As I prepared my lunch for tomorrow, Bianca called to let me know she’d send over the employment form for me to fill out. We’d start with me working three days a week after my day job and full days on the weekends. I’d be working for No Name for three weeks with the potential for me to stay longer if I wanted to.
“Why is it called No Name?” I asked.
“I asked the same question.” She laughed. “The owner didn’t know what to call it. The pay is good. There are three other coworkers. Cindy will assist you in the kitchen. I’ll help as well, but I’ll be more focused on day-to-day operations, admin stuff, and fulfilling the holiday orders.”
“Do you have a lot?”
“We have a good amount. If you make your animal-shaped breads, we’ll have way more.”
“You’d let me make them?” My heart raced.
“Absolutely! I’d like you to bring your version of bread and pastries to the mix. People will love it.”
After our chat, I felt more at ease. I looked at my calendar and drew hearts on the days I’d be at the bakery. That night, I fell asleep dreaming of bread in all shapes and sizes. Adorable elf- and gnome-shaped breads came to life, helping me decorate No Name Bakery. They even moved the letters of the name around, creating a new title that didn’t make sense.
CHAPTER SIX
AVA
I wokeup at three in the morning eager to start my first Saturday at No Name. The past three evenings were incredible. The joy that burst in my heart as I kneaded dough for my bunny bread was indescribable. Working there was better than I imagined. I didn’t know why I was fearful at first.Silly me.
I washed up, dressed in dark cotton pants and threw on a long-sleeve knit top. I’d be spending most of my time in the back fulfilling orders for my bunny-shaped sweet bread. As Bianca had predicted, they were a big hit. The bakery’s social media page got a surge of followers after I posted images of my adorable bread, which went viral.
It was 3:30 a.m. when I left my house. Cindy, the assistant baker, started at 2:00 a.m. I should be tired, but enthusiasm coursed through me. I couldn’t wait for people to buy my bread and pastries.
As I drove my Honda Civic in toward the bakery, which was in the lovely business area on the west side of the city, my chest constricted. I thought back to a time when I hadwalked around this area dreaming about my shop. Some shops had moved out for new ones to come in.
Working for No Name was indirectly living my dream. I got to do what I loved and didn’t have to worry about the other details required to run a business. This gig wasn’t bad at all. I smiled as I pulled into the on-street parking spot behind Cindy’s car. We saved the small parking lot for customers.
My life was slowly getting back on track. The passion for my dream was renewed. Hope filled my heart, and I was grateful for the opportunity to work with dedicated coworkers.
I walked into the back room and grinned. “Morning, Cindy!”
In her early forties, she wore a net around her curly brown hair and a red apron with her name embroidered on it. She was married to her high school sweetheart, who worked as a mechanic.
“Good morning to you! Coffee is ready.” She smiled and gestured to the pot.
“Thanks.” I poured myself a cup, twisted my hair into a low bun, pulled a net over my hair, tossed on my apron, and got to work.
Cindy prepared the donuts, muffins, and danishes while I got out the dough I’d prepped last night. Soft holiday music played in the background as we worked. It was nice knowing the city was asleep while you prepared their meals.
Before I knew it, Bianca arrived with Rosie Renken and Donna Russo, signifying it was six in the morning. Bianca was married with twin girls, so I could see why she wanted something different from her stressfulcorporate job.
“Ready to seize the day?” she asked everyone as she tied her red hair into a ponytail.
“You betcha!” Rosie cheered. She was in her late fifties and with cheeks that matched her name. Her husband worked in HR at Worcester State University.
Donna offered me a one-armed hug. “You’re still here? We didn’t scare you away?”
I laughed. “Not yet.”
Donna had three grandchildren, but you wouldn’t know looking at her flawless skin. In her sixties, she worked part time as well and lived two blocks away.
When the shop opened at 7:30 a.m., time flew by. We kept restocking everything. When 10:00 a.m. arrived, my stomach growled. I grabbed a turkey sandwich Bianca made and sat in the lunchroom to eat. Suddenly, tingles skipped down my spine, making my body fully aware someone was nearby.
His deep voice sounded, and the muscles in my stomach contorted as though it were making pretzels.
“Morning, everyone!” Austin said.
