The date with Jake was easy, effortless.
I make my way to the bakery. My tense shoulders instantly relax when I walk through the doors and the aromas of spice laden desserts and fresh baked bread hits my nose. I look around and don’t see Charlotte. I’m right on time.
Dylan comes from the back with Charlotte following close by. She runs to me with a goofy grin on her face. Her hair is pulled back into a ponytail and she has an apron clutched in her small hands.
“Jake got his bike stuck so I brought Charlotte over.”
“Thanks, we’re off then.” I wave to Dylan and he stops me.
“I haven’t seen Jake like this before Mallory, tread carefully.” He looks down at Charlotte then back to me, “for both of them.”
“Of course.” He nods then turns to head to the back again. “Alright Charlotte, let’s go paint.”
The two of us walk down the street and over a block to the community center. I learned that it used to be an old elementary school but when the town expanded, they built a bigger school and renovated the old one for community needs. Which include a huge portion of the events and classes for the festival. Whatever isn’t outdoors or requires massive tools, such as the glass blowing at the glass studio nearby, is held at the center.
Charlotte and I get set up with easels and paints. I help her with her apron and wish I had one too. I look down at my cinnamon corduroy pants and long black and white striped tunic top. I went for cozy, comfortable, and cool. Not ‘ready to get paint on’ when I picked my outfit.
The two hours fly by and I only have a small handprint in bright pink paint on my shirt from when Charlotte wanted my attention but forgot to wipe her hands. she apologized profusely and I told her several times it was okay.
“It’s really no big deal Charlotte,” I tell her again as she stares at the paint. “Clothes are meant to be worn and loved. This will remind me of our fun girl’s day. It’s a lovely souvenir.”
“Okay,” she smiles and takes my hand.
We start to head to the bakery. Once we’re inside I ask Charlotte if she’s allowed to have something sweet. She replies yes, so I go grab us two cake pops. I hand one to her and we settle into cozy chairs while we wait for Jake to pick her up.
The moment the cake evidence is gone Jake strolls in.
“How was it?” he asks as Charlotte hands him a canvas covered in a kaleidoscope of painted handprints.
“Look at this daddy!” she starts to point out specific dots and smudges on the canvas. My phone rings and I excuse myself. Jake nods and I’m not sure if he’ll still be there when I turn around but a part of me hopes so.
I walk a little bit away to avoid the other people enjoying their sweets and coffee.
“Hello, this is Mallory Morin,” I answer the phone.
“Ms. Morin, my name is Tiffany with La Parisienne. I’m calling about a recent job application for our Los Angeles office.” For the life of me I can’t remember what all I applied to, let alone where. “I’m going to email you all of the information, but we’d like to move forward with an interview. We need to see you in action of course, so we’ll fly you to Los Angeles for the interview.”
“And I’d need to relocate to Los Angeles?”
“Yes, if selected, whoever lands the position would be required to be in office here. We’d be able to make sure you had a work visa and we have a decent relocation package. I’ll email you some dates. Good luck.”
“Thanks,” we end the call. My heart is racing and my tongue feels way too big for my mouth.
I got an interview with a prestigious French company. It’s in Los Angeles, CA.
I take a deep breath in and exhale. I repeat a few times. This could be my big chance.
But what about focusing on love, on being ready for a relationship?
That tiny voice in my mind jabs at me. I’ve always wanted a successful career doing something I love. This is a step towards that, even if it means shuffling my life around.
“Move to California. I can do that.” I whisper to myself before repeating it with more assurance, more firmness in my voice.
Maybe if I say the words enough it’ll be true.
Chapter 10
Jake
