Page 64 of The Baby Dragon Bakery
“Well, you have absolutely nothing to be concerned about,” she said. “You should only stay at the bakery if that is what you want. Is it?”
“No,” he replied.
“Okay.” She nodded. “So should I take that as your two-week notice?”
His heart pounded. “Yes,” he finally said.
“Alright, then,” she replied, and it was like a weight had lifted off his chest. He had put off talking to her about this, but it hadn’t been bad at all.
“I can stay longer if you don’t find someone to replace me,” Theo offered. “I really don’t mean to leave you hanging at such a busy time.”
Suki waved a hand. “Two weeks is enough time. Hopefully, I’ll find someone this week and you can train them a bit before heading out.” Theo nodded. “Good. I want you to be happy, Theo, and I’m honored to have been a part of your culinary journey for as long as I have. It’s been a joy to see you create.”
“That’s so kind,” he replied, feeling emotional. A lump rose in his throat. “I don’t think I’ve ever expressed just how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, everything you’ve taught me. Thank you, Suki. Thank you for everything.”
“It’s been my pleasure.” Suki stood, holding out her hand, and Theo shook it. “Alright, now we’d best get back to work.”
He nodded, heading out of her office back to the kitchen. He released a long breath, feeling astounded.
Even if he couldn’t have Lavinia, it felt good to dosomethingto make a change in his life. Something to make himself happy.
Chapter 23
After work at the Rolling Pin Bakery, Theo went to the Baby Dragon Cafe.
It was an hour before the cafe closed, but it was moderately full. There were a few people there alone with their baby dragons; one woman sat on a lounge chair with a cup of tea, her blue azula baby dragon sitting in her lap. Then there was an old couple with a garneta baby dragon asleep in a little bed between their feet under the table. The little draggo reminded him of Biter, and he smiled to himself thinking of the little angel.
Theo went up to the counter, ordering an iced oat chai and sitting down while he waited for Saphira. He had texted her to let her know he had put in his two weeks’ notice at the bakery and to ask if she was still looking for a managerial assistant. She had responded with a capitalized “YES” and three rows of exclamation points; she had then said to swing by the cafe when he was done at the bakery to discuss details.
“Theo, hey!” Saphira said, coming out from the kitchen. She twisted her hair back and out of her face, securing it with aclip. A few tendrils slipped out, framing her face, and she blew air up her face. “Sorry, was just going over something with one of the new hires. Let’s go sit outside!”
She came out from behind the counter, and Theo followed her to the door leading to the garden. There were a few patrons at tables there and a bunch of baby dragons playing around the hedges or rolling in the grass. Theo spotted Sparky, and once the dragon saw Saphira, his purple eyes lit up. He bounced over, nuzzling his face against Saphira’s chest, and Saphira smiled, holding the baby dragon’s face.
“Hello my golu-molu,” she said. Theo petted Sparky’s black scales with his free hand, and Sparky closed his eyes, smiling in contentment.
They walked over to a free table, sitting down, and Sparky followed, sitting down next to Saphira. She absent-mindedly stroked his head. While the weather was chillier, it was sunny out, not yet too cold.
“I’m so glad you wanted to meet,” Saphira said. “How are you feeling about putting in your two weeks? I know that’s a big step!”
“It is,” Theo agreed, “but I’m feeling pretty good about it.”
“Wonderful! It’s something I am excited about, as it means I get you all to myself.” Saphira clasped her hands together and, sensing his rider’s happiness, Sparky flapped his wings, bouncing in place. Saphira calmed herself then. “At least, if you’d like to work with me. I know I still need to tell you what such a role would entail and provide you with a formal offer.”
“Yes, I’d love to work with you,” Theo affirmed.
“Perfect! It would be a full-time, hybrid position, and you can choose your hours with what’s convenient to you. Aidan isstill finalizing the numbers, but I can give you a quick rundown on what I’m thinking,” Saphira said, delving into his starting salary, benefits, and other perks.
It was comparable to what he was making at the Rolling Pin, which was a relief. He had a minimum salary needed to cover his costs, and if Saphira’s offer was lower than that, he had considered having to pick up a second job—luckily, that wouldn’t be necessary.
“How does that sound?” she asked.
“That sounds great,” Theo replied, nodding.
“Perfect—now, for the work.” Saphira scooted her chair closer, lowering her voice. Sparky huddled in closer, too.
“This is top secret,” Saphira said, “but the main reason I need a managerial assistant is because I want to expand the cafe.”
“Oh! What are you thinking?” Theo asked. That would be a huge project; for a moment, he felt daunted. Would he be able to do such a thing? He tried not to think about it at the moment, and instead focused on what Saphira was saying.
