4. Rabbie
4
Rabbie
Yesterday at the cafe was a blur, with Nellie off sick and David out running deliveries I hardly got time to sit down with Crystal. I felt terrible that she’d sat there for half the morning without having a coffee. I didn’t even see her come into the cafe until later that morning. I guess being busy was a good distraction because she clearly is distracting with her beautiful copper hair and cowboy boots. I’m not used to being the boss, and never have to keep things overly professional with Nellie and David because they’re like my wee brother and sister. But I know I have to keep things professional with Crystal, otherwise I’m screwed.
I finish pulling out the final batch of scones out of the oven, the cafe isn’t open yet. It’s still very early. I wake every morning before sunrise to start making the scones. I bake most of the other baked goods the day before, but I always make my scones fresh that morning. I’m in the back cleaning up when I hear a knock on the door. Nellie and David both have a key to the cafe, but sometimes they are known to forget it, and I have to let them in. I look down at my watch, it’s a little too early for them to be here, but they sometimes come in early if we have a huge day of deliveries.
I round the corner to let them in when I’m surprised to see Crystal standing at the door, her dark auburn hair whipping around her face from the morning wind. I rush to let her out of the cold, dreary weather.
She brushes past me, her sweet vanilla scent fills my nose.“Thanks, good morning.”
“Er, good morning,” I suddenly lose all ability to speak.
She wanders over to the table in the corner and places her large bag on the chair opposite her.
“It’s freezing out there,” she sits down in the chair and pulls out her laptop.
A small laugh escapes my mouth, and she shoots me a glare.
“Did I say something funny?”
“Aye, it’s freezing. I’m glad you’re wearing a jumper at least, but it doesn’t make any sense if you wear shorts with it.”
“Yeah, but I’m wearing boots.” She looks down at her cowboy boots, and then at me as if I’m the crazy one.
She’s wearing a thick, white knitted jumper that is way too big for her, you wouldn’t think she wasn’t wearing any shorts, it’s that big. And, of course, her signature black cowboy boots that make her legs look incredible. I count to ten in my head and take a deep breath to compose myself. Get it together Rabbie, she’s technically your employee.
She starts working on her laptop while I put some of the baked goods in the window, and I catch glimpses of her yawning and blinking at her screen.
“Can I make you tea or coffee?”
“I thought you’d never ask,” she looks up from her screen, and a small smile forms on her full lips.
“Sorry, that’s not very hospitable of me. Black, extra strong?”
She looks at me with a blank face, and I worry I’ve got it wrong.
“You remembered my coffee order?” A small smile forms on her perfect lips.
I run a hand through my hair nervously. “Aye, it was only yesterday I made you one.”
“You make so many coffees in a day, I just didn’t think you’d remember,” she shrugs.
“I’ve got a good memory. Besides I couldn’t forget your order, you wanted a bathtub of coffee.”
A small smirk forms on her perfect lips, and we both start laughing. Followed by awkward silence as we lock eyes. She smiles up at me, and I feel my heart start to thump in my chest, I fear she can hear it.
I break the trance she has me in. “The biggest coffee you’ve ever seen coming right up,” I blurt out, and rush over to the coffee machine.
God, I’m such a nerd. I shake my head and remind myself that she’s working for me, and that I need to be professional. I make her an extra strong black coffee, and I load one of my freshly baked scones with jam and cream onto a tray and carry it over to her. I place the coffee and scone down in front of her, and she shuts her laptop and beams a smile at me.
“Thank you, I needed this coffee,” she cups the hot mug with delight.
I turn to carry on with my morning jobs before the cafe opens, Nellie and David should be here soon.
“Please join me, surely you need a break before you open for the day.” She looks up at me from her long lashes.
I hesitate to join her, I really should try and keep my distance between us. But her moss green eyes suck me in, and she moves her bag from the chair across from her and motions for me to sit. Like a puppy, I sit without even thinking about it and find myself in close quarters with her dazzling cat shaped eyes. Even yesterday when she was showing me her vision boards I couldn’t stop stealing glances at her. Being that close to her, I could map out all the beautiful little freckles that dot her face, and her long black eyelashes that would flutter when she looked up at me from her laptop.
