Page 49 of Tusks, Tails & Teacakes
She’d been so lost in her thoughts that she’d almost walked right by the open door of the bakery. But it hadn’t been Pip Brambleheart who’d called her name. It had been Cali.
Lira gathered herself as she stepped inside the shop where Pip was bustling behind the counter, and Cali stood on the other side of it nibbling on an enormous roll.
“You didn’t tell me about these rolls,” Cali said, her pink tongue darting out to lick at something sticky in the fur around her mouth.
“That’s because she hasn’t tried them.” Pip pointed to a glass stand with a domed cover. “I was inspired to experiment after tasting your delicious scones. I hope you take these as an homage.”
Lira eyed the puffy, swirled rolls under the dome and the glaze that coated them. “Those look incredible, but I don’t see how they can be an homage. They look nothing like scones.”
Pip flicked his fingers through his wiry hair, and bits of dough or glaze flew into the air. “I suppose they aren’t. They’re a yeast roll, much like my usual morning rolls. It was your unusual use of flavor that I used as inspiration.”
“So, they have cinnamon in them?”
Pip scrunched his lips to one side. “No, lemon.”
Lira couldn’t stop herself from grinning at the nervous halfling. “I don’t think you need to worry about anyone confusing these with scones, but I’m happy if I inspired you in any way.”
“So am I,” mumbled Cali as she devoured the last bite of her roll.
“I’d love to try one.” Lira’s stomach had been grumbling at her since she’d caught the first whiff of yeast that morning, and now it was relentless in its complaints.
Pip briskly lifted the glass dome and pulled a swirl onto a plate before passing it to Lira. “It’s on the house.” He smiled. “For the inspiration.”
Lira didn’t waste time in taking a bite, and she also didn’t bother to hide her groan. The dough was pillowy and yeasty with a tang of lemon between the layers and a sweet glaze that was just tart enough. “Pip, these might be the best thing I’ve ever eaten.”
“Didn’t I tell you?” Cali said.
“Yes, you told me.” Lira shot her a look before returning her attention to Pip. “You’re a baking genius.”
His smile brightened. “I haven’t felt much like a genius or a baker for the past few years, if I’m being honest. It’s been the same every day—up early, morning rolls, loaves, early to bed—but now I remember what it’s like to feel inspired.” He leveled a knobby finger at her. “Your gran and I used to do this, you know.”
“Do what?” Lira asked as she swallowed the last bite of the gooey roll.
“Share ideas, swap recipes, inspire each other.” He gave her a watery smile. “I didn’t realize how much I’d missed it.”
Lira wasn’t sure what to say. She’d never thought much about how losing her gran had affected others in the village, which she now saw had been youthful arrogance and the short-sightedness of her sadness.
“That’s one of Lira’s true talents,” Cali said as she licked one gray paw clean. “She brings out the best in others.”
Lira’s mouth gaped. “Do you really think that, Cal?”
The Tabaxi looked slightly affronted by the question. “I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t. You made everyone in our crew better by creating some kind of synergy. When you joined, we became greater than the sum of our parts.”
Lira had never known her friend felt that way. Before she could think of something to say, Pip bobbed his head vigorously.
“Just look at all that’s happened since you returned to Wayside. The tavern is no longer an eyesore, I’ve started creating new recipes again, and Korl is walking around humming, of all things.”
“That’s not all because of me,” Lira protested. “Sass is a big part of the changes.”
Cali’s eyes narrowed. “And how did Sass become your partner in crime?”
Lira didn’t answer, but she wondered if Cali used the word crime on purpose. Was it just her feline instincts?
“I’m happy I inspired you,” Lira said, “but if I’m being honest, I’m still baking from memory at this point, and it’s a bit hit or miss.”
“Baking is all about hits and misses.” Pip busied himself behind the counter again. “I heard that Korl fixed your oven.”
“He did, which I hope means there will be more hits than misses now.”
