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The bells jingle above my head as I enter, and the scent of coffee and sugary baked goods fills my nose. God, I love that smell.
“Hey, Ellie!” Courtney greets cheerily.
“Hi.” I smile wide.
“Ally is coming in a little late today, so I’ll show you everything we have here.”
“Sounds good.” Walking around the glass cases, I put my purse away in a hidden cubby beneath the counter, and then look at all the delicious treats.
“As you can see, and know from coming here, we have pies, cakes, cupcakes, cookies, donuts, pastries, breads, muffins, and everything in between. We do specialty orders and weekly specials, too. The specials are always posted on the chalkboard.” She points to the row of boards lining the wall behind us. “The regular drip coffee is self-serve at the end of the counter, and anything else, we make ourselves.”
“I made cappuccinos, lattes, and all of that at my old job, so I’m well versed there,” I tell her.
“Perfect! Then you can basically jump right in. And every shift, if you want to come in a little early, I can start teaching you how to make a few things at a time until you can do it all on your own.”
I’m giddy like a kid on Christmas morning. “Looking forward to it!”
“You can test make any of your own recipes, too. I’m really excited to add some new things. I get to with my weekly specials, but I still want more variety. I always make sure to have my core staples on the menu, though, or there will be a town uproar.” She laughs.
“I wouldn’t doubt it. Since I decided to come up here, I’ve been dreaming of that strawberry shortcake donut I had a couple years ago.”
“I was actually going to make that my specialty donut next week since I haven’t had it in a while, so you’re in luck.”
“Oh, good!”
“Let’s make coffee, and then I’ll show you the kitchen.”
“Yes, thank you. I need caffeine,” I beg. “You know, it took me all of yesterday to get over my hangover from Sunday. I most definitely feel 30 now. I used to bounce back after only a couple hours of sleep, and now I need a full day. It’s kind of sad.”
Laughing, Courtney pours us each a cup of coffee. “I know what you mean. And don’t worry, each year into your 30’s just gets better,” she says sarcastically. She has four years on me, so I’ll take her word for it.
I add a little cream to my coffee and we head into the kitchen. “Courtney, oh my god.”
It’s so beautiful. Every appliance is shiny and new.
“I know.” She smiles. “It’s my happy place. When I took it over five years ago, I had to get all new appliances and work tables, and I make sure to keep them looking that way.”
“I would, too.”
“My kitchen is your kitchen,” she tells me, sweeping her arms out.
“Thank you,” I breathe, distracted as I walk around opening cupboards and the industrial refrigerator. “I can’t stay after today because I’m moving into Alex’s apartment, but I’d love to tomorrow, if that’s okay?”
“Of course. I’ll make sure to have a key for you to lock up,” she says, and I’m amazed at her trust.
“Courtney,” I start, turning to face her. “Thank you so much for this opportunity. It’s more than I could have ever hoped for. I honestly didn’t know what was next for me. You’re so kind to give me this chance when you don’t even know if I’m good or not.” I laugh nervously. “And you don’t technically knowmeall that well, but I know I feel like we’re best friends already because of Ally, Ash, and Mel.”
“I know.” She smiles. “And please, they all rave about you and your baking. Whenever I have new things for them to try, they always add that you used to make them try your new recipes whenever you were together. I think they’ve secretly been planting the idea in my head for a while now about you working here.”
“I wouldn’t put it past them.” I laugh. “But I’m glad they did.”
“Me too.”
∞∞∞
The day goes by pretty quickly, and I’ve loved every minute of it. Ally came in around noon, and we spent the rest of the day talking, laughing, and working together like a well-oiled machine.
I loved meeting the people of Pine Cove, and they were all so welcoming and friendly. Ally and Courtney did warn me though, that by this time tomorrow, most of the town will know about the ‘new girl’ and want to come in to check me out.
