We walked back to my car in silence. Since Nash’s car was in the car shop, he drove mine. I hadn’t yet found a job, but I searched daily. I prayed that something would come up.
On the drive to wherever we were going, we rode in silence. I welcomed it too. I smiled as I replayed what I had said to my parents. I saw that as a blessing to know that I was in a better mindset now that Nash was in my life.
Nash pulled into the parking lot of a bakery. There was no way I could smell the baked goods from the car. Hopefully, it wasn’t just me.
“Do you smell that?” I asked Nash.
He nodded. “Yeah, which is why I love this place. Just wait until you get inside. Your stomach’s gone growl.”
We shared a laugh.
“I’m hungry, so it would be for a good cause. Have you been here before?”
Nash nodded, turning the car off. “Yeah. I know the owner.”
“Who don’t you know?” I grumbled, looking out of the window. Just from the parking lot, I could see that the place got a lot of business. Every time I’d passed by the place, it would be packed too.
Nash laughed loudly. “Yeah, I know a lot of people. He comes to the gym a lot too.”
I arched a brow as I stared at him. “Oh, a man owns it?”
He nodded. “Yeah. After his mom’s passing, he took charge of the bakery. He had to learn everything all over again, but he did it.”
“Aww, it’s a good thing he didn’t give up on his mother’s business.”
“Yeah. You’re right. As much as I’d like to continue this conversation in the car, I’m hungry,” Nash declared.
I burst out laughing. “My bad. We can continue in the bakery.”
He got the key from the cup holder and got out of the car. Once he opened the car door for me, I got out, reaching for his hand. We walked into the bakery together and stood at the counter to place our order. The place was busy with everyone everywhere. It reminded me of a cluttered place.
After we got our orders taken, we went to find ourselves a seat. Our number would be called for us to get the food.
“Is this place always packed like this?” I questioned Nash.
He shrugged. “I’m not sure. It’s been a while since I came here to eat, but I wanted to do something for you. You deserve a piece of pie in your life.”
I beamed, staring into his light, bright face. Since the weather had changed, Nash’s skin had gotten lighter. He was already light-skinned, but the way his face appeared much brighter made him seem happier. I loved to see the smile on his heart-shaped lips.
“You’re so right, even though I wish it were your mom’s peach pie. Now that lady can bake her ass off.”
He chuckled. “Don’t let her hear you say that. She’ll be in the kitchen baking every day.”
“As she should.”
When our number was called, Nash went to get our food. He had ordered the pecan pie while I got sweet potato. Also, we ordered a cup of coffee to go along with it. While we ate, we made small talk.
“Do you want to get another job or find a place you can buy to run your own clinic?” Nash asked.
I shrugged. “For right now, I need some money coming into my pocket. I’m not used to not getting a check every week. I need a job while I work on getting my own business.”
He sipped his coffee and placed it down. “Fair enough. Just know I’m here to help you in any way that I can.”
I gave him an assuring smile. “I know, and I want you to know I appreciate you so much.”
He winked. “That’s what I’m here for. Whenever you need anything, just let me know. I’ll come running.”
“Like you’ve done many times before.”
