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“Hmm? Oh, yeah, fine thanks.” I hoisted my purse onto my shoulder and fished around for my car keys. “It was a busy morning. Receipts are organized, I restocked what I could, and I made a list of the items and sizes we’re out of.”
“You’re a doll.” She smiled, her large brown doe eyes twinkling. “You’re still good with the schedule this week?”
“Yeah, I’m good with it,” I promised.
“And how’s…everything else?” she pressed. “With Waverly, I mean?”
“She loves working at Charlie’s,” I stated. “I’m worried she’s going to try and get suspended again because she’s having so much fun. She has to do summer school, too. Otherwise she won’t graduate on time.”
“Not all kids are made for the classroom.” She shrugged.
“Yeah, I know. I just want what’s best for her, but if I’m being honest I’m not sure I know what that looks like. Anyway,” I smiled, “I’ll see you later.”
I had a few hours before Waverly was finished at Charlie’s, and I wasn’t ready to go home yet. I drove to Pie in the Sky for a little pick-me-up.
The bakery was busy and many of the tables were full. There were two young women behind the counter. One was on the register, the other the coffee bar.
“Hi,” the brunette greeted. “What can I get for you?”
“A vanilla latte, please.”
The girl working the coffee bar immediately began steaming the milk.
As I pulled out my wallet, I asked, “Is Brooklyn here?”
“She’s in the back,” she said. “Do you need to talk to her about catering an event?”
“No.” Even if I was, there was no way I could afford her prices. Her business had boomed after she’d made a wedding cake for a wealthy Dallas socialite.
“I just wanted to say hi. I’m Willa.”
“I’ll tell her you’re here.” She handed me a few dollars back and I dropped them into the tip jar. She headed off the floor to the back area and a few moments later, Brooklyn came out, wiping her hands on her flour-dusted apron.
“I didn’t know you were stopping by,” Brooklyn said.
“Impromptu.”
“You want to come back and talk while I finish piping?”
“Sure thing.” I took my coffee from the barista. “Thank you.”
“Enjoy it,” the barista said.
I followed Brooklyn into the back. I sat on a stool at the huge island, marveling at her newest cake creation.
“Is that—” I peered closer.
“The Jolly Roger made out of chocolate.” She nodded. “This is for a ten-year old’s birthday.”
“Wow. Impressive.”
“Yeah.” She smiled. “So, what do I owe the honor of your visit?”
“Just finished working and had some time to kill before I picked Waverly up at Charlie’s.”
“Ah.” She cocked her head to the side. “Something more?”
“I’m going to have to get a second job,” I admitted.
