Chapter 7 Stella #2
“I really enjoy watching you in the kitchen,” he said admirably. “You move with such precision and beauty.”
This man was great for my ego.
“Thanks,” I told him as I walked closer to him. “Okay, what did you want to talk about?”
“How about you get what you need for the bank, and we can discuss it while I walk over there with you?” he offered.
“Okay, let me grab the paperwork and stuff from my office real quick,” I told him, walking to my tiny office on the other side of the refrigerators.
I grabbed the forms, quickly filled them out, and grabbed the secure cash bag. He was still in the same spot I had left him in a few minutes ago, almost as though he was afraid he would knock something over or break something if he moved.
“I’m ready.” Bag in hand, I walked over in front of him, and he held his arm out in a gesture for me to walk ahead.
I smiled back as we walked out into the bakery counter space where Luna was standing.
“We’re running across the street,” I said to her as we walked by the register. “We’ll be right back.”
“Take your time. Enjoy the sunny day. We’re good here.” She winked back at me and gave a little finger wave.
I rolled my eyes as we walked out the front door and into the parking lot.
“It’s the blue building down there.” I pointed to the bank at the end of the block.
He nodded and walked very close beside me. I assumed that was because he knew we were transporting the money, but I wanted to believe it was also just for fun. “Are you feeling okay about everything now that Vince and I met with Doucet?”
I thought about it for a second as we made our way onto the sidewalk. “I’m cautiously optimistic. I’d like to think I’m in the clear now and he won’t come back again. I’d really like to go about my daily life without worrying whether there will be another letter or uncomfortable visit from him.”
I looked up to see him nodding. “I hope so too, but if that changes, call me right away and let me know.”
“I will.”
“So, Stella. What do you like to do for fun when you aren’t creating magic in the kitchen?”
“Not much, honestly. I’m kind of lame. Most of my free time is spent on paperwork for Scandinavian Sweets or finding ways to make it even better. I need to get out more.” I gave him a small smirk to try to cover how totally uncool I was.
“Do you know what curling is?”
I tilted my head to the side, thinking. “Do you mean the winter sport in the Olympics?”
His lip curled a little in what I assumed was satisfaction that I knew what he was talking about. “Yes. Have you ever tried it?”
“Uh…can’t say that I have. Why? Did Swedish people invent it, and I’m embarrassing my culture by never playing?” I joked, and he just smiled bigger.
“Technically, curling was invented in Scotland, but according to the World Curling Federation, Sweden is always in the top three world rankings. Plus, in the last several Olympics, Sweden has won a medal for curling. So, we may not have invented it, but we are excellent at it.”
I laughed at his smack-talk of the other countries.
“I guess I need to learn more about it so I don’t embarrass my ancestors,” I teased as we entered the bank.
“Would you like to come with me Sunday and learn how to play? There is a local club here, and Anna invited me to join her and Archer to play on Sunday.”
Did he just ask me out?
Before I could answer him, a woman greeted me from behind the counter.
“Hey, Stella!”
I turned to see Leslie waving her hand at me from behind her teller station.
“Hey, Leslie,” I replied as Axel put his hand on the small of my back to push me toward her.
I didn’t want to go to Leslie, though. I wanted to keep talking about curling and the possible date that Axel was asking me out on.
Leslie was super nice, though, and the one who usually helped me take care of my deposits.
She also was a frequent visitor at Scandinavian Sweets.
She claimed it was to keep her adult kids coming home since they didn’t visit as often now that they were grown and out of the house.
“Is that your drop for the day?” Leslie asked as we neared the counter.
“Uh…yeah.” I handed the bag to her along with the sheet.
I started to turn to Axel, hoping to bring up the curling again, but, alas, Leslie was going to be my dream-crusher for the day.
“So, try any new recipes lately?” she asked, excitement written all over her face. “Those twist things you had me try the last time were so amazing. I can’t wait to come back and get something else.”
“Nothing new since the last time you came over, but you’re always welcome to get some of your favorites."
“Are you with her?” Leslie asked, looking at Axel.
“I am,” he replied as I nodded to her.
“Okay, just making sure, cause sometimes people get a little too close in line and I need to tell them to move back.”
I smiled back at her as she typed away on her computer.
“Alright my dear. Just sign the back of this check for me, and you are all set.” She handed me one of the checks I meant to sign before we came over but had clearly forgotten since Axel was around.
I was finding this was common when he was near me. It was like my brain and any logical thought just yeeted right out of my head.
“All set. Here you go.” She handed me my receipt, and I thanked her as Axel and I walked back toward the entrance.
I wasn’t going to wait for him to bring it up again, so the instant we were out that door, I was ready to bring the date back up again. This was my opportunity, and I was going to strike while the iron was hot.
“I would love to go curling with you, Axel. What time is it?”
“In the afternoon. I need to double check with Anna and Archer to see exactly when, but I can text you.”
“I would love it if you texted me!” I spoke quickly and a bit too overly excited.
Oh, God… That sounded so weird. Why am I so awkward around him sometimes?
“Great. I’ll text you once I hear back from them,” he said, smiling at me.
As we walked back to Scandinavian Sweets, I was giddy with excitement as butterflies floated all around my stomach.