She cuts the scone in half and spreads jam and then cream on to it, I watch as she bites down and her eyes close in bliss, the softest moan escapes her lips, and I tense at the sweet sound, the sound of pleasure. My mind starts to wander, and I bite my lip to stop my dirty thoughts running wild.
“Wow, Rabbie these scones are delicious. I’ll need to start running longer in the mornings if your baking is this good.”
I’ve lost the capability to talk, again. God, she must think I’m an idiot. I blink and smile.
“Thank you.” I finally managed to speak.
“Sorry I turned up so early, I couldn’t sleep, so instead of tossing and turning I decided to start early. I hope I haven’t disturbed your morning shift,” she sips her coffee.
“Dinny fash, you’re not comfortable at Thistle Down?” The question slips out before I can stop myself and not get too involved.
“Oh no, I’m grateful for Cam and Dylan for letting me crash there. But–never mind, it’s not a huge issue,” she stops talking and waves her hand in the air.
“What is it?” I’m curious. I shouldn’t pry, the less I know the better. You’re trying to keep things professional, remember?
“It’s just–the walls are thin at the cottage, and I’m staying with a couple who are still in the honeymoon phase. So, you can imagine getting some sleep is difficult,” she laughs.
I try to hide the small smile on my lips as she chuckles while taking another bite of her scone.
Dylan and Cam are so in love they can’t keep their hands off each other, they are still in that exciting, new relationship phase, and the PDA is off the charts, so I can only imagine what they get up to behind closed doors. I have sympathy for Crystal as she chugs the rest of her coffee.
I also have envy for Dylan and Cam because I don’t think I will ever find love like theirs, I don’t think I will find love at all. Since my parents left me when I was a wee lad, my fear of abandonment has followed me into my adult life, and I’m terrified to fall in love. I’ve had one girlfriend, but I broke it off before it got too serious because I was terrified she would eventually leave me, so I pushed her away. Falling in love is meant to be magical and exciting, and all I felt was anxiety and paranoia. I never told my friends why, and they never asked.
“Rabbie?” I hear Crystal’s soft voice.
I blink, and she’s looking at me with her head cocked to the side.
Are you okay?”
“Aye, sorry, I was away with the fairies then,” I try to brush it off.
She smiles, and her eyes soften as she looks at me. I cough to break the weird tension between us, and stand up from the table.
“I better get back to work, the cafe opens soon. If you need anything I’ll be in the back. Food and drinks are on me,” I point over my shoulder towards the door leading to my kitchen. I don’t give Crystal time to say anything as I turn and rush away.
I try to keep myself busy in the kitchen, but all I can think about are Crystal’s soft green eyes and the light freckles on her nose. I’m so distracted by the cute cowgirl sitting in the cafe, that I forgot there was a tray of scones in the oven that are now burnt to a crisp. I grab my oven mitts off the stainless island and run over to open the oven. A waft of smoke hits me in the face, and I cough as the smoke fills my nose and lungs. Quickly removing the tray, I run out the back door of the cafe before the smoke alarm goes off because that would be embarrassing. I dump the burnt scones in the bin. Wiping the sweat from my forehead, I lean back against the wall and take a deep breath of the fresh Scottish air. I don’t know what’s happening to me, but I need to get a grip.
“Good morning, Rab.” Nellie says, startling me.
“Oh, I didn’t see you there. Morning, Nell. How are you feeling?”
“Aye, much better,” she smiles at me.
Nellie sniffs the air. “Did you burn something? You never burn your scones, what’s going on? Is everything okay?” Her eyes bounce between me and the tray in my hand.
Nellie is younger than me by at least seven years, but she acts like my mum. Well, not like my mum because she left me when I was ten, but Nellie likes to mother me and worries about me way too much. I know it’s because she cares, but she goes over the top sometimes.
“Aye, I just got distracted, is all. I was making sure Crystal had everything she needed before we opened and got busy.”
