At that moment, Kendra strode in, smiled at me, glanced at Sierra, and knew I needed a minute. She walked over to Donna, who was packing up baked goods in a box.
“If you don’t like our pastries, then leave,” I said. “We don’t want disrespectful people in our shop. They’re like mold, ruining everything.”
“How dare you speak to me like that?” Sierra surveyed me. “You’re the one who ruined my engagement. I can’t believe Austin broke it off with me for you.”
“I had nothing to do with you throwing yourself at my man.” I walked over to the bread counter, protective of my adorable creations. “He was smart enough to know a spoiled brat isn’t good for him. Mold is poisonous.” I smiled.
“How dare you speak to us that way?” Sierra huffed. “You’re justbakers. Do you know who we are?”
Cindy laughed. “Yeah—vulgar and malicious hellions! Do you know whoweare?” She placed a hand on each hip. “We’re the best bakers in the city, and we’re proud of it.”
Sierra and Becca gasped, unable to respond. I smirked at Cindy, whose face was red with anger.
“Any more comments, ladies?” Kendra held up her phone, which had been recording the event since she had entered the shop. “Smile. You’re gonna be famous! Since when does the Montage family go into small businesses and insult hardworking people?” She moved her phone to record the animal-shaped breads. “How can you call these adorable bunniesugly,disgusting, andatrocious?”
Sierra turned away from Kendra’s phone. “Get away from me!” Her phone rang and she dug into her purse? “Hi, Dad. I’m shopping.” She flicked us an annoyed glance. “At the police precinct? Why?” Her expression changed from arrogance to fear. Then she stalked out of the bakery with Becca behind her.
A small smile crept onto my lips as I quietly thanked the WPD for working fast.
Kendra added a comment to her video, typed something on her phone, and scoffed. “There. Let the evil witches get what they deserve. The internet will give those Karens some love.” She walked up to me. “You okay?”
“Fine. She’s a horrible person.”
“Horrible is too nice of a word,” Cindy huffed.
“I agree. I have better adjectives to describe her,” Donna said as she packaged the brownies for the old woman. “Thank you and have a great day.”
“This is my favorite bakery in the entire state,” said the friendly old woman.
“Thank you.” I smiled as Rosie emerged with a large tray of apple tarts.
“I heard everything back there.” Rosie grinned. “You guys were amazing!”
“She brought out the bitch in me,” Cindy snarled.
“I like this version of you.” I patted her back. “Are you all right?”
“There are too many people like them in this world. They’re flour on the floor.” She waved a hand. “They don’t bother me.”
Sierra and Becca’s disturbance didn’t bother me either. I knew Sierra was jealous and wanted to hurt me and Austin. I hoped she’d find peace and move on.
“What are you doing here?” I turned to Kendra. “You just bought a box of pastries two days ago. They’re gone already?”
“I’m here for a very important event.” She looked outside the bakery, and her face brightened.
My mother, Austin’s parents, and Austin were on their way into the shop. He carried a large tray covered with fabric.
Did he bring them here to show them around? Why hadn’t he informed me?
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
AUSTIN
Inside the bakery,Ava’s mom and my parents chatted with Ava while I placed the tray on the side table. I spent the morning with them, preparing for this monumental moment. My heart raced with excitement and fear as I studied the woman I love.
“I thought you were heading to Julie’s today?” Ava offered her mom a hug.
“We moved it to tomorrow,” replied Mrs. Chapman. She had a long conversation with me, making sure I would take care of Ava. She didn’t need to worry about that. I planned on making Ava’s dreams come true.
