Page 18 of Wedding Season
“Would it help to talk? You know bakers can serve the same role as bartenders. I’m a pretty good listener.”
Alex felt his smile turn sincere. He appreciated the offer. One of the things he liked best about this little town was the way everybody seemed to care about everyone else.
His mother, who was cynical when he espoused the virtues of small-town life during their weekly phone calls, told him that people were simply being nosy. But Alex knew what it was like to have people in his business who didn’t care.
He believed his neighbors in Magnolia considered him more than a juicy topic of gossip.
“How well did you get to know Heather while she was working at the bakery?” he asked.
A frown puckered Mary Ellen’s forehead. “Well, I know she’s a sweet girl, a hard worker and is partial to fruit-filled pastries. She grew up in Pennsylvania and moved down here to experience life before she starts full-time at UNC in the fall. She’s nearly halfway through her undergrad degree already because of the college classes she took in high school and those she tested out of. But I’m guessing you know all of that since you hired her.”
He inclined his head. “Not the fruit-filled pastry part, but I’ll remember it when I’m buying Friday breakfast for the team.”
“So you’re not thinking of firing her?”
“No. Not at all. She’s great. It’s a bit scary that someone so young can have such maturity and a great mind for business. I think she’s going through some personal stuff, and I’m not sure I’m the right person to handle it. I don’t know if she has anybody in her life who is the right person.”
“Is this boy trouble? Because that Manning kid was sniffing around her a while back. He’s fine and comes from a decent family but Heather seemed freaked out by the attention.”
“Good God, no.” Alex ran a hand through his hair then pushed the plate to the other side of the table. “I don’t want to know about boy trouble with one of my employees.”
He didn’t want to get involved at all. He felt like that was part of the reason he had so much success early in his corporate career in hotel management despite his stepfather not being willing to give him a meaningful role. Alex got in and got the job done. He took care of his employees without becoming overly involved in their lives. He always found that a bit of personal distance made the job easier.
Now he had to admit his mom had a point. It was easier to have distance with the anonymity of a big city available when he needed it.
Damn, he needed it right now.
“I can’t help you if you won’t tell me what’s going on.” Mary Ellen used one finger to push the plate back in front of him. “But I will at least keep you well fed.”
He nodded. “I appreciate that. I can’t share any details with you so...”
“Just know that I’m here to support you and Heather if she needs it.”
“Thank you.”
“How did you know I loved glazed donuts?” Luann Bowman slid into the seat across from Alex. She picked up the donut with elegant fingers and took a dainty bite then moaned out loud. “This is amazing.” She patted Mary Ellen on the arm. “Have you ever thought about franchising?”
“No,” the other woman said.
“Well, you should,” Luann insisted.
“Enjoy your morning.” Mary Ellen squeezed Alex’s shoulder then turned to walk away.
“I’ll enjoy it more with a dirty chai,” Luann called out. The bracelets on her right arm jangled as she lifted a hand in what looked like a royal wave.
“Coming up.”
“She doesn’t like you,” Alex said when they were alone.
Luann let out a small laugh. “As if I care.”
“You should care. The company you founded is now based in this town. Mary Ellen holds a lot of sway here. You don’t want to get on her bad side.”
“We are bringing jobs to the community. People who are going to come and buy her overpriced coffee and donuts. She should be thanking me.”
Sometimes Luann reminded Alex of his own mother and not in a good way.
“I appreciate you meeting me. I know mornings aren’t your favorite time of day, but this is important and you weren’t returning my calls yesterday.”
