Chapter 17
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
AVA
The rest of the week flew by, and Saturday arrived with me starting at No Name early in the morning. Austin had to help his parents with a new furniture delivery, so he’d be coming to the bakery later today.
We were dating again. It had only been a week since that icy storm, but our relationship had gotten steamier each day.
I spent most of the previous week at his house and loved every minute. Austin had asked me to move in with him, but I declined because it was too soon.
Though we had resumed our relationship, I needed to protect myself. I still remembered the heartache and didn’t want to ever experience that again, so I wanted to take my time.
I spoke to my mother the day before and told her about Austin and me. Though she was happy for me, she asked me to be careful. I understood her concern. She was my mother, who had seen me at my worst, so she was being protective.
Officer Jensen called me last night to let me know Juan had successfully lured out the members of a New York gang responsible for the thefts around the nation.
The WPD was now working with other law-enforcement agencies nationwide to apprehend the rest of the crew.
I learned Juan was doing community service at a homeless shelter as part of his plea bargain.
“Do you know Sierra Montage?” Officer Jensen had asked.
My stomach contorted. “Not personally. Why?”
“She was Juan’s acquaintance. He met Sierra when he cleaned her house. She hired him to hurt you, but he couldn’t do it, so he took the bracelet instead.”
My jaw dropped. “She’s crazy.”
“Not going to disagree with you. She’s also linked to the New York gang. We’re working that angle now.”
“Oh my god,” I said, wondering if those gang members would have followed through with the plan to hurt me.
“The DA is building a case against the Montage family. This new evidence will help him immensely. As far as I know, you’re not in danger anymore. Sierra has new targets.”
Officer Jensen showed me pictures of three men who were at the mall that day.
Two of them were the men who stole my parking spot.
The third was the man who had yanked at my purse.
A chill rushed down my body, remembering how close I’d been to those dangerous men.
I prayed Sierra and her family would get the punishment they deserve.
During my lunch break, I used my tablet and had a conference call with my friends, who
all had various backgrounds and cultures. My Scottish background seemed mundane compared to all the stories they shared with me. I loved these girls like sisters, and it was time they knew about me and Austin.
“I can’t wait for the holiday gathering next week!” I waved, missing my friends.
“I’ve got beauty samples for you guys.” Kendra, my Vietnamese-American friend, showed off a bag in front of the camera.
“I need a good moisturizer for my dry skin.” Rhea patted her adorable face, which was sprinkled with freckles.
“I’m looking for deep conditioner for my hair.” Layla secured a sparkling clip to her black hair.
“So what’s going on, Ava?” Jemma asked as she adjusted the side braid with showed off the highlights in her brown hair. “You seem happier.”
“You’re right.” Deidre pursed her lips, studying me with green eyes that made her look like a Greek Goddess. “Come closer to the screen.”
I laughed. “So you can see my blackheads?”
“Are you seeing someone?” Kendra asked.
“Yes, that’s why I called this meeting.” I took a deep breath and told them everything.
“Wow.” Kendra shook her head. “That’s some story.”
“We forgive him then,” Jemma said.
“I’m so happy for you!” Rhea exclaimed, followed by Deidre and Layla.
I chatted with them for a few more minutes before logging off and getting back to work.
As I kneaded dough in the kitchen, I felt a lightness in my heart as though it had grown wings ready to soar.
The more time I spent at No Name, the more I wanted to resign from my city job. This place made my heart soar. This bakery was my dream, and my boyfriend helped make it happen.
“What’s that smile about?” Cindy asked as she placed the raspberry Danishes onto the tray.
“Nothing.”
Cindy snorted. “You can’t lie.”
I grinned. “Things are going smoothly. I’m just appreciating the moments.”
“Is that all?” She wiggled her eyebrows. “You and our handsome boss make the perfect item. How come you didn’t want to tell us about your past with him?”
“Sometimes the past makes me sad, and I didn’t want to make you sad too. We’re together again, so that’s all that matters.”
“I understand.” Her eyes warmed. “He loves you. We all see it.”
I felt it. But it was nice to hear that others witnessed it too.
“She’s such a bitch!” Rosie huffed as she stalked in. “I wish Bianca were here.”
Bianca had taken the day off for her twins’ birthday celebration.
