“Have you seen that hot-ass blondie? I heard there’s a masc shortage, but God damn,” one woman whispers.
“Tell me about it. I’d like to climb her like a tree, if you know what I mean,” the other says, and they both giggle.
I smirk to myself. It isn’t the first time I’ve been ogled. But it’s the first time it’s happened while Bells is in earshot. I don’t know why, but it makes me happy that she knows how people lust over me. It isn’t like I’m going to fuck some influencer, but I like being admired. I mean, who doesn’t?
“You look happy. You doing okay?” Hattie asks, sneaking up behind me.
“Just taking this all in. It’s more people than I expected,” I admit.
“Bells said it was at least one hundred.”
“I know, but I didn’t think they’d all show up. It’s kind of impressive,” I say.
“Have you told her that?” Hattie raises an eyebrow.
“No. She doesn’t need me telling her she’s doing a good job.” I scoff.
“It doesn’t hurt to hear a compliment sometimes. Especially when it’s a new job and the person you work with has been an ass in the past,” Hattie says.
“I’ve been better!”
“You have. But it wouldn’t hurt for you to tell her she did a good job. You can admit that she surprised you.” Hattie smiles.
“She has. I really thought she was going to turn this place up for profit. I mean, she still could.” I shrug.
“She’s not like that. She’s worked so hard to make this place even better than it was before without getting rid of its core. I know you two had a rocky start, but isn’t it time you put that in the past? Kiss and make up and all that?”
“Oh yeah? Kiss and make up? You sound like Lina.” I roll my eyes.
“We just want you to be happy. And you may not see it, but we see how she lights you up.”
“This isn’t weird for you?” I frown. We don’t talk much about me seeing someone since she told me she had feelings for me. I don’t want to make her uncomfortable.
“No, I thought it might be. At first it wasn’t great, but then I realized all I want is for you to be happy. Even if that isn’t with me, you deserve someone who makes you smile.”
“And this is why you’re my best friend.” I pull her in for a tight hug.
“Excuse me!? I’m in the bakery for one day and you replace me?” Lina teases, walking into the barn.
“What are you doing here?” I laugh.
“I thought you were working the bakery?” Hattie says, confused. The electrician pulled a miracle, and since there was just an old fuse blown, he was able to repair it rather quickly. The bill was insane, but we’ll make it all back in a day or so.
“I just came to bring you both some breakfast. Treats are going quickly, so I wanted to make sure you both ate.” She hands us each a brown paper bag. I can smell the cinnamon and apples, making me hope it’s one of the apple turnovers I love.
“Thank you,” Hattie and I say in unison.
“Of course. Come see me later. I gotta get back.” She hurries off toward the bakery, and we open the bags. Sure enough, inside is a warm apple turnover covered in cinnamon sugar.
I take a bite and moan. Hattie’s eyes flutter to mine, but quickly catching herself, she looks away. I don’t mean for it to sound sexual, but holy shit it’s good. Everything Lina makes is good, but these are my favorite. If I don’t have an energy drink this morning, I might follow her back to the bakery for a fresh cup of coffee. Hattie takes a bite of her pumpkin scone, and I make a face. I am not a pumpkin spice person. I don’t understand how people call it pumpkin spice when there’s neverany real pumpkin in it. Half the time it’s the taste of nutmeg. Plus, I don’t care for the taste. But Hattie loves it; she drinks pumpkin-flavored coffee year-round.
“Tilly? Can you help me with something?” Bells’s voice startles me from my thoughts.
I nod, unable to speak with the turnover in my mouth. Finishing the last bite, I follow quickly behind her. She’s walking faster than normal, so I can tell she needs me to keep up. When I can speak without choking, I ask what’s up.
“I totally forgot about the gift bags we’re giving out, and I need help getting them out of the storage closet. Can you help?”
“Of course.” I nod. She looks nervous, which makes sense. A lot is riding on her today.
