Page 39 of Merry Little Sugar Rush
“You’re not going?” I ask. I don’t know why the thought of being alone with him makes me a bit more nervous. Probably because it’s been so damn long since I’ve seen him, and the last time was when he and my dad were exchanging not-so-pleasant words with each other.
“Oh, I’ll drop by for my visit in the afternoon. I want to give you both time to catch up.”
I nod in reply, my throat thick. “I’m a bit nervous, Gram.”
“Don’t be, Burk. What happened back then wasn’t about you. It was simply two hardheaded men airing feelings they should have talked about long before. I’m sorry it happened. I’m even more sorry I didn’t do more to try to fix it.”
I give Gram a gentle smile and reach across the table for her hand, offering a squeeze. “We can’t change that. We can only move forward.”
She moves her hand to cover my own and pats it. “Absolutely. Now, let’s eat before it gets cold. Then, perhaps you have time to call that pretty girl of yours before she goes to bed.”
With a wink, she returns her focus on eating her dinner, and I do the same.
Only my mind is locked on a certain pretty girl. The one who consumes all my thoughts, day and night. The one I want to steal kisses from every chance I get.
The one who makes my heart feel happier than ever before.
ELEVEN
Joy
Eve
I have an opening this afternoon.
Me
I’ll take it!
Eve
3 p.m. I have time for color and cut.
Me
Perfect, thank you!
I smileas I slip my cell phone back into my pocket and finish icing cupcakes for the display case. After chatting with my sister earlier when she and John stopped for their caffeine fix, I mentioned wanting to do something different with my hair. She thought she’d have time today to work me in, and I’m so happy to hear she can.
I don’t know what I want to do exactly. I have to leave it long enough to pull back when baking, but I think I want to addbangs. Not like when we were in high school and you just took a pair of scissors to them and regretted it later. Nothing blunt or harsh. I’m thinking swooping bangs across my face I can sweep to the side. Maybe I’ll try to find a picture I can show Eve.
The bell chimes above the door, and I keep working, knowing Jan will handle the arriving customers. I got dang lucky when she walked in to be interviewed right before I opened. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to swing employees, especially at first, but she’s been nothing but a godsend. Not only is she friendly and excellent at customer service, but she quickly picked up on what it would take to be a barista and make the specialty drinks we serve. Our menu isn’t as extensive as those chain coffee shops, but we have a decent selection to pair with whatever sweet treat you’re craving.
“Joy, you have a visitor.”
I look to the front of the bakery, and spot Burk standing at the counter. Unable to fight a smile, I flash one at his sudden appearance and wave him back. “What are you doing here?” I ask, knowing he’s on his way to visit his grandpa.
“I thought I’d stop by and grab something for Gramps. You know how he is with his sweet tooth,” he says as he makes his way to where I stand.
“I just put some traditional decorated sugar cookies in the display case,” I tell him, setting my piping bag down on the workstation.
“I did see those, but what are these?” he asks, moving to stand beside me. I feel the heat of his body, even though we’re not touching, and catch the woodsy scent of his soap on his skin. He smells better than all the sugar cookies in the world.
Clearing my throat, I glance down at the cupcakes. “Cherry chip cupcakes with buttercream Christmas trees on top,” I tell him, loving how cute the mountain of frosting looks on top of the small piece of cake.
“Oh, I think he’d love one of those,” Burk agrees, practically licking his lips.
A giggle slips from my lips as I turn to grab a small pastry box. “Gramps would love one or Burk would love one?”
