Chapter 3
Maverick
Present
I take the last available spot in front of Sydney’s Sweets. I’ve been toying with the idea of offering desserts at the bar. I’ve heard of a few of my buddies doing it at their bars and they said it’s great for business. I already offer some food and I think dessert would be a great addition.
Pushing through the door, I take in the cute decorations Sydney has sprinkled around the shop. She’s turned this place into a winter wonderland. There are snowflakes hanging from the ceiling and little snowmen are placed on each table. She did a great job at making the shop feel warm and inviting.
“Hey, what are you doing here, Mav?” Sydney smiles at me as she wipes down the counter.
She takes a tray and stores it under the counter before turning her full attention towards me.
“Hey, I was hoping you’d be here.”
“Oh, that sounds mysterious.” She smirks and leans her arms on the counter, bringing her closer to me. It feels like we’re about to share a secret and I love how amused she looks. “Do tell me more.”
“Well, I’m interested in adding desserts to my menu at the bar.”
“Desserts are always a wonderful idea, especially when you’re drunk.”
“I thought so too. So, I was wondering if you’d be interested in working with me. I’d start out slow and only take one or two different desserts a week. Maybe try to pair them with a beer, wine, or drink… If I can get that creative.”
“Wow, that’s a great idea! I think we could get super creative with this.” She taps her finger on her chin and glances towards the display case.
“We?” I arch a brow as a slow smile spreads across my lips. “Are you willing to help me?”
“Well, I think you’re pretty lost and I’m practically a master at this.”
“Oh, really?” I chuckle.
“Yeah, but I think we need to sample these. You know, make sure they actually pair well together.”
“Are you free tonight? I have someone already scheduled to work. We could get together and try some pairings if you have some samples to work with. I can bring the alcohol.” I grin.
“Let me call Peck and see if he’s free to babysit. If so, do you want me to come to the bar? It’s probably easier to come to the alcohol than for you to bring it here.”
“That would be great. We can hang out in the back so we don’t need to deal with any customers.”
“Do you mind waiting a few minutes while I grab my phone and call Peck? That way I won't forget.”
“Of course.”
As soon as she’s in the back, I turn my attention to the display case and pull out my phone to take some pictures. I know Sydney has certain desserts every day and others she cycles through. She has some seasonal things too.
I’d prefer to make sure she doesn’t need to make anything special for me. I know she’s already working hard and she has two kids at home to worry about. I don’t want her to be stressed out over me.
As much as I think the dessert pairing with a drink could drive up business at the bar, I also want to help Sydney get some more business.
She’s a single mom and her sole income is this bakery.
She’s amazing at her job and comes out with the most unique desserts I’ve ever tasted, but I want to help take her business to the next level.
I know some local businesses have been starting to offer Sydney’s products. I think everyone knows customers aren’t buying dessert from restaurants because they’d rather come here.
“Peck says he can babysit after he gets off duty at six. What time do you want me to head over to the bar?”
“Whenever you want.”
“How about I come as soon as he gets home? I’ll need to be up early to get back here and bake in the morning.”
“Can I order us something for dinner? That way you don’t have to worry about that.”
“That would be great, thanks, Mav.” She smiles sweetly at me. “I’ll make sure to bring whatever I have on hand and I think would work well for you. I have a few ideas already.”
“That sounds perfect. How’s everything going with the shop?” I hang around, trying to make small talk. I don’t know what it is about Sydney, but she always has a way of drawing me to her.
“Business is good. The local restaurants and grocery stores are beginning to carry some of my products. Thanks to Skylar, the school comes to me any time they need a dessert. And I swear she’s doing more events that require bakery items than ever before. I appreciate it, but it’s a lot.”
“Is my request too much?” I frown down at my feet. I thought I was helping, but maybe this is too much for her. I don’t want to add more to her plate if it isn't helpful for her.
“No, that’s not what I meant.” She shakes her head. “I don’t think you’ll need five hundred cupcakes or two thousand donut holes. I’m assuming, especially in the beginning, you’ll only want a few dozen desserts a week. I can handle that, Maverick.”
“If at any point you can't, please don’t hesitate to talk to me. I don’t want to make your life more difficult.”
“I promise it will be ok.”
My attention snaps to her and I arch a brow. She didn’t say she’d tell me if it became too much. She chuckles and an adorable smile spreads across her lips.
“I promise to tell you if it becomes too much.” I don’t miss the way she rolls her eyes, but I don’t care. I just want to make sure she’s doing what’s best for her.