“Hey Liam, how’s it going?” Yes, of course, I went with Liam. He did amazing work over at Dragonfly and he’s a nice guy. He can’t help it if Spencer isreallyfuckingclumsy.
“Oh, hey Olly, it’s going well. I was just coming to tell you my crew is heading out. We’re all done.”
“This is so exciting!” I look around. The kitchen is turning out just like I imagined. There’s a wall of ovens and a nice prep table in the center, a large walk-in refrigerator, and my favorite item, which Liam just finished installing, is a glass window looking between the kitchen and the small seating area at the front.
The idea of customers being able to peek through the window and watch what’s happening in the kitchen is something I’m excited about and hope will bring a unique element to the bakery.
“Listen, Olly, I just wanted to say thank you for giving us an opportunity with this job. I know things with Spencer went a little haywire, but…”
I laugh. “Oh, no worries. We all laugh about it now. I’ll just make sure to stay on my own two feet.”
He laughs. “Call me if you have any issues.”
“I will. Thanks again, Liam.”
As the excitement for the bakery builds, so does the fact that I am the soon-to-be owner of both The Dineranda bakery. It feels like a daunting task. Can I do it? Doubt and worry cross my mind. It’s a constant battle I’m fighting. I know it’s to be expected, but all these pieces need to fit into place. No matter how many lists and spreadsheets you have, things always get missed, and if you’re not careful, everything will fall apart. I try to hide this fear and exude confidence. Fake it ’til you make it, right?
I don’t look like a baker, and I get that. My hope is people will look past the greasy diner guy and see the guy who can bake with elegance.
When Jasper kissed me goodbye this morning, he talked about stopping in after his shift at Ink Me. I assured him I was capable of painting bymyself, but he was adamant about joining me. Said something about saving him a wall.
Oh… I’ll let him do the edging—and not the fun kind, either. Then maybe tonight I can doallthefunkinds of edging. I can take him to the edge of ecstasy and back, make him beg, cry for me, call out my name.I’m getting sidetracked here.The point is something very important was delivered today and I can’t wait to show him.
The bell over the front door chimes followed by, “Hey, Olly, you here?”
“Yeah. I’m back in the kitchen.”
A few seconds later, Beckett walks through the swinging door. “Hey, man. It’s starting to look good in here.” He glances around. “I told you this kitchen was going to be to die for…Hmm, I might have to come over and borrow some of these bad boys,” he says, walking over to the ovens and checking them out before practically draping himself over them.
I like the fact that Beckett knows how to appreciate a good kitchen appliance. Over the last few weeks, a friendship of sorts has developed between the two of us. Having someone I can bounce kitchen setup ideas with has been helpful. Grandfather designed the kitchen for The Diner and it’s functional, but this is the first time I get to design a cooking space how I want it.
“You can use the ovens whenever you need. I take it Spencer sent you over here.”
“Well, I don’t know what you couldpossiblybe talking about,” he says, leaning on the prep island then checking his nails for imagery dirt.
“Hilarious.”
“Hey, he has a point. I mean, you’re a talented baker, and you’re right across the street. It just makes sense. You know how Spencer prideshimself on the fact we use fresh ingredients when we can. Just imagine if we could include fresh baked goods. What is holding you back? I don’t understand?”
“Ugh, I don’t know. I’m just worried about taking on too much right away.” And it’s true. I don’t want to overextend myself. But I guess I can hear him out. “What are you looking for?”
“Well, we could start off with a few items and then add things when you feel comfortable. But… I’m really hoping we can get some fresh baked bread that I can use for sandwiches over at the cafe.”
I never thought about making bread, but that’s not a bad idea. I mean, I make cinnamon bread and other sweet breads now. “All right, give it to me straight. What else are you looking for?”
“Some fresh bread, buns, and a few baked desserts.”
I blow out a breath. “Fine. Tell Spencer I’ll do it. Let’s have a meeting next week and we’ll finalize things.” The more I let this idea rattle around in my brain, the more it sounds like it’s a smart move. I could even use the bread over at The Diner.
“So, where’s your friend today?” I ask, changing the subject, matching his lean on the prep table.
“He had a couple meetings with potential clients.”
“How long is he staying in town for?” I ask. I don’t know much about Lucas except for meeting him at the carnival.
“I’m not sure. He’s gone back and forth to LA a few times. I don’t think he even knows. It might be permanent, it might not, but some of that, I think, will be determined by how these meetings go.”
“And tell me… How does Dom feel about this friend from LA coming and staying with you?” I give him a big smile. Borderline creepy, sure, but still big.
