Bianca was my new business’s manager.
“Our baker, Paula, got into a terrible car accident.”
“Oh no. Is she okay?” I asked.
A friend had referred Paula to me. She made the best cupcakes.
“She’ll be out for a few weeks.”
Today was a day that delivered unlimited bad news.
“Don’t worry. Rhea says she knows someone perfect to help until Paula returns.”
Rhea was Bianca’s younger sister.
“Okay, great. Keep me posted. If we need to hire more employees for this busy season, just let me know.”
“Will do.”
CHAPTER FIVE
AVA
The day flewby at work with several meetings and people calling about missed trash pickups, recycling bin replacements, and residential salt and sand distribution. My mom called during lunch, saying her friend Julie was visiting from Maine for a week. Julie knew what Mom was going through because she survived breast cancer three years ago. The friendly support would help my mom recover even faster.
A text from Rhea popped onto my phone during work, but I didn’t have time to reply until I got home.
Rhea:Call me.
My stomach growled, and I grabbed a leftover chicken lo mein in my microwaveable container to heat up.
While waiting, I called Rhea, and she picked up right away. “Hey, you!”
“Sorry, I couldn’t call earlier. What’s up?” I grabbed a fork and poured myself a glass of water, placing them on the kitchen table.
“I have the perfect part-time job for you!” Excitement filled her voice.
“Really?” Something tickled my stomach as I got my heated food, brought it over to the kitchen table, and sat down. “Where?”
“Bianca manages No Name Bakery. The main baker got into a car accident and needs to be out of work for a few weeks. They need someone to replace her quickly.”
“I thought she worked for Maplegrove Bread Company? Besides, I haven’t worked in a bakery before.”
“She wanted a change—something not so corporate,” Rhea said. “You bake at home all the time. Your pastries—especially yourbread—are to die for. You’d be perfect. Bianca has been in the industry for a long time, so she can spot talent. And she said you’ve got it.”
“She did?” I smiled at the compliment.
I knew I could do it, but my inexperience working for a real bakery made me uncomfortable. What if I made a mistake that cost them money? What if I messed up and no one wanted to eat my products?
Go for it! Kick self-doubt to the curb!
The image of the emerald bracelet flashed in front of me, and I gathered courage. This experience was a test to see if I could attain my dream of opening my own bakery one day. No Name was a fabulous opportunity to gain experience.
“Okay. I’ll do it.”
“Fantastic! I’ll let her know. She’ll call you for more details.”
We ended the call, and I finished my dinner while eagerness soared through me. My fingers itched as though they knew they’d be playing with dough, sugar, other fun ingredients, and baking tools.
