"I gotta say, it's been quiet up front without Zoey," Forest teased. "Where is she?"
"Oh, I didn't tell you? I hired Roshan."
Forest slipped off the stainless-steel fridge they were leaning on. "Wait, seriously? You're messing with me."
"I'm not. We hung out that day to see if we were a good fit for each other."
Forest leaned in, eyes wide. "And?"
"We hit it off. All three of us. He was awesome with Zoey and she really liked him. It just felt right, you know?"
"Wow! He's so picky, I can't believe he accepted you. You must feel special."
Being around Roshandidmake me feel special, but probably not for the reasons Forest meant. It was hard to explain, but when he looked at me, I felt like I was one-of-a-kind.
"Is he as arrogant as he comes across?" Forest asked, more curious than accusatory.
"No, not at all. He's actually really nice and down-to-earth. Honestly, I don't think he meant to be rude when it comes to being picky about clients. He wanted to mesh, and we did."
"That's awesome. I'm glad it all worked out." Forest tilted their head. "Though it doesn't bother you, leaving your kid with someone you just met?"
I thought about it for a moment. "That's the thing. Roshan isn't a stranger. Even when we first met, I felt like I'd known him forever.”
I realized it sounded weird but it was the truth. Even though my last relationship failed spectacularly, I still believed in soulmates, platonic or otherwise. Even if Roshan and I couldn't date, I believed we were kindred spirits.
"That's sweet," Forest said. "I'm glad it all worked out, 'cause I like having you on board here."
"Me too. You're an awesome co-worker, Forest."
They let out a half-groan, half-laugh. "Aw, c'mon, you're embarrassing me."
After Forest's break ended, they went back to work and I did the same. The hours flew by as I kneaded, measured, baked and decorated. The only thing that distracted me were annoying little thoughts of Roshan sneaking into my brain uninvited.
When my shift was over, I took off my apron and washed up. Just as I was going to walk out of the baking room, I heard Forest's voice call out: "Hey, Chris! Someone's here to see you!"
I hurried to the front of the store to see Zoey and Roshan. They were wearing matching sparkly dresses—one pink and one purple.
"Daddy, do you like them?" Zoey asked. "I picked this one for Roshan!"
"You two look stunning!" I said honestly. To Roshan, I added, "She didn't make you buy that, did she?"
He chuckled. "Why? You don't like it?"
"No, it's not that! It looks amazing on you." I blushed when I realized what I said. "It just looks expensive..."
Roshan huffed. "Come on, not that again. I told you it's no big deal. And hey, it'smydress!"
My worry deflated as Roshan did a twirl, the sparkling fabric circling him like a ring of purple, and Zoey hooted encouragingly. What was I so worked up about? The two obviously had a great time together, which made me happy to see.
"You're right, I'm sorry," I said. "You can buy whatever you want. And you do look great."
Roshan puffed up at the compliment, his eyes narrowing like a pleased housecat. "Thank you. And you look great covered in flour."
I glanced down at my arms. I'd missed a few spots. "Oops."
Roshan wasted no time gently grasping my arm and rubbing off the flour with his thumb. It happened so fast I couldn't react except to blush furiously. The place where his skin touched mine felt electric. I licked my lips.
Roshan smiled at me. "All done."
