Page 22 of Beaches, Bagels & Babes
Least of all Daisy.
Stoically set like a statue before the backroom curtain, Daisy observed Candace. Her outfit, a silk, cropped halter top in a shade of vibrant emerald that highlighted the subtle green of her eyes, was a poor choice. Sleeveless, the top was cinched in a cute (but impractical) collar that looped behind her long neck. The undershirt she wore beneath it was creamy white, like her jeans and stylish pumps. It was an outfit better suited to an office or, more likely, schmoozing at a fancy event with clients.
Slinging hot dough and coffee in a sweltering box?
Not so much.
Her hair was tied up into a long ponytail, which was also not the most practical style, with its ribboning tresses left free to fly. The locks that framed her face were constantly getting in the way. Pretty, though. Like liquid gold, it bounced and curled artfully. All of her, every detail, was pure poised perfection.
Daisy was staring. She told herself it was to catch any slip ups… that she was an owner watching a potential hire. It was a lie, and she knew it. But that was better than admitting the truth.
In a frustratingly astute read, Candace turned to Daisy between customers. She winked, saying, “Pretty incredible, I know. I worked at the campus cafe all through undergrad.”
Daisy did not bother to hide her disbelief. “Yeah, right. Why would you need to work?”
A flash of hurt, a downward tug of her lips, showed the comment stung Candace. Yet, her rebuttal was light and haughty.
“You don’t know me as well as you think, Daisy DeMarco. Myregulars cried when I left.”
“Yeah, yeah. You’re the hero of the morning rush. Also, you’ve got cream cheese on your tit.”
Candace let loose a pomeranian-sized yip that might have been the most adorable sound Daisy ever heard. Without even realizing it, she laughed louder and more honestly than she had laughed in a long time.
“I’m glad you find my ruined blouse so amusing!”
Daisy snapped her mouth shut. What was wrong with her? She handed the flustered woman a damp towel, just as flustered herself.
When another round of customers arrived, Daisy turned away from the one-woman bagel ballet before her. She busied herself sorting items that were already where they were meant to be.
After a time, the morning pop settled down, and they were left with scattered sustenance-seekers. Candace played on her phone between customers, which was only slightly annoying. Daisy was glad that it kept them from having to make small talk.
Anythingbut that.
Candace said Daisy did not know her, and that was fine. Past this grand scheme to save Bagel Bombs!, she did notwantto know her.
Not her past as a rich girl working at a campus cafe, regardless of the questions it raised. Or why she was so ready to turn on her uncle for a stranger. Or even her favorite color (although, definitely, it was something bright like a warm, sunflower yellow).
The rest of the shift was a strange combination of dull and the most anxious four hours Daisy ever spent working. She was thrilled when Rio arrived to take over for the evening. Immediately, she set to packing her things.
It was stifling inside the bagel stand. No matter where Daisy went, Candace was within arm’s reach.
Too close.
Had the place always been this small? Before she could make a clean escape, Candace stopped her.
“Wait!” Candace looked confused. She had difficulty getting her words out. “You… Um, you’ve decided, then?”
Had she?
Daisy spent the whole morning on edge. Not even a mid-shift stop from Norman had helped since he was thrilled to have Candace on the other side of the counter. He adored her, like everyone else. Just like deep down, Daisy was afraid she would if she let Candace stay.
Daisy glowered. She could not wait to get home, smoke a blunt, and bake the inventory she needed to replenish her depleted supplies.
Very depleted, she noted. Even after the slow start, this was one of the best days they’d had in a long while. Maybe Rio was right. Bagel Bombs!needed new blood. A talkative, attention-grabbing presence like Candace could be just what the doctor ordered.
Daisy scanned Candace, not bothering to hide her measure. Once, years ago, she let Daisy down. Would she do it again? And, more importantly, would Daisy let her?
“You know what time we open.”
