Noah nods. “Fire Daddy will be a great addition to our friend group. We’ve been needing a safety specialist for game nights. I’ve really wanted to introduce pyrotechnics for a while now.”
Jamie shakes his head. “I couldn’t help but notice a certain pissed-off cashier.”
“I don’t want to talk about it.” And I don’t. “I just want to get through this night. It’s incredible. I can’t thank you enough for all the work you and everyone have done to help me, and right now I’m having fun with a guy who actually likes me for a change. I’m done with closed-off cold assholes.”
Both Jamie and Noah blink at me. I feel it on the back of my neck. I turn and see Aiden in the door frame, his hard eyes on me. Cold. Nothing like the warmth soaking them while he was in my arms just last night. “Someone asked when speed dating is starting.” His voice is hollow.
“Uh...” Noah looks between us. “Right now. I’ll be right out.” He slips off the bar stool, grabbing Jamie’s hand and leading him out the door.
We stand there staring, and I don’t know what to do. Every time I see him it’s like the air just leaves my lungs.And he just left. Thanks. Fuckingthanks. I swallow and steel my spine. I need to go out there. I have a job to do.
I pass him in the doorway and feel his fingers brush my arm. I look at them before glaring at him. “Can we talk?”
“I’m busy.” I blink at him then shake my head. “Why don’t you just leave me a note.”
“It’s really simple.Think musical chairs but sexier.” I shake my head. “When the buzzer sounds, everyone gets up, finds a table, and sits. The goal is to meet as many people as possible. Music will play after the buzzer, and once it stops, sit at the nearest table. Friendships, relationships... it doesn’t matter. The goal is to form a connection.
Noah waves me over. What? Why!?
“Come here, Bakery?—”
“Okay, I’m coming.” I come up on stage and Noah speaks.
“Our very own hottie is responsible for this amazing evening. How about a round of applause for Sawyer.” Everyone cheers and it makes me smile. “And he’s single.” He winks. “He’ll be sitting at this table the entire time, so make sure you come by and say hello to him.”
Jamie walks by carrying a couple of plates of brownies as I make my way to my table. I watch my other friends also serve brownies to tables. Then my eyes collide with his.
Like a punch to the throat.
No. Don’t look at him. I drop down and hear the bell. Music starts to play while people frantically find a table to sit at. It stops and a someone sits down in front of me. Their blonde hair falls down their back in a fishtail-style braid. “Hi, my name’s Christina. They, them.”
“Sawyer. He, him.” I smile, shaking their hand.
“This place is so cute, and those truffles... Can I order them on your website?”
“Oh, yes. There aren’t too many on my website right now, we’re still working on things, but you can also call or email with any requests.” I push the tiny plate toward them. “Try these.”
“Oh my god.” They take another bite, covering their mouth with a smile. “I didn’t know this place was here. I work like five minutes from here.” They take another bite. “These are insane.” There are four left, and while I’m dying for one, I don’t want to take them from other people. I can make them anytime.
“What do you do for a living?”
“I work at the daycare center.” They cover their mouth, chewing. “Everything is so good. I bought a second box of truffles.” They laugh. “My girlfriend insisted.”
“You’re here with a girlfriend? At this event?”
They shrug. “Do you know how hard it is to make queer friends around here? This is so much fun. I wish there were moreevents like this. It’s just nice, you know? This is a great night. Thank you, seriously. We’re having so much fun.”
The buzzer sounds while words are caught in my throat. “It was nice to meet you.”
“You too.”
Wow. Okay. My smile breaks. I can’t believe this. Another person sits down and they’re a lot like the first—thanking me, telling me they love my desserts. I ask them where they work. A lot of people are from close by, and I wonder how no one knew I was down here.
Noah has really helped me out. It goes the same with the next couple of people who come around. My friends hand out the raspberry bark, and I do grab a piece of that. I love it. It’s like a comfort dessert. Easy to make and delicious.
“Ew.” I shake my head, pulling the plate away from my sister as she sits in the empty seat across from me. “Why are you even playing? You hate people, and you don’t even want a relationship.”
“I’m networking,” Jane says.
