Page 14 of A Dash of You

After cooling, I frost the cake, rotating it steadily. I am in my zone. My element as an easy thrill rushes over me.

If only my father were here with me.

Jason hadn’t forbidden me to bake, but I always got the same lecture,‘let the chefs handle it’.

“Goodness. It smells delicious!” Shelby walks over, standing next to me, and takes another whiff of air.

“Do you want to try a piece?”

“Cut me a nice sliver, dear.”

I grab a knife and make a pristine cut, placing it on a small plate. With shaky nerves, I wait for Shelby to take a bite. When a small moan escapes her, a huge smile widens on my face.

“That’s the best darn cake I’ve ever had. Gods' truth.” She takes another bite and then another before setting down her fork.

It takes everything in me not to jump for joy, but I remain professional. However, there’s no denying the pride I perceive inside.

“You’re hired. Welcome to the café.”

My breath catches in my throat. “Wow. Really? What about the other stuff?”

“Ah. We’ll take care of all that boring stuff later. We need a baker and you’re it, Missy. I am not letting you get away.”

I think… I’m about to cry. A tear slips down my cheek before another one follows.

“Honey. Why on Earth are you crying?” Shelby pats my arm to comfort me.

“I’m just… happy. This means so much. More than you’ll ever know. Thank you. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity and taking a chance on a total stranger.”

She smiles. “I have a knack for guessing who’s a good person, and I’d say you are pure, child. You can start tomorrow morning. Six am sharp.” She nods with a smirk.

“I’ll be here.” I hug her, catching her off guard, but after a second of hesitation, she hugs me back.

“I should be thanking you.” She squeezes me one last time before letting go. “I must get back to work. But I’ll see you bright and early.”

“I can’t wait,” I tell her, waving to both her and her husband on the way out.

This woman trusted a stranger and the overwhelming emotion makes me want to cry again.

I won’t let her down. But there’s one person who I wish I can share the news with… my dad. If only.

My smile, the entire way back to Lana’s duplex, never fades even if I tried forcing it away. To finally have something to call my own feels too good. Something for me and no one else. It’s overwhelmingly amazing.

I can do this—this new life. I want it so badly.

Logan’s truck is in the driveway when I return. I’m wondering if it’s a slow night at work considering he’s home.

There’s a note on the fridge from Lana saying she and Mark went out to dinner and not to wait up. I want to talk to her about Mark, but maybe this is my sign to wait. One more strike and I’ll be sure to tell her about the bad feeling he gives off. But come to think of it, it’s hypocritical of me considering who I’m married to. Even if I hadn’t had a say in the matter.

I keep the message short and sweet as I send a quick text to Lana about how Shelby hired me and how crazy it is I’ll be starting first thing in the morning. Lana would be the first one I’d call, the only friend Ihadto share good news with, but I don’t want to intrude on her date. She does, however, respond immediately and I think that can’t be good. After reading the bazillion congrats emojis, I hope her night isn’t a complete snooze fest.

With a glass of wine, and softly playing music, I change into a comfy lounge set which has more material than last night’s outfit choice. My cheeks still burn, recalling Logan catching sight of me. To be honest, I didn’t exactly hate the way his stare burned my skin.

I swirl the blood red liquid before taking a sip. My heart’s warmer than it has been, and it’s only the second day.

Here’s to a new start.

Cheers, I guess.

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