Page 11 of Dirty Arrangement

Chapter Four

ALICE

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AFTER EVERYTHING THAThappened last night, I expect work to be boring in comparison.

But when I walk in, I discover a box on the counter and a note. Setting my jacket aside, I read the words with growing curiosity.

Alice,

Please replicate this recipe, then create your own twist on it. It's the start of a new range of desserts I want on our menu.

—Thomas

There's a lot to unpack here but a funny little word sticks with me.He called it 'our' menu.I would have hated that a few days ago, but now, it makes my heart thud. I open the box and find a few items inside, as well as a recipe with a photo of something called a cake-bomb. It's like a cake-pop, but when you cut it open, sprinkles pour out.

It's been a long time since I baked something different than what my mentor taught me. Too long, actually. Inspired by the challenge of recreating this treat, then making my own spin on it, I throw my new pink chef coat on and get to work.

Once I have the normal morning routine squared away, I begin arranging my space for the cake-bomb. I don't notice it's time to open until the first tray of bombs is cooling. There's not enough time in the day to practice new recipesandrun the bakery, but I'm too excited in the new desserts to ignore them. Chewing my lip, I make a decision.

I carry out my tray of chocolate bombs and place it on the far right section of the front counter.I'll just decorate until a customer comes.I've always done my baking in the back kitchen, like it was some secret ritual. I start to regret being so exposed. Before I can retreat back into the kitchen, the door bell jingles.

“Morning!” Ms. Snip chirps. Her eyes light up at the sight of me piping frosting onto a cake bomb. “Oooh, what arethose?”

“Cake-bombs. I'm working on perfecting them.” I hesitate as she comes closer for a better look. “Be kind, they're a mess.”

“Oh, no, they look amazing.” She inhales with a sigh. “If you need a taste tester...”

“Are you sure? I can't promise they're good. Like I said, it's my first time.”

“I've never eaten anything you made that I didn't like.”

I turn pink with pride. “Okay, but I did warn you.” I finish decorating the one I'm working on, then set it on a plate. “I hope you like it.”

She takes it over to the tiny corner table in the bakery. I watch her anxiously from the corner of my eye as I start coating another cake-bomb with pink frosting. Ms. Snip takes her time, I can't read her face, either.

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