Chapter Twenty-One
Laynie
Ilet out a slow breath as I tie my hair up into a knot to keep it out of my face. The last thing I want is it getting in my way while I’m baking.
“All right, I say we shoot that one again,” Macie announces.
Sadie nods beside her.
I put my hands on my hips and sigh. “Really? This is the fifth time already. Can’t we just move on?”
“Nope, we need this to be perfect, otherwise why would people want to come in?”
“Because of my baking?” I suggest with a dumbfounded look.
Macie mulls it over for a moment before nodding. “Okay, point taken, but still. It needs to look good if you want it to gain traction.”
“Fine…” I mumble, placing the rhubarb pie back in the oven and stepping to the side. “Roll it again.”
Macie sticks me a thumbs up. I walk over to the oven, take the pie out, and face the camera, breathing in the scent before smiling.
“Okay, great. Take number six is the one.”
“Finally…” I mumble, placing the pan on the cooling rack and slipping off my gloves. “Please tell me we’re almost finished.”
Macie is busy looking at my phone.
Sadie nods. “I think so. They all look good.”
“Some of the takes you were blocking the oven too much. It was a bit distracting.”
I frown. “How am I distracting?”
“How are you not, hot mumma,” Macie chimes, shooting me a wink.
My mouth ticks sideways as I pull my light blue apron off and lean against the stainless-steel bench. “All right, what is next?”
“Actually, you have an interview in…” Sadie pauses to look at the clock on the wall. “Eight minutes.”
“I better get ready then. Who is coming in today?”
Sadie gives me a run down as I wash my hands in the sink. “Her name is Marigold. She lives in Hollow Grove, has one year of baking experience in a bakery there before the owners retired. Aged twenty-three. Drives her own car.”
“Sounds promising,” I state.
“Should I wait out the front for when she comes in?” Sadie offers, taking the papers with her.
I nod. “Yeah, and if she wants something, give it to her on the house.”
“Gotcha.”
Macie quickly shows me a couple of videos, along with the content she’s trying to recreate, and I have to admit, she’s really good at this. Even if she makes me take a pie out of the oven six times in fifteen minutes.
“I should go out there. Are you and Sadie fine to look after everything while I interview?”
“Yeah, too easy. Although, if Sadie drops another glass, we might run out.”
Sighing, I tuck hair behind my ear before grabbing my notebook. I find Marigold waiting for me in the corner at a two-seater table. She has a chai latte in front of her.
I smile as I approach. “Hi, you must be Marigold. I’m Laynie, the owner of Golden Hour.”
“Yes, hi, it’s nice to meet you. Thank you for taking the time to interview me.”
Grinning, I sit opposite her and open my notebook to the page of questions I’ve asked the last two people I interviewed for the position. “Thank you for coming in. Now, I’ll start with the position. I will be needing a break from the cafe when I go on maternity leave—”
“Oh my gosh, that’s so exciting!” Marigold lets out joyfully.
I feel my cheeks flush as I drop one hand to cup my expanding stomach. “It is, and I’m needing someone to step in while I’m away. I’ll still come in when I can, but I won’t have time to start early and bake every day.”
Marigold nods. “Understandable.”
“When it comes to baking, we like to create a new menu every season. It keeps people coming in.” I turn and point to Macie, her red hair braided down her back and cheeks wide as she serves a customer.
“Macie will be in charge when I’m not in.
She’s my best friend and has worked here since I opened the place, so she’s the best person to run it. ”
“Awesome.”
“I’ll run through everything in a bit, but maybe you could tell me a little more about you?”
Nodding, she straightens a little and dives right in, telling me where she studied and worked, that she’s been baking since she was a kid with her grandma who used to own the bakery in Hollow Grove that was just sold off to a florist.
“Is that why you’re looking for something new?”
“Yeah,” she answers softly, her gaze drifting down to her hands. “My grandma was finding it harder to handle the place. I was doing most of the baking while she focused on serving people. But then she had a fall, maybe three months ago now.”
My lips tighten. “I’m really sorry to hear that. Is she okay?”
“Not as good as she was before. We had to move her into a home, and because of that, she sold the business.” A sheen of anguish is etched into her edgy features.
Shoulder length brown hair, a piercing through her nose, and tattoos dotting her arms. I like her style, but I wouldn’t be able to pull it off, that’s for sure.
“I’m sorry about that. Would you like to have your own business again?”
She dips her chin. “One day. Hopefully in Hollow Grove again, but for now, I’m happy to work anywhere. I’m not really in the position to buy a store right now.”
