“The Porch,” Lennon says.
“The Porch,” I repeat.
There’s a moment, a nostalgic, exciting, unsure moment that hangs in the air. The kind of moment where you stay still—or you leap. I inadvertently go up on my toes.
“Interesting,” Lennon says, the word drawn out.
Her voice pulls me out of my haze and I smile at her, shrugging softly. “I guess I like empty spaces too. They make me daydream.”
“Are you sure that’s all that was?” Lennon asks. “Because it felt like something... more. Less like a dream and more like a plan.”
I look around. The moment is still there, but now it’s just out of reach.
The space would be perfect for an adorable little bakery. I’d change the awnings on the two tall windows flanking the front door, and I’d add exterior seating for beautiful days like today. I’d hand out samples, and every Friday, I’d bake a box of goodies and deliver it to someone my customers nominate, someone who deserves to be recognized for being kind or doing good in the city.
Just because.
I’d focus on bringing small-town charm—all the things I miss about home—to this big, beautiful city.
I’d have to spend every bit of my savings to make a go of something like this, and what do I really know about running a business? It would be a terrible idea.
Right?
I look at Lennon, and the moment wisps away. “Just daydreams.”
She opens the door, and I follow her out onto the sidewalk, taking one last, lingering look inside the empty shop.
“Okay,” Lennon says, a disbelieving tone in her voice. “If you decide you want to go for it, you let me know.”
I made a friend.
I also had an idea.
Something I thought I’d shake but haven’t. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it.
A bakery.
It’s a pipe dream, really. Obviously not something I’m serious about. It would’ve been fun to kick around the idea with Gram, though. I wonder what she would’ve put on the menu.
The Porch Menu
Farmhouse Lemon Bars
Pucker up for tart-but-sweet perfection
Porch Pecan Bars
Topped with brown butter and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt
Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Muffins
Bursting with fruit and sweetened to perfection
Ooey-Gooey Fudge Brownies
A chocolate explosion
TheScotcheroo
