Chapter 9
After meeting Ashton Miller in his office over the last two days, I spent most of my time sulking in my cottage, lost in gloomy thoughts and quietly planning my next move. I had not checked on the bakery yet.
Whenever I needed air to breathe, I wandered through places where I once spent time alone.
I called my son several times and reassured him that everything was going according to plan and that I would be back as soon as possible.
He sounded fine when I told him I might not return early.
Maybe he was enjoying himself with Sissy and her husband.
Poor Tristan had lacked attention from male figures since childhood, and thankfully, Sissy’s husband had filled that void for him.
After a lazy walk through the woods behind my cottage, I drove into town and headed toward the bakery. I needed to inspect the place and make sure everything was in good condition, since I was almost certain I would be putting it on the market.
I parked nearby and stepped out of my car. As I walked, I turned my head toward the ice cream shop across the road and remembered the unfortunate confrontation with my father a few days earlier. The memory was still fresh. Like the coward he was, he had not reached out to me after that incident.
I took out a stack of keys and searched for the front door key when light footsteps approached.
“Hey, uh, is this place yours?”
I turned, startled, and found a tall, gangly boy standing a little too close. He wore a cap pulled low over his eyes, an old jacket, ripped black jeans, and scuffed white canvas shoes.
“Yes,” I said slowly. “It is.”
He shoved his hands into his pockets. “You hiring?”
I blinked. “Excuse me?”
“Hiring,” he repeated, nodding toward the bakery window. “I can help out. Clean, stock shelves, whatever.”
I glanced around the street. “Where are your parents?”
He rolled his eyes. “I don’t need my parents to get a job.”
“And how old are you?” I asked.
“Fourteen. Freshman.” He shrugged. “I can work after school. Part time.”
I shook my head. “You are too young. And even if you were not, I am not keeping this place.”
“Then why put up a help wanted sign?” he shot back, pointing at the paper taped to the window.
I frowned and turned to look. The notice made my stomach drop.
“That should not be there,” I said, pulling it down quickly. “It is a mistake.”
He crossed his arms. “So that is a no.”
“Yes,” I said firmly. “It is a no. Go home.”
I did not wait for his response. Once I managed to open the front door, I walked inside, hoping the boy understood and left.
Inside, I went straight to the main counter.
Everything looked spotless, including the cabinets.
Eva was very good at keeping the place clean.
She would have been a valuable asset, but that was not going to happen.
Once Ashton finished the paperwork, this shop would no longer be mine.
I tried not to think about what would happen after it was sold.
I walked behind the counter and tried to imagine what it would feel like to be the owner. My hand brushed against a lower drawer. It was not locked, and I slid it open. Inside was only a brown envelope with my name written on it.
Curious, I picked it up and opened it.
My dear Bailey,
I am sure I nearly gave you a heart attack by leaving you my most valuable bakery, even though I knew you would not accept it if given the choice. Please remember that no one deserves it more than you. Every corner and every memory of this shop is tied to you.
It broke my heart when you left without telling me when you would return. I hope this place can serve as a bridge between your past and your future, reminding you that you will always be welcome in this town.
I know you probably want to sell the bakery right away, and that is fine with me. But before you decide, I hope you will give this place a chance to survive. Eva can help you. She reminds me of you sometimes. She is a little older, but she is someone you can rely on.
I put a lot of love into this place. If you choose to keep it, I know you will make it thrive. Change it, shape it, and make it your legacy. Do not worry about my children. They have their own lives and respect my decision to give this to you.
I know you may feel conflicted after reading this, but I will understand whatever choice you make.
I only want you to be happy. You deserve it after everything you have been through.
I believe the truth will come out sooner or later, and it will not happen unless you are here.
Be patient, Bailey. Trust me. The truth always finds its way.
Tears slipped down my cheeks before I could stop them. I pressed my fingers against the counter, my voice breaking.
“Oh, Marie,” I whispered. “After all these years, how could you still believe I deserve this?”
Before the weight of her words could settle, the bell above the door chimed. I startled and wiped my cheeks quickly, forcing myself to breathe. I assumed it was Eva, but then I heard two voices.
“Hai, Bailey!”
I looked up sharply. “Shanna?”
Shanna stepped inside, smiling brightly, with Eva right behind her.
Eva looked far too pleased with herself. “I ran into this young lady outside. Fate, I suppose.”
Shanna spoke quickly. “I was in the area and remembered this place. I was hoping I would see you, and then Eva told me you decided to keep the bakery. Which is perfect, because I have been looking for a new opportunity.”
“Slow down,” I said, holding up a hand. “What are you talking about?”
She beamed. “You are looking at your new assistant.”
I stared at her. “My what?”
“Eva said you love coffee,” Shanna continued. “She thought it would be a great idea to add a coffee machine, and I can be your barista.”
I turned slowly toward Eva. “What is this, Eva?”
She hesitated before answering. “I thought you had decided not to sell.”
“How could you think that?” I asked.
“You are still here,” she said gently. “I thought maybe you were giving the place a chance.”
“You lied.”
The voice startled us all. I turned to see the boy standing inside the doorway.
“I thought you left,” I said sharply.
“You said you were not hiring,” he snapped. “So why did you hire her?” He pointed at Shanna. “Is it because I am a kid?”
“I did not lie,” I said. “And I am not hiring anyone. Not her. Not you.”
The words echoed louder than I intended.
My head throbbed. The situation was spiraling into chaos, and I could not believe I was arguing with a teenager.
“Am I interrupting something?”
We all turned. Ashton stood near the door, eyebrows raised, his expression almost amused.
“That is enough,” I said sharply. “I owe no one an explanation.”
The boy hesitated, uncertainty replacing his anger.
“For now,” I said quietly. “Go home.”
Eva smiled. “Or you could stay a little longer. I can make a very good pie.”
The boy’s face lit up. “Really?”
Shanna laughed and joined them, while I turned toward Ashton.
“If you are here to enjoy the show, congratulations,” I said. “You have seen enough.”
“Did you bring the documents?” I asked.
“Why do not you come and find out?”
Reluctantly, I followed him outside to his sleek black Porsche.
“Show off,” I muttered as I got in.