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“I’m getting the full amount for my bakery?” I ask, making sure they haven’t made a mistake.
“Yes. That’s correct. We will be in touch in the next few days as we get the paperwork together then you can come sign it okay?”
“Okay great. Sure. Thank you so much. Really. Thank you.” I hang up then swipe to my messages.
Me: I have great news. Have Ashley stay until I get there okay?
Beth: Yeah, okay. What’s going on?
Me: I’ll tell you when I see you!
Beth: Lace, I hate surprises!
Me: You’ll love this one!
At five p.m. I head to the bakery. When I open the door Beth and Ashley are up front at the counter. They both look like they’re eagerly anticipating my news. I place my bag on the small table to my right and open my arms wide. “We got the grant!” I shout as I start to dance.
“Seriously Lace!?”
“Yes for real! Time to celebrate!”
Ashley and Beth join me for a group hug. “I’ll be signing the papers soon and then we’ll be baking some bread ladies!”
“This is awesome Lace. I’m so happy for you. For us. Let’s grab some brownies and I’ll make some fresh coffee,” Beth says.
I wipe off the table when I hear my phone buzzing in my bag. I pull it out and see a text from Jared.
Jared: Can you do dinner tonight? I’ll pick you up in an hour?
Dinner? This would technically be our first date. I glance over at Beth who sees me looking down at my phone.
“What? Ohh, is Mr. Loverboy beckoning you?” Beth asks with a glint in her voice.
I don’t say anything. I don’t want to leave the girls after giving them such great news, but I really want to have a date with Jared. A real one.
“Lace. Go. Really, it’s totally fine. Ashley and I will eat all the chocolate and close up.”
“You sure?”
Then like two trained parrots they both shout at me. “Yes! Go!”
I look back at my phone and type away.
Me: Dinner sounds great. See you in an hour.
Chapter sixteen
Jared
Work has been extra busy the last few weeks and though Lacey and I have chatted through texting, I really want to see her in person. I’ve only been to her office a few times, so it doesn’t appear I’m around too much. Other than a few meetings we’ve had with the finance team, and some casual glances in the hall I’d say we are playing it low key. Until the kiss in my office. Without doubt that kiss could have sparked a fire right there on my desk. If we weren’t at work, I’m not sure where that would have headed, and tonight, I want to spend time with her with no distractions. I thought it would be a good idea to head to some place casual but elegant and the new tapas restaurant in Morrisville seemed like a good choice. Morrisville is one town over and we’ll be away from Littleford, which I also considered.
As I start the drive to her apartment, I’m surprised that my nerves seem tame. I text her when I arrive. She exits through the door of her building, and I can’t get enough of her already. Her white wide leg jeans paired with a soft blue sweater are what dreams are made of. Her hair is down with her waves cascading down her back, and her legs look like they’re a mile long. She has on a strappy pair of heels that make me notice her ankles. Can ankles be sexy? I step out and open the door for her. She smirks at me which sends a lightning bolt up my back. I hop in and queue up the classical music. I thought about what to select before getting here so I press play and allow Chopin to fill the car. I look over at her to see how I did with my choice.
“Ah, Chopin. Fine choice Jared,” she says giving me smile.
I can barely contain myself hearing her say my name. I’m also beginning to think she knows more about classical music than she leads on. I might need to update my playlist to find some more obscure composers. I like a challenge.
I smile at her as I shift the car into drive. “Lacey, you look wonderful. As always.”
