Curious, I picked it up and opened it.
My dear Bailey,
I am sure I nearly gave you a heart attack by leaving you my most valuable bakery, even though I knew you would not accept it if given the choice. Please remember that no one deserves it more than you. Every corner and every memory of this shop is tied to you.
It broke my heart when you left without telling me when you would return. I hope this place can serve as a bridge between your past and your future, reminding you that you will always be welcome in this town.
I know you probably want to sell the bakery right away, and that is fine with me. But before you decide, I hope you will give this place a chance to survive. Eva can help you. She reminds me of you sometimes. She is a little older, but she is someone you can rely on.
I put a lot of love into this place. If you choose to keep it, I know you will make it thrive. Change it, shape it, and make it your legacy. Do not worry about my children. They have their own lives and respect my decision to give this to you.
I know you may feel conflicted after reading this, but I will understand whatever choice you make. I only want you to behappy. You deserve it after everything you have been through. I believe the truth will come out sooner or later, and it will not happen unless you are here. Be patient, Bailey. Trust me. The truth always finds its way.
Tears slipped down my cheeks before I could stop them. I pressed my fingers against the counter, my voice breaking.
“Oh, Marie,” I whispered. “After all these years, how could you still believe I deserve this?”
Before the weight of her words could settle, the bell above the door chimed. I startled and wiped my cheeks quickly, forcing myself to breathe. I assumed it was Eva, but then I heard two voices.
“Hai, Bailey!”
I looked up sharply. “Shanna?”
Shanna stepped inside, smiling brightly, with Eva right behind her.
Eva looked far too pleased with herself. “I ran into this young lady outside. Fate, I suppose.”
Shanna spoke quickly. “I was in the area and remembered this place. I was hoping I would see you, and then Eva told me you decided to keep the bakery. Which is perfect, because I have been looking for a new opportunity.”
“Slow down,” I said, holding up a hand. “What are you talking about?”
She beamed. “You are looking at your new assistant.”
I stared at her. “My what?”
“Eva said you love coffee,” Shanna continued. “She thought it would be a great idea to add a coffee machine, and I can be your barista.”
I turned slowly toward Eva. “What is this, Eva?”
She hesitated before answering. “I thought you had decided not to sell.”
“How could you think that?” I asked.
“You are still here,” she said gently. “I thought maybe you were giving the place a chance.”
“You lied.”
The voice startled us all. I turned to see the boy standing inside the doorway.
“I thought you left,” I said sharply.
“You said you were not hiring,” he snapped. “So why did you hire her?” He pointed at Shanna. “Is it because I am a kid?”
“I did not lie,” I said. “And I am not hiring anyone. Not her. Not you.”
The words echoed louder than I intended.
My head throbbed. The situation was spiraling into chaos, and I could not believe I was arguing with a teenager.
