Chapter 5
CHAPTER FIVE
AVA
The day flew by at work with several meetings and people calling about missed trash pickups, recycling bin replacements, and residential salt and sand distribution.
My mom called during lunch, saying her friend Julie was visiting from Maine for a week.
Julie knew what Mom was going through because she survived breast cancer three years ago.
The friendly support would help my mom recover even faster.
A text from Rhea popped onto my phone during work, but I didn’t have time to reply until I got home.
Rhea: Call me.
My stomach growled, and I grabbed a leftover chicken lo mein in my microwaveable container to heat up.
While waiting, I called Rhea, and she picked up right away. “Hey, you!”
“Sorry, I couldn’t call earlier. What’s up?” I grabbed a fork and poured myself a glass of water, placing them on the kitchen table.
“I have the perfect part-time job for you!” Excitement filled her voice.
“Really?” Something tickled my stomach as I got my heated food, brought it over to the kitchen table, and sat down. “Where?”
“Bianca manages No Name Bakery. The main baker got into a car accident and needs to be out of work for a few weeks. They need someone to replace her quickly.”
“I thought she worked for Maplegrove Bread Company? Besides, I haven’t worked in a bakery before.”
“She wanted a change—something not so corporate,” Rhea said. “You bake at home all the time. Your pastries—especially your bread—are to die for. You’d be perfect. Bianca has been in the industry for a long time, so she can spot talent. And she said you’ve got it.”
“She did?” I smiled at the compliment.
I knew I could do it, but my inexperience working for a real bakery made me uncomfortable. What if I made a mistake that cost them money? What if I messed up and no one wanted to eat my products?
Go for it! Kick self-doubt to the curb!
The image of the emerald bracelet flashed in front of me, and I gathered courage. This experience was a test to see if I could attain my dream of opening my own bakery one day. No Name was a fabulous opportunity to gain experience.
“Okay. I’ll do it.”
“Fantastic! I’ll let her know. She’ll call you for more details.”
We ended the call, and I finished my dinner while eagerness soared through me. My fingers itched as though they knew they’d be playing with dough, sugar, other fun ingredients, and baking tools.
As I prepared my lunch for tomorrow, Bianca called to let me know she’d send over the employment form for me to fill out.
We’d start with me working three days a week after my day job and full days on the weekends.
I’d be working for No Name for three weeks with the potential for me to stay longer if I wanted to.
“Why is it called No Name?” I asked.
“I asked the same question.” She laughed. “The owner didn’t know what to call it. The pay is good. There are three other coworkers. Cindy will assist you in the kitchen. I’ll help as well, but I’ll be more focused on day-to-day operations, admin stuff, and fulfilling the holiday orders.”
“Do you have a lot?”
“We have a good amount. If you make your animal-shaped breads, we’ll have way more.”
“You’d let me make them?” My heart raced.
“Absolutely! I’d like you to bring your version of bread and pastries to the mix. People will love it.”
After our chat, I felt more at ease. I looked at my calendar and drew hearts on the days I’d be at the bakery.
That night, I fell asleep dreaming of bread in all shapes and sizes.
Adorable elf- and gnome-shaped breads came to life, helping me decorate No Name Bakery.
They even moved the letters of the name around, creating a new title that didn’t make sense.