E L E V E N
- Avery -
I gave Grace a thumbs up when the star-shaped plaque in the window was perfectly positioned, and as soon as she secured it, she hurried outside to see how it looked.
“I can see why you wanted to win it so bad,” I admitted. “It does add a little something.”
She beamed at me. “I know!”
I bumped my shoulder against hers. “Proud of you.”
She stared at the star-shaped plaque, no doubt thinking all the sleepless nights had been worth it. “I just wish I was going to be here to see the customers’ faces when they notice it.”
“It’s not too late to change the plan,” I said. “If you need me to take one for the team, I’m happy to go to Paris with Noah. I’m sure he’d be disappointed, but they say absence makes the heart grow fonder.”
“Nice try,” she said, shooting me a sidelong glance. “Rumor has it the Eiffel Tower is even more impressive than a Star Baker award.
I laughed. “That’s a pretty hefty claim.”
She slipped her phone from her pocket to check the time.
“I’m sure he’ll be here any minute,” I said, leading the way back inside.
“Do you want to go over the pie recipe one more time?”
“Only if it will make you feel better,” I said, holding the door for her. Though, frankly, I was a little nervous about being entrusted to make her winning pie, especially since people would be going out of their way to swing by and try it. But if I couldn’t get it right without supervision, plan B was to put a small sold-out sign on the pie tray. After all, no one would be surprised if the winning pie proved tricky to get.
She stared at the one in the cake stand beside the register. “I’m just worried about the finicky crust.”
“Don’t be,” I said. “The instructions you put together are offensively thorough. If I can’t get it right, I’m sure I can find a four-year-old in the street who reads good to help me.”
She scowled. “This is important, Avery.”
“Filling me with confidence before you hand me the reins is what’s important right now,” I said, hoping she could sense my sincerity. I mean, I was doing a good job acting casual, but running this place on my own wasn’t a small responsibility. This bakery was the literal bread maker and breadwinner for Grace’s family, and it had never garnered more attention.
“Did you put the browning key somewhere safe?”
I patted the pocket of my short apron. “It will be on me at all times.”
Her delicate jaw relaxed as she expressed her relief with a nod.
“And I have to hand it to you, it was a clever idea.”
Her dimples deepened with her smile. “It was Noah’s idea, actually. He has loads of little cards like that for when he’s talking to people who are interested in tooth whitening procedures.”
“Well, it was clever of you to reimagine the idea to make things easier for me.” If I were in any doubt whatsoever about how much to torch the meringue or brown the blueberry muffins, all I had to do was hold the little browning key beside the cookie or crust in question and presto, my baked goods would be the perfect shade of coffee-stained canines.
“Maybe I’d feel better if you were freaking out more.”
“I’m sure you wouldn’t,” I said. “Besides, you have nothing to worry about. Not only do I know how much this place means to you, but my pride is on the line. So I’m not going to screw this up.”
“I know you’re not.” Grace’s eyes scanned the bakery like she was worried she might forget what it looked like. “It’s just… It’s a long time for me to be away.”
“It’s five days, Grace. What’s the worst that could happen?”
Her eyes doubled in size.
“Don’t answer that,” I blurted quickly. “In fact, don’t even think about that.”
Noah pulled up outside and honked twice before waving.
I grabbed Grace’s carry-on and followed her and her rolling suitcase out the door while Noah flicked his emergency blinkers on and hopped out to load the car.
“You’re late!” Grace said.
“You hung the plaque,” he said, tossing her suitcase in the trunk. “It looks amazing!”
Grace whipped her head around to look at it again, completely forgetting her nerves, and my heart swelled to see her so happy with a guy who knew and loved her neuroses so well.
“You kids have fun,” I said, giving them both a hug. “Bring me back something nice.”
“Do you want anything in particular?” Grace asked, pausing before she slipped into the passenger seat of Noah’s car.
“I’m not precious,” I lied. “As long as it’s not something from the airport.”
“You sure?” Noah buckled his seatbelt and leaned towards the curbside window. “They do a lovely keychain in France… and don’t even get me started on the quality of their bottle openers and fridge magnets.”
“Don’t you dare bring me a magnet,” I said, pointing at him. “I don’t want anything functional that’s under five bucks. I’d rather open bottles with my teeth.”
He gasped and clutched his chest dramatically, knowing full well I made the teeth comment just to mess with him.
“Take lots of pictures!” I added as they pulled away. “And look out for pickpockets!”
“ à bient?t!” Noah shouted, honking joyfully as they headed for the airport.
I waved until they were out of sight, wishing them a beautiful trip from the bottom of my heart. Yes, it would’ve been nice if I were the one being whisked off to Europe for macaron-flavored kisses and romantic strolls along the Seine, but if it couldn’t be me, I was glad it was them. They were so good together, and their love gave me hope that I might find my person someday.
I sighed and turned towards the bakery, admiring its star-studded front window with fresh eyes. It was only five days, but I was relishing the opportunity to step up. Privately, I felt that being second in command made it too easy for me to coast, and I was ready for a challenge.
My phone buzzed in my back pocket, and I answered when I saw it was Grace.
“Don’t forget to make the chocolate croissants on Tuesday and the almond ones on Thursday,” she said. “I think I forgot to specify that in the directions.”
“You didn’t,” I said, unable to hide my amusement. So much for thinking she’d already kicked up her feet and started reading her guidebook. “I think the only thing you forgot to share was when I’m supposed to shit and shave.”
“Very funny.”
“If I have any questions, I promise I’ll call.”
“Right. Okay.”
“Have fun, byeee!” I sang, ending the call.
It rang again a second later.
“I know I gave you Noah’s number in case my phone dies or something, but as soon as we land, I’ll send you the number of the hotel just in case—”
I interrupted her with a dramatic groan. “Tell Noah it’s not too late to bring me instead.”
She was silent for a second. “I’m sure I forgot something else.”
“Like your chill pills?”
“I’ll make this up to you.”
“I work for you, Grace. Get a grip and enjoy yourself!” I hung up and headed inside, praying for Noah’s sake that she wasn’t as nervous about flying as she was about leaving the bakery in my care. So when the phone rang again, I almost threw it at the wall. “What now?!”
“Is this a bad time?”
The deep voice on the other end of the line reverberated in my bones. “Sorry,” I squeaked, my cheeks burning. “I thought you were someone else.” Which begs the question, is this who I think it is?
“It’s Oliver Harrington. From the Star Baker Festival.”
My toes curled in my boots. “Oh yeah, hi.” I wanted to sound casual, but I overdid it and nearly sounded disinterested. “Thanks again for matching our donation. That was really cool of you.”
“Yeah, well. I have a soft spot for needy kids and braided pigtails.”
I bit back a smile.
“That came out wrong.”
“What can I do for you?” I asked, my imagination flooding with all the filthy things I feared he’d never say.
“I was thinking of coming by the café—”
What?!
“And was wondering when would be a good time?”
I knew it wasn’t a trick question, but I couldn’t decide if I should answer him with numbers or words. “Whenever!” I blurted, my mind reeling. “Whenever you’re hungry, that is.”
“Whenever I’m hungry.”
It sounded so dumb when he repeated it that I squeezed my eyes shut and willed the deafening silence to swallow me up.
“Guess I’ll see you when I see you then.”
“Looking forward to it!” I said, hoping I didn’t sound as certifiable as I felt.
Well, that should do it, I thought when he hung up. I’ll never see him again.