Page 57 of Hoax and Kisses
Inside the bakery, the lights flicker on and a silhouette appears at the door, flipping around the sign that now readsWe’re open!
The knob rattles as Mia turns the lock, then the door swings open. When her eyes land on me, they widen comically.
“Zoey! What are you doing here this early?”
“I’m asking myself the same question,” I mumble, burrowing deeper in my coat. “Can I…” I motion behind her, toward the cozy interior, desperate for more of the warmth seeping out through the doorway.
“Yes, of course.” She shuffles out of the way. “Come in, come in. It’s toasty inside.”
“Thank you.”
It’s not just the inviting temperature that welcomes me when I step in; it’s also the buttery smell of freshly baked croissants, bread still warm from the oven, and the spice of cinnamon sprinkled on apple muffins.
Okay, now I regret my decision a little less.
“How do you get through your days here without eating everything?” I ask, salivating over the stack of croissants like Pavlov’s dog over a treat.
“Lots of discipline.” She ties an apron behind her back. “Keeping my business afloat for one, along with the promise of high cholesterol.”
A chuckle bubbles past my lips. “That’ll do it.”
She smiles politely. “What can I get you this morning?”
“Hum…” I survey the display. “Do you know what Matt and his sister like? I want to drop off a little treat before they start their day.”
For the second time in five minutes, Mia’s eyes widen in surprise. “You’re bringing Matt breakfast?”
“Attempting.”
With the tongs, she snags two croissants and an apple turnover and slips them into the bag.
Holding the goods out, she beams. “The croissants for Matt, the turnover for Daphne.”
“I didn’t know Matt had a go-to order,” I say, retrieving the bag.
“Oh, everyone in Pine Falls does. That’s just how it is in a small town. We all know each other’s routines and quirks. That’s why it’s nice when someone new shows up. Fresh faces keep things interesting. And don’t worry,” she adds with a wink, “Everybody is welcome here, hiking skills or not.”
I grimace. “Noteverybody.”
She presses her lips into a thin line. “There may be a few exceptions, but they’re typically reserved for those whose motives we’re concerned about.”
“My only motive is to help visitors enjoy nature and everything Pine Falls has to offer.” I scan the mouthwatering array of pastries. “You know, the lodge could use a supplier who’d curate thoughtful breakfast baskets for the guests.”
She quirks a brow. “You’d work with businesses around here?”
“My father really did a number on you guys, didn’t he?” I sigh. “I’m sorry. I know how difficult he can be. But I’m not my father, Mia. The way he does business is not the wayIdo business. Plus, the lodge—I prefer that term to hotel—isn’t part of the offshoot of the company he was pitching for a few years ago. We’re a big corporation, but that doesn’t mean we can’t work with locals and build accommodation that makes sense for the community.”
“I see.” Mia stares off in space, as if processing my words. Eventually, she focuses on me again, a glint in her eyes. “It’s been a rough year for the bakery. Peak season is always busy, but when the foot traffic slows, I often struggle. It’s a shame, because the nature here has so much to offer all year round.” She bites her lip. “Next time you stop in, bring your proposal with you. I’d like to take a quick look.”
Yes.
Though I want to jump up and down, I stick with smiling warmly as I sidestep to the register and slip my credit card out. “I can absolutely do that.”
“So, you and Matt, huh?” Mia asks as she inputs my purchases.
“Me and Matt? Oh n—”
Mia narrows her eyes, her expression going wary.
