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Dad had given me the money to open it. When I tried to refuse it, he said I’d sacrificed enough for the family, and he wanted to support me in doing what I’d dreamed about for so long. It was a sweet gift I couldn’t turn down. I couldn’t imagine how long it would take me to raise the capital I’d need on my own to open a business. Renting and renovating the space and buying the equipment all had a steep price.
“Don’t give up. I think you’re on the right track with the wedding planner packages. It feels similar to an all-inclusive resort where the guests could get married. Everything was taken care of for them, and they could just enjoy their wedding,” I said to her.
Gia’s shoulders relaxed. “That’s what I was going for.”
“It’s not the best option for every bride, but you can offer a more personalized experience to brides who want or need it. I think it will work out, too,” Lily said.
We said our good-byes and parted ways.
On the short walk to the bakery, I had to admit it was nice to get out of the kitchen and talk to other people. It wouldn’t always be this easy. The bride and groom wouldn’t always be our friends.
I could see how my days were regimented. I woke up early, baked, and then managed the bakery. I had little time for anything else.
By the time I was done with work, I was exhausted and had to go to bed early so I could do the whole thing all over again the next day.
For the first time, I felt like I had a lot of things to look forward to, including reconnecting with Mark. It might not have been the best move, but it sure felt good.
* * *
I had another baking session with Kendall this afternoon. Mark dropped her off and then said he had to run errands.
Today, I was teaching her more about cake decorating. It was tricky, and not everyone had a knack for it.
We started with cupcakes. I showed Kendall the tool I used, and she bent over a tray of chocolate cupcakes, her tongue peeking out as she concentrated on making the perfect loop.
She finished one and pulled back to look at it. “Eh.”
I laughed. “It takes a lot of practice.”
“I want them to look like the ones in your case out there,” Kendall said, gesturing to the front counter.
“And you will, but this is something that’s just going to take repetition.” I didn’t mention that not everyone got it. She seemed determined to tackle it, and I didn’t want to discourage her.
Kendall moved her icing bag over the second cupcake.
“Eventually, you’ll get to the point where you can do it without even thinking.”
“I’m looking forward to that,” she murmured.
“Hey, I’m already impressed. I don’t know many nine-year-olds who would spend their summers learning how to bake.”
Kendall chewed her lip thoughtfully. “This is like a dream for me.”
I sensed that something else was bothering her. “Is something wrong?”
“What if Mom comes back? I mean, I want her to come back, but where will we live? Will I have to move back to Indiana?”
“I don’t know. I’m sorry I don’t have the answers for you.” And I hated that she was so worried about it. A nine-year-old shouldn’t be concerned about where her mom was or where she’d be living. She should be worried about making friends and getting good grades.
Kendall shook her head and returned her attention to the icing. She was quiet for a few minutes.
I wondered if I should tell Mark that she’d brought up her mother and was worried about the future. I wasn’t sure if I’d be betraying her trust by doing that.
When she finished the second, she said, “It looks better.”
“It does. You’re getting the hang of it.”
She nodded, moving to the third.
