We reach the bakery and the chime of the bell over the door announces our arrival. The scents of bakery spice, butter, dark chocolate, bread, and warm fruit fill the bakery. It’s impossible to nail down just one scent. The aromas merge into a force of temptation that even the staunchest dieter can't ignore.
“Cookie!” Julie cries from behind the counter. “You came to see me.”
Cookie's floofy booty immediately begins to sway side to side and the nub of her tail wriggles back and forth. She whines and pulls against the leash, anxious to receive her treat.
“And hello to you, too,” I tease Julie, releasing the leash. Cookie is everyone's favorite, so I can't be too harsh when people fawn over her. My corgi has everyone in this town wrapped around her sassy little paw. Honestly, I'm just her personal assistant at this point.
Julie snickers, waving a hand. “You know I'm happy to see you, too.” Waving a biscuit shaped like a bone, she croons, “But I've been saving this beauty for my favorite girl.” Cookie struts over, leash trailing behind, her gaze locked on the treat. With an impressively athletic move, she springs up and snags the biscuit, then ambles over to the corner table and sploots beneath to dig in.
Julie has clearly outdone herself today. Various pastries are showcased in the display and my resolve already begins to weaken.
“Damn, girl! I was only planning on getting a café mocha, but I might have to try that chocolate croissant.”
“These just came out of the oven a few minutes ago,” Julie replies. “It's one of my better batches, if I do say so myself.”
My mouth waters and my stomach growls, reminding me I haven’t eaten yet today. Julie is a master at croissants, and I can almost taste the chocolatey goodness.
What the hell… I deserve a treat for finishing that god-forsaken grant application. “Sold. I'll take one along with that café mocha.”
She motions toward Cookie with her chin. “You go have a seat and I'll bring them over in a minute.”
Cookie is busy munching away, clearly in heaven, as I settle into my seat. My gaze moves to the bakery's décor. I can see why this place has become such a popular hang out because every detail feels thoughtfully chosen. Not only has she hit it out of the ballpark with her pastries, but she now has advertisements for wedding cakes adorning the walls. It looks like the marriage business really is booming.
Julie slides the warm croissant and café mocha on the table, and I hum as the buttery smell wraps around me like a comforting blanket.
“Holy lord.” I bite into the croissant and moan as the flavors combine into a taste of absolute heaven. “This is amazing. Julie, you have outdone yourself.”
Julie flashes a grin. “Right? I lucked into that recipe. You should try my brownies the next time I make a big batch.”
My eyes widen at the thought. Brownies? Yes, please!
Julie settles into the seat across from me. “So how goes it?”
I shrug, taking another huge bite out of the croissant. “Damn! Did you put crack in this? It's insanely good.”
The corner of Julie's mouth lifts. “I'll never tell.” She leans down to ruffle Cookie's fur. “I bet the library is hopping with all the new residents we have flowing in.”
I nod. “It is, definitely. I just submitted a big grant to fund that children's program I told you about. If I get that, it'll be a huge expansion.”
“Oh! That sounds fantastic. When will you hear something?”
“No idea.” I lean back. “Oh! I have a new neighbor. Someone is moving into Old Man Maddox's place today. There's a huge moving van being unloaded as we speak.”
“Wow.” Julie straightens. “That place has been vacant at least a year. How long has it been since he passed?”
“A little over two years. I know because I've been mowing the lawn so it didn't overgrow into my yard. But there have been a ton of construction trucks there in the last two months, so I shouldn’t be too surprised. I just didn’t realize it was on the market or that someone had bought it.” I take a sip of my cafe mocha. “I'm hoping whoever’s moving in isn't one of those people who decorates with lawn gnomes and plastic flamingos. My property value can't handle that kind of trauma.”
Julie chuckles. “Well, when you meet your new neighbors, send them my way.”
“You know I will.” I finish off the croissant and grab Cookie’s leash as the bell chimes and a group of ladies stream in. “Cookie and I will get out of your hair.” I move closer. “Let’s plan to meet at The Celtic Knot soon. It’s been too long,” I add with a wink.
Julie wriggles her eyebrows and heads to the counter to greet her new customers as we turn to leave.
Several minutes later, we stroll up the sidewalk in front of my house. The moving crew is still weaving in and out like an armyof ants carrying food back to the anthill. That huge van must have been packed to the gills to be taking this long.
My gaze lands on a man standing in the driveway, hands on his hips, legs braced, and staring in my direction. The late afternoon sun is behind him, so I can't make out much detail. But from what I can tell, he's tall, broad, and well-muscled. A pair of aviators cover a good portion of his face, and he has darkish hair.
There's something oddly familiar about him, but I can't put my finger on it. He must be in good shape for me to make out the roundedness of his shoulders from my vantage point. Props to his significant other.
