AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The sign for Armstrong, Georgia greets me as I pull over on the grassy embankment and double check where I’m heading to on my crumbled-up map out of the glove box. A little place called Pete’s Bakery, just off the corner of Oak Street.Perfect, not far to go.I can’t wait to rest.
Mom thinks I’m going straight to see Jake, but it’s New Year’s. He’s going to be crazy busy on a shift; no rest for being a hero and all. I don’t want him to know I’m here yet. A little white lie never hurt anyone, after all. Mom would tell him when I check in, but a few days of peace would be worth it. I can deal with the backlash from them all later, but for now, none of it matters, apart from meeting this Pete guy, and getting my hands on my new apartment keys.
I soon realize my sense of direction is pitiful. I pull over twice more and turn my map upside down, then to the side as I attempt to make sense of where I’ve gone wrong. I let out a scream, the windows mist up and I hit the dehumidifier in the car as I lean my forehead against the steering wheel. After a moment, a knock on the window disturbs me as I drop the map in my lap and he signals for me to lower the window. I inch the window down and gulp hard.
“Are you lost?” the man asks. His grin widens as he points to the map I’ve dropped and he bends down and places his hands on his knees. “I guess you’re not from around these parts?”
I shake my head from side to side and cough to clear my throat as I wonder why my mouth has gone dry all of a sudden.
“I’m looking for Pete’s Bakery. Do you know the place?” I ask. I allow our gazes to connect and my sharp intake of breath stuns me.
“I do,” he replies. “Take the next right and then second left. It’s at the end of the street. Armstrong is only a small place; you’ll soon find your way if you’re staying.”
“Thanks. I didn’t catch your name.” I beam as I feel the tug of my lips try to match the grin on his face.
“Aiden, but my friends call me Aide and what can I call you?”
“Blaire.”
“Well, Blaire. I hope I see you again soon.” Aiden ponders as he pushes on his thighs and stands up.
“You too.”
I turn the engine on and as I drive away, I give a quick wave and contemplate if all the people here in Armstrong would be as handsome and kind as Aiden is.
I pull up outside the bakery and allow a smile to grace my face, feeling the quaintness of Armstrong fill my veins with a warmth that I could get used to. I lock the car up and admire the bakery, thankful that Aiden’s directions were simple enough to follow. With its delicious smells that waft out of the open door to the charm of the freshly painted flower boxes that adorn the window edge, it really is a vision. The delicate pastries and cakes make my mouth water and before I realize it, I’m stood in the doorway, blocking the entrance.
“Are you coming in, love?” the man asks as he wipes his hands on his blue and white striped apron. He cocks his head to the side. “What can I get you?”
“I... I’m looking for Pete,” I reply as I walk over to the counter. I make sure I don’t touch the glass and leave sweaty fingerprints on the top. “Is he around?”
“Sorry, he’s not… Can I give him a message? A name, maybe?” he replies.
“Blaire.” I sigh, while I run my hands through my long brown locks. I gather them loosely into a bunch before I tie it into a messy ponytail.
“Well Blaire, I’m Simon. Pete mumbled he was expecting someone. You’re the one taking the apartment upstairs?” he asks before he tilts his head to the side and he pulls a key out of his apron pocket.
“Yep, that’s right.” I chuckle when I notice Simon nod to someone behind me and begin to remove his apron. “Well, want a guided tour?”
“What about the bakery?” I gasp as the faint bell of the bakery door chimes to alert a customer’s arrival.
“Pete’s back,” Simon chortles. “The old man thinks he’s still got the stealth to sneak up on me but he always forgets the door chimes. You’ll get used to him; he’s all bark but no bite.”
“I've ears you know, lad. I’ve not lost it yet, but I still like to try and keep you on your toes.” I reach out to shake his hand and he pulls me in for a hug, shocking Simon completely.
“Well, I don’t know who you are or what you’ve done with the normally grouchy Pete, but I like it,” Simon shouts back and gives us a wink. “What’s the secret?”
“Give the girl a break, yeah!” Pete snaps, as he lifts his eyebrows, and his head up. “Let’s have a drink and get to know each other a bit, lass. What’s your poison? Tea, coffee, hot chocolate? We don’t have those fancy, fufu, shmancy drinks I’ve heard about.”
“Coffee, black, no sugar… how’s that for you?” I reply, giving a small smile.
“You’ll do,” he nods. “You’ll do,” Pete utters quietly.
“Thanks, that's very kind but you don’t have to,” I state, watching them both.
“Nonsense, I need to put my feet up. Got to make the new girl feel welcome, haven't I? Especially with you being Jake’s little sister,” Pete replies with a point of a finger toward the backroom, checking Simon isn’t listening in. “Don’t worry, I haven’t told him who you are, or Jake that you’re arriving early.”
“Thanks, I just…” I start mumbling.
