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As much as I hate to admit, I don’t like his serious face. It doesn’t suit him much.
“I’m curious, but I wasn’t checking you out. I don’t do that.”
“Tell me what you’re curious about?”
“Why are you here?” I lean back against the counter.
He rubs his chin and then shrugs. “I’ve no idea.”
A small smile pulls on my lips at his reply, which is a bit over the top like him. “I’m happy that you are honest.”
“I’m not good at many things, but I don’t lie. You can ask me more, you know.” Zach straightens his pants and crosses his legs. “I’m definitely not going to disappear from your life after tonight. I’ve promised Ray that I’ll help him build a doghouse for Mr. Stanley.”
I wait for him to crack a smile and tell me he’s joking, but his face remains dead serious, as if that’s one of his most crucial goals.
My heartbeat skips at his earnestness toward a promise he made to my five-year-old son. And suddenly, I’m more curious about this man who feels affection toward my son just because they share a similarity in their looks. My twisted past forces me to be leery toward Zach, but when I look at him, he doesn’t seem like a stranger.
“You’re close to your brothers?”
He nods in confirmation.
“I never had a big family. It would be nice to be there for each other.” My chest constricts a little.
“It’s the best thing in my life and only because of my brothers am I where I am today.”
I don’t ask wherehe is. It doesn’t seem important.
“You happy with what you’re doing?” he asks.
I think for a while. “I like baking. During the day I’m at the bakery, at night I’m preparing for the next day.” I wave toward the cakes cooling in the rack.
“But you’re not happy?” He arches an eyebrow.
“I get happy moments, especially with Ray.” I walk to the fridge and take out the whipped cream. “His smile makes my day, and I would do anything to keep that smile on his face.”
“Even baking in the middle of the night?”
“It’s nothing in comparison to the joy he brings in my life.” I place everything on the counter before turning toward Zach. “Even though this is quite crazy and unusual, I’m happy that Ray made a friend who cares about him this much.”
It’sfour by the time I add a cape to the last Superman cupcake.
“So, they are ready for delivery?” Zach asks, getting up from his chair. He looks tired as he rolls his shoulders and I feel guilty for breaking more bad news to him.
“They need to stay in the fridge for a while, plus there will be no one at the bakery before six. And the retirement cake order needs to be dropped at seven.”
“Oh.” His smile disappears and his lips press together watching the cakes on the table.
“Zach, you and William have already been so helpful tonight. In fact, the wordhelpfuldoesn’t even cover it. Please go home and get whatever sleep is possible. I’ll call a cab and do the deliveries.”
Tears fill my eyes as I realize without William and Zach, I would have failed today’s orders. I’ll most likely spend all the extra money on the taxi fare but at least my reputation won’t crumble.
“What’s wrong with you, woman? Why do you get emotional all the time? We’re not leaving you now.” Zach sounds exasperated by my emotional breakdown.
“Ms. Davis, you’ve spent the whole night working for this order. Two taxi rides will cost you a lot. You might not make any money on this.” William motions toward the retirement cake.
“See, that too!” Zach waves his hand between William and the cakes. “You’re not losing any money on a fucking taxi ride. You’ll get the full payment and then later today you can even buy something fun for yourself.”
A full-blown sob leaves me at his words.