“Oh, Dylan’s friend who is making the website? What’s she like? I can’t wait to meet her.” She peers over my shoulder towards the door that leads to the cafe.
“Aye, she’s okay.”
“Okay?” Nellie looks at me with a puzzled look.
“Where’s your brother? I will take you both in to meet her.” I try to deflect the weird look Nellie is giving me.
“He just ran across the road to Bits and Bobs, I think he’s sweet on Fiona. He’s always finding excuses to go over there.”
I smile to myself because Fiona is one of my best friends, and I know poor wee David hasn’t got a chance for a few reasons. Fiona is in love with my other best friend, Hamish. Although they’ve never told each other how they feel. Another reason, Fiona would eat David alive, she’s caring and sweet but only to the people she trusts. And David is seven years younger than Fiona, he’s the same age as Nellie because they’re twins. But I’ve got to give it to the lad for trying.
David comes running round the corner, his thick ginger hair blowing in the wind.
“Sorry, I’m late. I had to pop into the shop,” he huffs.
I eye him with suspicion.
“Rabbie was just about to take us in to meet Crystal, she’s Dylan’s friend making the website for Sweet Treats,” Nellie tells her twin brother.
“Oh aye, I heard Mac talking about the small cowgirl with red hair in the Drunken Duck the other night.”
David wiggles his eyebrows, and I suddenly feel a pang of jealousy and protectiveness wash over me. I shouldn’t feel jealous or annoyed because I’ve employed Crystal to do a job, so it technically makes me her boss, and because David is a young, horny twenty-year-old who doesn’t know the first thing about women. Although, I wouldn’t be too far behind him in experience when it comes to women.
I’ve only ever had a handful of one night stands since my one and only girlfriend. I don’t do relationships purely because I think they will eventually leave me like my mum did. Yeah I know, fucked up, but it’s how I protect myself. I’ve never taken it any further than that. There are plenty of beautiful women in Crossmackie too, but I don’t like to fuck where I live. The town’s too small, and I’d rather not have the women of the town share their tidbits about my personal life. And as of recently Sweet Treats has been my main focus, and I’m glad for it because it’s an excuse to not date. I’m too busy, I always tell my Nan or my friends.
Nellie rolls her eyes at her brother, they might be twins and look the same with their bright orange hair and pale blue eyes, but they’re very different people. David is young and immature. He’s a great lad, and works hard, but he has a lot of growing up to do. Nellie is an old soul, she’s gentle and caring, and can read me like a book.
They follow me through the back door of the bakery and through the kitchen. I find Crystal where I left her, working on her laptop, and sipping on her coffee. She has a slight frown on her brow from concentrating on the screen in front of her, it’s really cute. She looks up from her work, and a wide smile spreads across her face. She has the warmest smile I’ve ever seen.
“Hey.” She closes the lid to her laptop to give me her full attention.
I just stare at her and my mind goes blank, I hear a soft cough next to me. Nellie nudges me in the side. I still can find the words as I blink between Nellie and Crystal.
“Hi, I’m Nellie. Sorry I wasn’t here yesterday to meet you, I was feeling a wee bit poorly. This is my twin brother David,” Nellie introduces herself and her brother, because I’m the fool who can’t talk.
“Hi, I’m glad you’re feeling better. It’s so nice to meet you both.” Crystal smiles at the twins.
I look over at David, and he is gawking like a fish at Crystal, she must notice because a small giggle escapes her mouth. I step on David’s foot to stop him staring at her.
“Ow! What was that for?” He frowns at me.
“Sorry, David. I didn’t see your big clown feet there, come on, it’s time to get the cafe ready to open.” I usher them away from Crystal.
I turn back to Crystal and her deep green eyes look tired, I feel the need to make sure she’s okay.
“Can I get you anything?”
“I’m okay, thanks.”
“Well, if you need anything, you know where I’ll be.” I point to the kitchen.
Crystal doesn’t say anything, she gives me that heart melting smile and returns to her work.
