Chapter 9
CHAPTER NINE
AVA
Friday dragged on at the office as I wondered how the bakery was doing today. I’d prepared several baking sheets of bunny-, cat-, and cow-shaped breads for them. I couldn’t wait to get everyone’s feedback. I wished I was at No Name today.
I blinked at the desire. How could it have lured me in so fast? I missed working with Bianca, Donna, Cindy, and Rosie so much.
Who else do you miss?
It was no use lying to myself. I blew out a breath and admitted I missed Austin too. What was wrong with me? Why was I pining after an ex? Obviously, I had unresolved emotions that needed to be dealt with now.
After the despair I’d gone through, I was still attracted to him. The proof was in how my body reacted to his presence. Last night, I had the wildest dream about him. We were both in the kitchen doing all kinds of delicious things to each other.
Saturday arrived, and enthusiasm rushed through me as I got to the bakery. Disappointment stirred in me when noon arrived and Austin was nowhere in sight. Where was he? I’d gotten used to seeing him.
When my shift ended, sadness churned in me.
“Looks like there’s an ice storm coming tonight.” Bianca glanced at her phone.
“That’s what the meteorologist said last week and nothing happened.” Cindy zipped up her coat. “Hopefully, they’ll be wrong this time too.”
“We have a neon display that I can access to update messages in case we have to open later.” Bianca crossed her fingers. “Let’s hope the storm moves up north and misses us.”
Cindy and I waved to Rosie and Donna at the front counter.
“I’m heading to the grocery store.” Cindy walked to her car. “See you tomorrow, hopefully.”
“Have a good evening.” I slid into my car, thinking of browsing the nearby shops.
I had heard customers raving about a new bookstore that recently opened up. I was in the mood for a suspenseful romance novel. Ever since my relationship ended with Austin, I’d healed my heart with baking and reading. In books, everyone got their happily ever after.
I used the shopping therapy to clear my head and figure out when I’d want Austin’s explanation.
I found parking near Metaphors & Similes, got out, and entered the bookstore.
The decor offered warm colors of pink, peach, and purple.
A burgundy couch sat against a wall with rotating bookshelves standing nearby.
Several cards hung from a wooden chandelier.
As I approached, I saw that each card had a metaphor or simile from popular books.
“Welcome!” said a pretty woman with purple hair, wearing a long lilac dress. “I’m Charlene. Let me know if you have any questions.”
“Thank you.” I walked over to the little gift section displaying jewelry and art from local artists.
A musky scent snuck up my nose, and I sneezed.
My heart raced when I saw a man standing across the table, picking up an intricate necklace.
I grabbed a heart-shaped cup and held it, pretending to study it.
But I took my time examining the man. Indeed, he wasn’t the man in the parking lot who I assumed was the thief who had stolen my emerald bracelet.
This man standing before me had short dark hair and wore a leather coat and light jeans.
My heart raced as I remembered him from Artisan Jewelers.
He’d been looking at something in the store at the same time as me!
Not only that, I recalled seeing him at the candle store too. Had he been following me in the mall?
I needed to call Officer Jensen. My hands trembled even though the thief wasn’t looking at me. I stepped away, wanting to go outside to call, but bumped into someone. I glanced up and my heart jolted.
“Austin.” Without thinking, I grabbed his hand and rushed out the door.