“I’m looking for deep conditioner for my hair.” Layla secured a sparkling clip to her black hair.
“So what’s going on, Ava?” Jemma asked as she adjusted the side braid with showed off the highlights in her brown hair. “You seem happier.”
“You’re right.” Deidre pursed her lips, studying me with green eyes that made her look like a Greek Goddess. “Come closer to the screen.”
I laughed. “So you can see my blackheads?”
“Are you seeing someone?” Kendra asked.
“Yes, that’s why I called this meeting.” I took a deep breath and told them everything.
“Wow.” Kendra shook her head. “That’s some story.”
“We forgive him then,” Jemma said.
“I’m so happy for you!” Rhea exclaimed, followed by Deidre and Layla.
I chatted with them for a few more minutes before logging off and getting back to work.
As I kneaded dough in the kitchen, I felt a lightness in my heart as though it had grown wings ready to soar.
The more time I spent at No Name, the more I wanted to resign from my city job. This place made my heart soar. This bakery was my dream, and my boyfriend helped make it happen.
“What’s that smile about?” Cindy asked as she placed the raspberry Danishes onto the tray.
“Nothing.”
Cindy snorted. “You can’t lie.”
I grinned. “Things are going smoothly. I’m just appreciating the moments.”
“Is that all?” She wiggled her eyebrows. “You and our handsome boss make the perfect item. How come you didn’t want to tell us about your past with him?”
“Sometimes the past makes me sad, and I didn’t want to make you sad too. We’re together again, so that’s all that matters.”
“I understand.” Her eyes warmed. “He loves you. We all see it.”
Ifeltit. But it was nice to hear that others witnessed it too.
“She’s such a bitch!” Rosie huffed as she stalked in. “I wish Bianca were here.”
Bianca had taken the day off for her twins’ birthday celebration.
“Who?” Cindy and I asked simultaneously.
Rosie scrunched up her face in disgust. “I can’t believe Austin was engaged to the witch. What an entitled brat! She’s out there making snide remarks about our gorgeous pastries.”
Pissed, I wiped my hands and strode out to the front with Cindy right behind me. My conversation with Officer Jensen flashed into my head.
Sierra looked exactly like the images from the internet. Straight blonde hair and wearing a belted wool coat over long, sleek boots. Her makeup was perfectly done, and she carried a purse with the Versace logo glinting against thelights. She stood with a woman with curly hair, in a red coat over skinny jeans. She wore a furry crossover purse that made me cringe.
“Who would eat those bunny breads?” Sierra pointed. “They look ugly. Don’t you think so, Becca?”
“Disgusting.” Becca made a disapproving sound and waved her hand. “I’m surprised this bakery is still in business. Who’s the untalented baker?”
An old woman who was looking at the brownies turned around and said, “I know many people who love these adorable bunny breads. I’m one of them. You should try to be nice. It’ll make you both prettier.”
Sierra rolled her eyes at the woman. “They’re atrocious!”
