Page 28 of Just Desserts

"Hey Isla. Yeah, I'm fine. Are you still at the bakery?"

"Yes, I'm in the back working on inventory still. Why do you need help with something?"

"I do, can you come unlock the front door for me?"

"You're here? Why? Wait, okay I'm coming, give me a minute." She hung up and I slipped the phone back into my pocket. I looked around and waited until I heard the clicks of the locks moving.

The door opened and Isla stood there looking surprised and flustered and oh so beautiful. She took a step back, inviting me in. The lights in the front were off but between the exterior lights and the one coming from the back I got a good glimpse of the shop's main area.

"Damn, Isla this place is stunning. It looks incredible, it smells incredible too." I looked around in awe.

"Thank you." She beamed and looked around with joy. Then she shot a questioning look at the bag in my hands.

"Yes, why am I here? Well, I went to meet the chef for the tasting, and it just didn't feel right without you there. Since you couldn't make it, I decided to bring the tasting to you."

I smiled, trying to hide the nerves rushing through me. I hope I wasn't overstepping. I watched a variety of emotions flittingover her face. Surprise, excitement, hope, confusion, then thankfully back to excitement.

"Really? That's...I don't even have the words. I feel bad that you had to drive all the way out here, but I must admit I was a little sad I was missing the tasting. I had a great time with you. And well, food." She said sheepishly.

"Great! So where do you want to do this? Want to eat out here or go into the back?"

"Here, let's push those two tables together to lay everything out. I'll grab some silverware. Did you bring those rating sheets we had the other day? I can bring some paper and a pen."

I smiled at her enthusiasm and immediately started moving tables to unpack.

"I have everything. You just get comfy." I told her sternly.

"Aye, aye captain. Let me just go grab a drink. Do you want soda or water?"

"Water is great. Thanks"

I couldn't help but watch her as she headed towards the back. She was wearing a pair of leggings that molded to her body, highlighting the flare of her hips and long legs. The shirt she wore was baggy and covered in flour and icing stains but still managed to cling to her curves beautifully.

I finally forced my eyes away as she disappeared into the kitchen and went back to setting up the table. I finished laying out all the food, the rating document we used and the plastic silverware I had brought. She returned with drinks and turned on the main light of the shop. Her eyes widened when she saw all the containers on the table.

Isla

"This looks and smells amazing!" I exclaimed, still shocked thatMyles was here in my shop. He had shoved two tables together to create a four top that was covered with amazingly vibrant and fragrant dishes. The tasting at the hotel the other week was unreal.

I had such an incredible time, everyone who worked at the hotel was lovely and Myles was just so easy to spend time with. There never felt like there was an awkward moment, but instead our conversation flowed easily and without pause. It was exciting to see him in his element as the boss.

Everyone clearly respected him a great deal, but they didn't seem afraid of him. He knew everyone by name and often asked them specific questions about their families. He really cared about his employees. I mentioned my friendship date with Sarah, and he laughed.

"Oh man, I gotta warn Wes the two of you together could get into serious trouble."

"Hey! I take offense to that. I'm a very law-abiding citizen."

I put a look of haughty disdain on my face, looking down on him as if deeply affronted.

"You play fast and loose with those slaps you give out, so I'll just have to take your word on it. Now let's get down to business."

He started to move dishes around, pulling a container between us, passing me a fork and nudging it towards me.

He pulled out a list and started pointing to the various dishes.

"Okay so over here we have Torrenzos, Gambas al Ajillo, and Chorizo a la Riojana. Then over there we have Arroz de Pescado and Aubergine Canelon." I examined each of the dishes as he named them.

"Do you have a description of what's in them? I've got to be honest, I think I caught like a total of two words from that list."

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