“Who?” Cindy and I asked simultaneously.
Rosie scrunched up her face in disgust. “I can’t believe Austin was engaged to the witch. What an entitled brat! She’s out there making snide remarks about our gorgeous pastries.”
Pissed, I wiped my hands and strode out to the front with Cindy right behind me. My conversation with Officer Jensen flashed into my head.
Sierra looked exactly like the images from the internet.
Straight blonde hair and wearing a belted wool coat over long, sleek boots.
Her makeup was perfectly done, and she carried a purse with the Versace logo glinting against the lights.
She stood with a woman with curly hair, in a red coat over skinny jeans.
She wore a furry crossover purse that made me cringe.
“Who would eat those bunny breads?” Sierra pointed. “They look ugly. Don’t you think so, Becca?”
“Disgusting.” Becca made a disapproving sound and waved her hand. “I’m surprised this bakery is still in business. Who’s the untalented baker?”
An old woman who was looking at the brownies turned around and said, “I know many people who love these adorable bunny breads. I’m one of them. You should try to be nice. It’ll make you both prettier.”
Sierra rolled her eyes at the woman. “They’re atrocious!”
At that moment, Kendra strode in, smiled at me, glanced at Sierra, and knew I needed a minute. She walked over to Donna, who was packing up baked goods in a box.
“If you don’t like our pastries, then leave,” I said. “We don’t want disrespectful people in our shop. They’re like mold, ruining everything.”
“How dare you speak to me like that?” Sierra surveyed me. “You’re the one who ruined my engagement. I can’t believe Austin broke it off with me for you.”
“I had nothing to do with you throwing yourself at my man.” I walked over to the bread counter, protective of my adorable creations. “He was smart enough to know a spoiled brat isn’t good for him. Mold is poisonous.” I smiled.
“How dare you speak to us that way?” Sierra huffed. “You’re just bakers. Do you know who we are?”
Cindy laughed. “Yeah—vulgar and malicious hellions! Do you know who we are?” She placed a hand on each hip. “We’re the best bakers in the city, and we’re proud of it.”
Sierra and Becca gasped, unable to respond. I smirked at Cindy, whose face was red with anger.
“Any more comments, ladies?” Kendra held up her phone, which had been recording the event since she had entered the shop.
“Smile. You’re gonna be famous! Since when does the Montage family go into small businesses and insult hardworking people?
” She moved her phone to record the animal-shaped breads.
“How can you call these adorable bunnies ugly, disgusting, and atrocious?”
Sierra turned away from Kendra’s phone. “Get away from me!” Her phone rang and she dug into her purse? “Hi, Dad. I’m shopping.” She flicked us an annoyed glance. “At the police precinct? Why?” Her expression changed from arrogance to fear. Then she stalked out of the bakery with Becca behind her.
A small smile crept onto my lips as I quietly thanked the WPD for working fast.
Kendra added a comment to her video, typed something on her phone, and scoffed. “There. Let the evil witches get what they deserve. The internet will give those Karens some love.” She walked up to me. “You okay?”
“Fine. She’s a horrible person.”
“Horrible is too nice of a word,” Cindy huffed.
“I agree. I have better adjectives to describe her,” Donna said as she packaged the brownies for the old woman. “Thank you and have a great day.”
“This is my favorite bakery in the entire state,” said the friendly old woman.
“Thank you.” I smiled as Rosie emerged with a large tray of apple tarts.
“I heard everything back there.” Rosie grinned. “You guys were amazing!”
“She brought out the bitch in me,” Cindy snarled.
“I like this version of you.” I patted her back. “Are you all right?”
“There are too many people like them in this world. They’re flour on the floor.” She waved a hand. “They don’t bother me.”
Sierra and Becca’s disturbance didn’t bother me either. I knew Sierra was jealous and wanted to hurt me and Austin. I hoped she’d find peace and move on.
“What are you doing here?” I turned to Kendra. “You just bought a box of pastries two days ago. They’re gone already?”
“I’m here for a very important event.” She looked outside the bakery, and her face brightened.
My mother, Austin’s parents, and Austin were on their way into the shop. He carried a large tray covered with fabric.
Did he bring them here to show them around? Why hadn’t he informed me?