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I laughed. “So much so that they started making requests.”
People wanted my breads for family dinners, my cakes for birthdays, and orders of my treats that they could freeze to pull out for any celebratory event. I could only accommodate a few of them based on what Jasper had me practicing and what I was learning for the program. I simply didn’t have time to do anything else.
“Bake me a dozen more focaccia as good as this and I can put you in charge of them at the bakery on my days off.”
Panic and pride clashed full force inside of my chest. I knew people liked what I made, but being in charge of anything still seemed out of reach. I didn’t take Jasper’s confidence for granted. I was going to earn it over and over.
“Oh, shit. That would be amazing! I’ll make you so proud you won’t even be able to stand it.”
The French doors to the deck swung open and Nicky stepped through with a bundle of rosemary picked fresh from the greenhouse.
“My god, it smells like heaven in here.” She trotted into the kitchen, pausing briefly to hug me before moving along to kiss Jasper and snuggle into his arms. “Rosemary acquired. What are you two going to make with it?”
“One of several batches of shortbread,” Jasper replied.
Nicky’s gaze drifted toward the counter where my focaccia was cooling. “Is that what I think it is?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Jasper kissed the top of her head. “Let me cut you a slice. You can be the quality assurance tester.”
Nicky wiggled happily and took her first bite. “Who do I have to hug for blessing me?”
I sheepishly raised my hand.
Nicky surged forward, ensnaring me in a hug. “You’re getting so good at this. And I’m not even saying that so you’ll let me have snacks.”
Another wave of relief washed through me. I figured Nicky would be nice to me, but she was also pretty discerning with her food, and she definitely wasn’t a good faker when she didn’t like something.
I chuckled. “I’d let you have snacks no matter what. I’m very glad you like it, though.”
I washed up the rosemary while Nicky ate and Jasper supervised me while I put together a simple shortbread recipe. He only stopped me to keep me from overworking the dough, but otherwise let me follow the recipe to completion.
Nicky settled in at the table with her laptop, and I felt the weight of her gaze on me every time her attention strayed. It was one thing to have Jasper supervise my work—he had the expertise to correct me if I needed it—but Nicky was just being snoopy.
Jasper let me make several more batches of the shortbread dough and had me play around with different flavors, testing to see what would work best with the earthy and robust rosemary he had me add to the base.
He looked at me expectantly. “Which ones do you think would sell best at the bakery?”
“If we’re selling them around Christmas, then I would say the dark chocolate-dipped and the ones with cranberry glaze. And for the summer I’d go for the lemon.” I held my breath as I waited for his verdict.
He nodded decisively. “I’ll add them on to the menu for next year.”
“Really?!”
“Yep. I think they’ll be a great addition.”
My phone pinged and I checked the notification.
Sunshine:
Are you still coming for dinner tonight?
Auggie wants you to bring treats
I checked the time. It was no wonder I was exhausted when I had been at Jasper’s for hours already.
“Are we done for today? I still have to take the neighbor’s dog for a walk before it gets too dark.” The lie slipped easily from my tongue.
“Yeah, we’re good for the night,” Jasper replied. “Take home anything you’d like and I’ll see you on the weekend.”