“Well…” I jot some more notes, grinning. “I think you’ll fit right in here.”
“Really?” A shimmer appears in her deep eyes.
“Yeah. Macie and I aren’t much older than you. And, actually, you’re the same age as my cousin over there. Sadie helps out on her days off, so you should meet her as well.”
Standing, I take her through the cafe and kitchen, giving her a tour and answering her many questions. As soon as she meets Macie and Sadie, she relaxes, blending in a little easier. As I go to get her a contract from the office, I see a message on my phone.
BLONDIE: Just checking in to see how you’re going today.
I smile and quickly grab the forms, slipping my phone into my pocket.
“Marigold, I’ll need you to fill these out, just for your pay and everything. Have a read through and let me know if you have any questions. It will take you about fifteen minutes.”
She nods, sitting back down with her half-drunk chai.
I slip back into my office and pull my phone out, my cheeks flaring with heat.
He thought about me today.
Ugh, pull your head together, Laynie. He’s your friend. Of course he’s asking. This doesn’t mean anything.
LAYNIE: Feeling good. Interviewing someone right now for GH.
LAYNIE: How’s the ranch?
He responds a minute later, as if he was waiting for me.
BLONDIE: Rescued a sheep this morning. I guess you could call me a hero.
LAYNIE: Wow, maybe I should change your name to shepherd now?
BLONDIE: And give up blondie? Never.
BLONDIE: I was going to see what you were doing tonight.
LAYNIE: I’m spending the night with Sadie, Laynie, and Delly.
BLONDIE: Blasted girls’ night.
LAYNIE: I’m sorry, Blondie.
BLONDIE: Are you actually?
LAYNIE: Maybe like 30% sorry.
BLONDIE: I’ll take it.
BLONDIE: I’ll see you Friday night then?
LAYNIE: I’ve ordered extra flour and eggs just in case.
BLONDIE: At least I’m helping. You need it.
LAYNIE: Which is why I’m hiring a new girl today.
BLONDIE: You found someone?
LAYNIE: Yeah.
LAYNIE: Marigold. She’s a prodigy baker.
BLONDIE: Sounds promising.
LAYNIE: She might be better than me.
BLONDIE: Nobody is better than you, Biscuit.
My fingers tingle as I stare at my phone for a couple of seconds. A knock on the door to my office startles me. My phone flies from my hand, dropping onto the floor.
I hold my chest as Macie rushes in. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. Wow, your phone just flew.”
“I didn’t hear you.”
Her eyebrow arches as she picks up my phone which surprisingly didn’t crack. Macie’s gaze lingers on the screen before smirking. “Blondie?”
“Shut up,” I grumble, taking it from her and shoving it in the pocket of my overalls.
She lets out a small giggle, crossing her arms and leaning against the door frame “I like her.”
“Me too. I think she’ll fit in nicely.”
“Better than Raymond last week.”
My face scrunches when I think back to the guy who came in and almost broke the oven while assessing it. He was a little too forward, and I could just tell from his personality that he would be bossy.
I nod. “Good move not hiring him.”
“Tell me about it,” Macie breathes out. “Speaking of Grayson, you two were looking close the other night at Afterhours.”
“We danced, that was all,” I answer bluntly, fiddling with some papers to keep myself busy.
Macie chuckles. “Don’t think I didn’t see how you were looking at each other, and he got you your own plate of chips.”
I smile, “It’s because I’m pregnant, and if my baby wants chips, then everyone else can back off.”
“Feisty.”
I give a small nod. “I am when I want to be.” I take some bills off my desk to pay before peering at Macie. “Do you think Grayson might feel something for me that’s more than friends?”
“I mean, he’d be stupid not to. You’re hot, smart, and hard working. What’s not to love?”
“Maybe the fact that I’m having someone else’s baby?” I point out.
Macie hums, neither agreeing nor denying, and it makes my gut clench. Why would he want me now? I feel used and now have a baby. He’d be better off staying my friend than getting caught up in all of this.
“I reckon pizza,” Delly says, sitting on the couch beside Macie.
“Pizza is always a good choice,” adds Sadie, who is patting Freddie lying between us like the lazy thing he is.
I take my phone and grab the menu off the coffee table. “What toppings are we thinking?”
“Hawaiian,” Macie answers at the same time Delly says, “Meatlovers.”
“Can I have vegetarian?” Sadie asks.
“Oh, shoot, I forgot you don’t eat meat,” Macie mutters. She smiles at me. “How about one meatlovers, and one vegetarian to share?”
