Those are all the things I need to be inside today, especially if Hope shows up with her grandfather again. She’ll probably show up alone. It’s like that first day of school where parents walk their kids to the classroom to meet their teacher…at least I think that’s what happens. Our school doesn’t have first or last days, but that’s because it barely resembles a public school.
You’re distracting yourself.
Just go to work.
Everything will be just fine.
You’re safe.
The kids are safe.
It’s just another day.
The second I walk through the back door of Sweet Dreams Bakery, four people inundate me.
“We’re out of chocolate chips.” Cammie rushes up. Her curly ponytail bounces with her.
“Our shipment of eggs was delayed.” Shay pushes up her glasses with a little frown.
“I want the week off for a trip next week.” Autumn procrastinates on everything. I shouldn’t be surprised she’s asking at this late of a date.
“Ace is waiting out front.” Ryleigh stares at the door like she can see through it. “He said they’re out of croissants at the restaurant and need two dozen more, but we only have three dozen.” She sighs. Ryleigh is in love. But she’s a teenager, and he’s in his thirties, not to mention the fact that Ace is madly in love with someone else. Though Dyce might kill him before dating him; that’s still up in the air. Poor Ryleigh will have to continue sighing while ignoring the boys her own age.
Less drama is a win-win.
Little fires like these are a daily occurrence around here. “Ryleigh, grab him the two dozen that he needs and ask Jarrod to make some cheddar biscuits to replace them here. Then, put cheddar biscuits on the sandwich board out front.” The quick and tasty biscuits are always a hit when we put them out.
“On it.” She rushes off.
“Shay, check our stock. If we go under a hundred dozen, run next door and pick up ten dozen from the market.” They always keep extra in case we need it. Why didn’t we get our eggs though? I had better check on that this morning.
She heads into the walk-in fridge.
“Cammie, you can use the chocolate chunks instead. Chop them if need be, but they work just fine as is in cookies andmuffins.” She should know that already. I need to put in a rush order through our backup supplier.
“Will do.” Cammie nods and turns towards the dry goods storage room.
“Autumn, why did you wait until the last minute to ask for time off?” I’m going to give her the time off, but not until I remind her about being considerate of her fellow workers.
“I’m going to the state spelling bee competition as an alternate. Micah got sick, so I get to go in his place.”
Oh, no. Poor Micah. I need to drop by and see if he needs anything. “Of course, you can have the time off for the trip. Do you have everything you need? Some professional outfits to wear?”
“Paisley is taking me to the mall today after work to get everything I need.” Autumn grins. “I’ve never been on a shopping spree at the mall. Is it as fun as it sounds?”
My first real shopping spree didn’t happen for years after we started fixing up Willow Street. “Yes, it is.”
“I’ve never bought anything at the mall. All my clothes have been hand-me-downs, from thrift stores, or what you guys gave me. I’m going to get clothes at the mall.”
That’s the same dreamy, wide-eyed look I probably had way back then. Shopping is one joy that will never diminish. Which is probably why my closet is always practically bursting.
Maybe a loft would be a good idea. I could add one of those room-sized closets for my ever-expanding shoe collection that matches my burgeoning dress collection.
I’ve slowly moved through this conversation towards the front of house and the dream…coffee. My second cup needs to happen before any more drama. “Have fun, Autumn, and enjoy your trip.”
“Long morning?” Ace says as I reach for the damper.
“Aren’t they all?” I smile at him. “Want a cup while you wait?”
