Chapter Thirty-Three
The lines wound around the block in front of the Bumblebee Bakery, and the atmosphere was as festive as the ones where people used to line up all night to get the latest iPhones.
It was all thanks to Denton’s new invention. The genius had rigged up a 3D printing system that spit out chocolate or colored sugar confectionary designs.
Leanna made her way from the back to the counter where the 3D printing system was set up. Next to it were trays of blank cupcakes waiting to be frosted and decorated.
Denton greeted her with a wave. “Hey, Boss. Our personalized cupcakes are flying out of the ovens.”
“That’s awesome.” Leanna blinked at the happy people taking selfies with their creations. “What’s the most popular design?”
“Actually, that would be reserved for private parties.” Denton cupped his mouth and spoke in Leanna’s ear. “But right now, it’s logos and mascots as well as cat and dog profiles.”
“I could have made all of the baby shower decorations with this,” Leanna said. “This is incredible.”
“We also have Chinese words for good luck,” Denton said. “Also cake toppers for birthdays, numbers and letters.”
“Will you be adding 3D scanning technology?” a customer asked Denton.
“Not yet,” he answered. “But I have an app developed where you can order ahead of time by sending me your design. Specify the size of the cake you want it on, and we can have it to you within a day.”
“Wow, that’s cool,” the customer said, walking away. “I have friends who scanned their body parts.”
“I can guess which parts,” Leanna said under her breath. She gave Denton a high five. “Looks like you’ll be needing help. I have two new workers for the summer.”
“Bring them in,” he said, swapping a tube of confectionary to add color to a design. “I can’t wait to meet your girls.”
“They’re in the back.” Leanna peeked into the kitchen and brought Soledad and Carmelita out to the counter area. “I’ll take over while you show them around. Carmelita, Soledad, this is Denton, my assistant.”
Carmelita was wearing less makeup than she had in Mexico, although she still had that nose piercing and polished her fingernails with ghastly colors. Fortunately, the gang tattoos on her hands were stick-ons, and she agreed not to wear any ink that could be misunderstood. While the extroverted Carmelita adjusted to her new life easily, Soledad was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, and she didn’t want to leave Carmelita’s side.
“It’s nice to meet you.” Denton smiled and shook both of their hands. “I’m going to put you two to hard labor, so no complaining.”
“Oh, huh,” Carmelita said. “I can do social media, but I’m not sweeping the floor or cleaning sinks.”
Soledad smiled shyly. “I’ll do anything to help.”
“That’s great; let’s get started.” Denton walked around the counter like the Pied Piper, showing them the displays of baked goods and where to replenish each item.
“You guys do have a sugar-free section, right?” Carmelita was upfront in her demands. Good for her, already advocating for people with diabetes.
“Of course, we do,” Denton said. “It’s right over there next to the gluten-free. Make sure to keep the gluten-free stuff separate because some people are very sensitive.”
Leanna smiled to herself, remembering how upset Jolie could get if she so much as touched a single food item with gluten. She missed her friends, but she had customers to serve. People were all abuzz about her creative baked goods, and quite a few ordered the X-rated designs, which she brought out in brown paper bags.
It was good to be back in the bakery, and great to be busy. The day would pass quickly, and she wouldn’t have to think about Axe swaggering in to watch over her—or not.
He’d left town an arrogant ass and returned a broken man. Would he still hang out at his club tonight for Terri’s baby shower? Despite what her mother said about a woman always knowing, Leanna was truly drawing a blank. Her mother was only half right. Women knew the worst-case scenario, but how could she read a man when wishful thinking clouded her judgment?
Ryker had texted her that he’d dropped off the ring, but there was no response from Axe. No text message, no email, and definitely no guy in sunglasses lurking around the corner.
Leanna let out a sigh, even while pasting on smiles for her customers. At least business was busy at her bakery. She had the girls, her family, and all of her friends—all except for one Big Axe.
Nikki and Jolie dropped by right after closing time. Leanna was bone-tired from the huge crowds, and she was sweeping the floor while Denton taught his two apprentices how to close out the cash register and tally up the receipts.
“Squee!” Nikki cheered, giving Leanna a tight hug. “You’re a celebrity. Everyone’s talking about your 3D printed cake decorations. Didn’t I tell you Denton has great ideas?”
“The kid is a real entrepreneur,” Leanna said. “I missed you and Jolie.”