I find the local pizza shop’s number and call them, placing the order for delivery. “Thank you, Charlie!” I chirp before hanging up. “It will be about twenty minutes.”
“Sweet. Should we make some mocktails?” Macie chimes, jumping off the couch.
My parents walk into the living room dressed up.
I grin at them. “Where are you both going?”
“Your dad is taking me to a paint and sip. They’ve just opened one in Hollow Grove, and we want to give it a try. I hope we paint something fun,” Mum says happily, pulling on her coat.
Dad helps her before slipping his own on and handing her a scarf. “It’s meant to be good. Darline and Jerry went a few weeks ago. We’re meeting them there in an hour.”
“Will you get something to eat after?” I ask, giving Freddie a scratch under his chin. He purrs calmly.
“It’s Saturday night, so they’ll have food trucks at the park. We might stop there. Will you girls be all right here?” Dad questions, grabbing his wallet and keys off the bench.
Mum fluffs her hair and buttons up her coat. “Levi, they’ll be fine. They’re getting pizza and watching movies.”
“Sounds delicious. Maybe they’ll have a pizza truck at the park?”
“I guess we’ll see. Now come on, we don’t want to step on their night.” Mum kisses my head before waving to everyone else. “We’ll be home before midnight, but don’t wait up for us if you’re too tired. Call if you need anything.”
“Okay, enjoy!” I call after them as they disappear through the front door.
Macie gives a small giggle from where she stands in the kitchen. I raise a brow. “Your parents still act like lovesick teenagers. It’s kind of adorable.”
“They basically are,” I chime in agreement. “What mocktail are you making?”
“Soda water, lemonade, lime, and mint.”
I frown. “So, pretty much a non-alcoholic mojito.”
Macie nods from the other side of the bench. “Exactly! I made them during the week with Hazel, and they were delicious. I think you’ll like them.”
Sadie helps bring them over, handing one to me and I take a sip and hum. “Damn, that’s good.”
“I’m glad you like it. I should make them every girls’ night,” Macie adds, drinking hers with a swirly straw. “All right, before the movies begin, there’s something we need to plan together.”
I sit on the edge of the couch, already anticipating what the plan will be.
“It’s Grayson’s birthday in just over a month,” Macie begins, pulling up the notes app on her phone. “He’ll be turning twenty-six, and he’s always hinted that he’s wanted a surprise party since he was—”
“Seven,” I finish for her.
Macie nods.
“All right. That sounds fun,” adds Delly.
“I’ve already spoken with Reid about the date. We’ll do it the weekend before, because Grayson won’t be expecting it, and both Sawyer and Cole will be in town.”
I look at Macie. “Will they be able to keep him busy while we get everything ready? If he’s with his brothers, I feel like Grayson wouldn’t think anything of it.”
“Yeah, Reid will keep him occupied for the afternoon while we get the house ready,” answers Macie. She drops her phone on the coffee table and meets my gaze. “We’ll have to get some balloons, streamers, and maybe some party poppers.”
“Oh yes, and a pinata!” Sadie chimes with a wide grin.
Macie jots it down.
“I can make the cake,” I say, putting my mocktail on the coffee table.
“Are you sure you’ll have time?” Delly asks cautiously.
My chin dips. “I’ve made his cake every year since I was ten. Plus, I have Marigold now to help with baking. I can focus on this for one day while she handles the bakery.”
“All right, awesome.”
“Should we have a colour theme or something?” Sadie questions.
“Ironically his favourite colour is grey,” I say with a snort.
“Grey and blue look nice together,” Delly adds.
Macie nods and types it out.
The doorbell rings.
“I’ll get it,” says Sadie. Seconds later, two boxes of pizza grace the coffee table.
Digging in, I end up devouring four slices as we discuss more ideas for the party and a guest list. By the end, it’s at almost sixty people, excluding his family because obviously they’d be there.
“I can source some of these things next week. Laynie, you’re in charge of the cake.” I give Macie a mock salute. “Delly is getting alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Sadie, you’re doing the pinata and banner. Sound good?”
We all agree, and Macie sends us a screenshot of the plan and our jobs before we settle on a movie to watch. I pull the blanket over mine and Sadie’s legs as we nestle together. My hand gently cradles my stomach as I rest my head on hers, smiling.
For the first time in weeks, I finally feel content. I wonder how long this feeling will last before something else arises.
Until then, I’m going to soak this time up, because no doubt, this feeling won’t last forever…