Jake: If you’re okay with her tagging along then we can go to the festival. I think they have pancake dinner at the firehouse scheduled for tonight.
Mallory: As long as there’s maple syrup count me in.
I laugh out loud at her reply and then text her to meet me at the bakery at six like we had planned and we’ll walk over together. I’m pleasantly surprised that she wants to do dinner with both me and Charlotte. More so that she just expected Char to be included.
Maybe there is a small chance that something could happen between us.
No, she’s just temporary. Mallory is a tourist who helped me when I was panicked about Charlotte. Nothing more.
I put my phone back in my pocket and finish getting my deliveries together. I grab my insulated bag and bring it to the front of the bakery. I find Charlotte in her seat finishing up her slice of quiche. She offers me a toothy grin when I ask if she’s ready to go. We both pull on our coats and I help her with her mittens and beanie. I get the bag attached to my bike and strap Char in the little seat on the back. We head off to her daycare before I trek out for deliveries.
Even as I make my rounds and drop off pastries and cakes to locals and businesses, my mind can’t stop going back to Mallory. How mesmerizing her eyes were, how it felt like little electric currents when she took my hand, and how kissable her plump, cherry lips looked.
All I need is a date to shake these lingering thoughts.
Yeah, just a date.
Chapter 3
Mallory
The hotelI’m staying at has brewed coffee and a small assortment of bagels and yogurts that you can grab and eat. But nothing looks overly appetizing. I need caffeine, protein, and sugar.
Not like the cases of sweets at the Spice Spice Baby Bakery.
I skip a shower, pull my hair into a ponytail, and tug on a thick black cardigan. Pairs perfectly with my black fleece leggings and long colorful tunic top. It’d be cute as is but I still need my peacoat, red leather gloves, black and white plaid scarf, a pair of earmuffs, and my snow boots. Now I am fully prepared for this Montana weather. I remember my laptop and charger and tuck my sketchbook in my tote bag just in case I get an idea. The walk to the bakery is just long enough that my nose is cold and I’m sure my cheeks are bright red.
I enter the warm bakery and take a deep inhale. Scents of cardamom, cinnamon, and anise waft into my nose. Today, I decide to grab a peppermint mocha with whipped cream and an extra shot of espresso. I pair it with an almond croissant. After I order I decide to sit at one of the larger wooden tables. I take off all my winter gear and open my laptop. Much to my friends’ dismay I’m sifting through my emails. While this vacation isa great break, it doesn’t change the fact that when I fly back to Québec, I don’t have a job. I managed to move from my amazing downtown apartment to a studio a few blocks away. But unemployment makes my skin itch. I’ve been so focused on my career that I don’t know what else to do.
I check my phone after I reply to a few emails and portfolio requests. The group chat is blowing up.
Lucy: Please tell me you signed up for salsa dancing tonight, Mal. Or have you already been swept off your feet?
Selena: Maybe by a billionaire looking for love? Or a firefighter that just needs to meet the one?
Lucy: Selena, you need to get your nose out of the books and meet me for cocktails. Unless you did find a handsome firefighter to keep warm over there in the states Mal. In which case, send photos.
Selena: Yes please! (to cocktails and cock photos)
Lucy: *laughing emoji*
Mallory: I met one guy…he’s a single dad. But we’re just going to the pancake dinner at the fire station. His daughter got lost yesterday and he wanted to thank me for finding her. No big deal.
Lucy: Ahhh. Well, if the firefighters are cooking shirtless, send pics.
Selena: As long as you’re not working.
Lucy: Tell us about the guy.
Mallory: I don’t know much. He’s a muscular looking ginger. He has a trim beard and green eyes. Great smile. His daughter is adorable.
Selena: Wear jeans and a tight sweater. Show off the assets! And then fill us in tomorrow.
Mallory: Will do!
We continue to chat about what they’re up to and by the time the texts start to fizzle I’m ready to order a peppermint tea and a fruit cup. I open up some old mood boards on my laptop and pull out my sketchbook. I get lost in sketching until someone taps me on the shoulder and spooks me.
“Sorry, just wanted to see what you were sketching.” A guy asks, he’s in one of the bakery aprons with a name tag that says “Dylan.”
