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“Hmm?”
“The slice of cake. You said you wanted one.”
“Whatever your best is. That’s all I ever ask for,” he said.
I grimaced as I turned my back to him. I sliced him off a piece of German Chocolate cake and then drew in a deep breath. I hated it when Charlie dipped into the shop. He was always looking for a reason to stick around and talk. Even though I’d made it clear to him I wasn’t interested in dating someone, he always tried to corner me.
“That’ll be three ninety-five,” I said as I rang him up.
He handed me a twenty-dollar bill as I opened the cash register. “Keep the change.”
“I won’t do that,” I said.
“Heather, I’m serious. Keep it. I know you need the money.”
“I don’t need the money, Charlie. I’m giving you your change.”
I handed his money back to him before he immediately stuck it into my empty, dusty tip jar.
“There. Now you can’t do anything about it.”
I refused to meet his gaze.
“Be honest with me, Heather. How are things really going here?”
“I’m getting by, Charlie, like I always do.”
“I don’t ever see you advertising around town,” he said.
“Because I don’t need to.”
“That other bakery advertises.”
“Charlie.”
“I could give you the money to advertise. All you have to do is say the word,” he said.
“I don’t need your money, Charlie. We talk about this every time you come in, and my answer never changes. Why do you keep pressing the subject?”
“Because I know you’re lying to me, and I hope one day you’ll be truthful.”
“I’m being serious. I don’t need your money. I’ve got it under control. I’ve already got the ball rolling on something to bring in some income as we speak.”
“Oh, really? Do tell. I like a good story,” he said as he took a bite of my cake.
He moaned and rolled his eyes back like he thought that was going to get him on my good graces.
“This is excellent cake. I don’t know why people aren’t coming in for it,” he said. “Oh. Probably because they don’t know it exists. Let me help you with advertising. You know that’s my specialty.”
“Yes. I know. It’s how you made your money, Charlie.”
“And I wouldn't charge you anything,” he said.
“A far cry from the date you offered me a month ago in exchange for it.”
“I admit, not my finest moment. But you know you’ve stolen my heart, Heather.”
I rolled my eyes as I slung my apron back over my neck.
