Page 38 of Just Desserts

"These are for Ellen. Don't you dare touch them or I'll know. I'm making a special batch of sugar free treats for you so don't pout either." She scolded the man.

"Should never have introduced the two of you, like I need two broads bossing me around. My sugar levels are just fine, missy."

"Mhmmm. Don't touch them Frank, or no cookies for you ever again. I'm talking about a lifetime ban! I've got to go now, have a good day."

"You too dear." He chuckled in light of her threat before returning to his spot behind the desk and putting the container out of sight. Isla turned to face me and I gestured towards the parking lot.

"After you." She blushed beautifully as we walked over to the car. I opened the passenger door and was about to help her into the cab of the truck when she shoved the other container atme.

"Oh! These are for you. They're double chocolate banana walnut muffins. Probably not the best thing for breakfast but it has some fruit in it at least."

"Can't wait to try them. Hold on to them for me until I get the AC on for you." I closed the door behind her and walked around to the driver's side.

We got on the road and conversation flowed easily. We pulled into the lot and Isla was craning her neck to try and get an idea of the layout. I was happy to see her eyes light up, bright with excitement. She managed to sit still long enough to let me help her out of the truck, then we entered the large outdoor market together.

We spent several hours moseying around the different stands. Isla was easily distracted and several things caught her eye at once. Not wanting her to get overwhelmed, I calmly mapped out a route for us to take so we could visit each stand at least once. I didn't want her to worry about missing anything.

An unreadable emotion crossed her eyes as I explained my plan, making sure she knew we could go back to any of the stands as many times as she needed if there was something she liked. By late afternoon we had made at least four laps around the shops and were laden down with bags and snacks.

The more time I spent with her, the more of the real Isla was coming through. To me, the real Isla was unreserved and open with all her thoughts and feelings. I didn't know her before, but I could see in her responses now, her hesitancy to make a decision without permission, that she had a clear expectation of a negative answer or response to her ideas.

That someone could diminish this beautiful, creative girl'sspirit kept me up at night, livid and dreaming of ways to make Jonathan and Alyssa suffer. Shaking those thoughts away, I forced myself to focus on the now. We had just left the market and there was no way I was letting that call an end to our day together.

"It's still pretty early, I'm not really hungry for dinner yet. Would you want to stop by the bakery and hang some of this stuff up?" I asked hopefully.

Isla

This has been one of the most enjoyable days of my life. From the moment Myles picked me up this morning, the day has been completely delightful. I felt like I was floating, for the first time in what felt like forever I was able to drop all my walls, all my anxious and indecisive behaviors and just be myself. I chickened out on seeing him last weekend, making up a lie about Mom needing help with something when in reality I hid out in my apartment.

Once Sunday night arrived, I was filled with regret at the missed opportunity. I called him as soon as I woke up this morning, ready to rectify that mistake. We had texted and spoken on the phone a few times throughout the week and I already missed Myles, and was looking forward to spending more time with him. The day was filled with easy conversation and an oddly familiar sense of partnership.

Myles listened closely as I tried to explain the multitude of ideas I had for my apartment and bakery, the lack of clarity acting as the major roadblock in picking anything out. Instead of getting exasperated, he asked insightful questions. He noticed when I spent extra time over a piece and would ask what I liked about it.

Each stall at the flea market presented a new experience,showed me a bit more about Myles, and myself as well. It was corny, and a bit sad that at 28 I was just starting to find myself. Regardless, I was proud of my progress. I was an active participant in my life now and there was a new joy and sense of self worth because of that.

We got all our goodies settled and I went into the back to put a pot of coffee on while Myles grabbed the ladder and toolbox from the storage room I pointed him to. I came back out to the front room and Myles had the three new pieces laid out on the tables, waiting for me to tell him where they should go.

We started with the ornamental mask I had found. It was covered in green and copper accents that accented the bakery hardware beautifully. Once we had that up, I was trying to decide where to hang my other two finds when the front door of the bakery swung open. Anxiety pooled in my stomach as I imagined another confrontation with Jonathan.

It wasn't him, but my relief was only momentary. When I turned to the door I was even more shocked to find Jonathan's parents standing there. Myles climbed down from the ladder to come stand behind me, a solid wall of strength at my back.

"Sheila, William, I wasn't expecting to see you." I said, confused as to why they were here.

Without my control my mind started spinning as I wondered what they heard from Jonathan. Sheila looked between Myles and me, a disapproving look crossing her face. I felt Myles stiffen behind me and the air in the room was charged. Jonathan's father was the first to break the silence.

"Isla, we're so sorry to just pop in like this but could we have a word with you? Privately?" William tacked on at the end, looking pointedly at Myles.

"Where do you want me, Isla? I can go in the back and fix us some coffee, or I can stay here if you would prefer." Myles asked me, completely dismissing William. I sighed, just wanting to get this over with, but also not wanting Myles to leave.

"Coffee sounds good, I'll join you in the back in a bit." I told him, giving his arm a squeeze.

"You got it. Evening folks." He nodded politely to Jonathan's parents before heading into the kitchen to give us some privacy.

"Who is that man Isla? What is going on here?" Sheila rushed over to me. My mouth gaped open like a fish, I had no idea what to say and was both insulted and outraged by her question.

After what her son did, she has the gall to imply my behavior is uncouth? Fury ran through me like electricity, any emotional bandwidth I may have had for my former in-laws snapped.

"Why are you here? I'm sorry that I haven't been in touch but I thought all things considered, you would understand why I haven't exactly wanted to reach out."

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