* * *
Nellie and David open the cafe, and we’re rushed off our feet until after lunchtime. I was happy for the distraction because that meant I didn’t think of Crystal as much. Now that the cafe has quietened down a bit, I make two sandwiches, one vegetarian and one chicken salad, and I finish off the tray with a pot of tea and some biscuits.
Nellie and David have started packing up the cafe to close for the day, and I couldn’t be more eager to finish up and head to the pub for a drink. I haven’t had a break since I sat down with Crystal this morning, and it’s safe to say my feet are numb, and my lower back is aching. Usually I don’t mind a busy day, but I’ve been a little distracted today. I always finding an excuse to come out the front to watch Crystal working away on her laptop with that cute little frown on her face.
I rush over to the table where Crystal has been all day to find her stretching her arms above her head and yawning. She looks exhausted.
I place the tray of sandwiches down on the table next to her table. “I thought you might be hungry.”
She looks up at me and puts her laptop away in her bag. “Wow, that’s very kind of you. I’m scared I will be returning to Boston a few pounds heavier with all these treats.”
That’s twice she’s mentioned something about her weight, and I don’t like it, not one bit.
“Dinny fash, there’s nothing to you. I didn’t know if you were a vegetarian, so I made two sandwiches in case you were. I’ll eat whatever one you don’t want.”
She looks at me stunned, and my paranoid mind can’t help but think the worst. A soft smile tugs at her lips, and I relax a little.
“Rabbie, that is very thoughtful. I’m not a vegetarian, but the veggie one looks yummy, so I’ll take it.”
I pass her the vegetarian sandwich, and pour her a cup of tea. She intently watches me as I try not to shake with nerves.
Come on, Rabbie. Get a grip of yourself, man. She’s technically your employee and you have issues.
“How are you getting on?” I ask, trying to break the ice.
“I’ve started the basics, but I will need to go over a few more details with you, like if you want pictures of your baked goods on the website and things like that. But if it’s okay with you, I might call it a day after eating this delicious sandwich.”
“Of course. I told you, you don’t have to ask me when to finish. I trust you will get the website done.”
A small yawn escapes her mouth, and her eyes look glossy.
“I was going to invite you to The Drunken Duck, to meet everyone, but maybe another day if you’re too tired.”
She perks up at the mention of going to the pub, and I can’t help but feel hopeful that she’ll say yes. I don’t know why it fills me with excitement. Professional, Rabbie. Keep it professional.
“Now, I can’t turn down a pint of beer at the famous Drunken Duck,” a hint of sarcasm laces her voice.
“Och, aye, the beer is very famous,” I laugh.
A cute, feminine laugh erupts from her mouth, and I relish in such a beautiful sound.
“I can’t believe anyone can like that stuff,” she shakes her head.
“Aye, the locals would drink it morning and night. If Mac opened the pub earlier he’d run me out of business.”
The corners of her plump lips form into a smile, and my stomach does a little flip. I sum up the way I’m currently feeling down to nerves about meeting someone new. I don’t know Crystal, and I like to keep my circle small. So small in fact that I can count on my hands the people I trust, and even then I don’t openly talk about how I feel. I’m the happy-go-lucky one of the group, and I keep things at a surface level. Only my three best friends know the struggles I’ve been through. And even now I keep how I’m feeling to myself, I don’t want to burden anyone, everyone has their own shit going on. So, I put on a mask and play the goofy friend that jokes around and never dwells too much on the serious stuff.
We sit and eat our sandwiches, and I enjoy the flow of our conversation. It feels easier to talk to her today, nothing like our awkward meeting from the other day.
“I just need to finish up in the kitchen, and then we can head over to the pub,” I tell her as I stand from the table.
“I can help you, if you like.”
“No, it’s okay. I just have to turn the ovens off. Thank you for offering though.”
“That’s okay, I’ll be here, waiting for you.” She looks up at me from under her eyelashes, and beams what might be a flirtatious smile up at me.
Her amorous tone stops me in my tracks and I stand there with the awkward silence filling the air between us. Am I imagining things? Or is she flirting with me? The playful look on her face tells me that she’s enjoying my awkwardness a little too much. I turn and rush back to the sanctuary that is my kitchen as quickly as I can.