. I really don’t want him to see me like this, sweaty, covered in dust, barely holding it together.
“Ahh, good to see you too, Mariana.” He smirks, but there’s something behind it, something careful.
“Sorry.” I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “I’m just hot… and tired… and there’s so much I still need to do.”
“Actually,” he says tentatively, “that’s why I’m here.”
I shoot up. “Oh, God. No. Whatever it is, I don’t wanna hear it.”
Sebastian hesitates, his lips pressing into a thin line. He runs a hand through his hair, and did I mention how good he looks in his uniform? Because, yeah. He looks really good.
“Fine,” I huff. “Just say whatever it is before I have a coronary over here.”
Seb nods. “The Rolling Pin needs to pass inspection before you’re allowed to reopen, and I can tell you right now, the place needs some major safety upgrades.”
My stomach plummets. I sit, then stand, then sit again. My vision tunnels, and my chest tightens. You’ve gotta be kidding me.
I was supposed to be done. I thought I just had to clean, refresh the menu, upgrade the furniture and open the doors. But now…safety upgrades? More expenses? More delays? How much? How long? I can’t breathe. The panic rushes in, fast and unforgiving. My head spins as I press my hands to my knees, trying to ground myself.
Anna and Sebastian move at the same time. Anna’s hand lands on my shoulder, firm and steady. “Mari, we got you, girl. I know this is a setback, but it’s gonna be okay.”
Sebastian crouches beside me, his presence solid, anchoring. His hand moves in slow circles against my back, his voice low and steady. “Inhale, exhale, Mariana. Slow, deep breaths.”
I’m hyper-aware of everything. His hand. His voice. The scent of clean soap and smoke clinging to his uniform. The wayhe feels safe. I do what he says. Inhale. Exhale. My lungs stretch, the panic ebbing away as his touch stays firm, unwavering.
