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Chapter One
Eva arrived at Sweet Delights just as the dark pre-dawn sky began shifting to a muted gray blue. Inserting her key into the front door lock, she let herself in, immediately typing the memorized security code into the alarm system to disable it.
Flipping on the lights, Eva took a moment to appreciate the cozy bakery, quiet and still before the hustle and bustle of the day. The comforting scent of sugar and vanilla lingered in the air.
She headed through the back door and down the hallway to the employee break room. Dropping her purse in her spot, she grabbed a fresh apron from the shelf. She tied it snugly around her waist, the fabric worn and familiar.
After washing her hands, she got right to work preheating the large ovens. Soon, the familiar roar of the heating elements warming up filled the space.
Once the ovens were ready, she made her way back out to the front. Pulling out a large rolling rack, she began filling it up with baking trays. Humming softly, Eva started gathering ingredients - flour, sugar, salt, butter - to begin mixing up batter for the day's pastries. Her mind flipped through mental files of recipes she wanted to try out soon, always looking for new flavors to offer her customers.
With everything ready, Eva slid the first round of cupcakes into the oven, setting the timer before getting started on the next round.
While the cupcakes baked, she began working on the cookies. The work was second nature to Eva, a soothing morning ritual. In this space, filling the cases and shelves with an array of her favorite baked goods, she felt content and peaceful in a way nothing else in her life had ever made her feel.
Eva heard the front door open and close, followed by footsteps entering the kitchen.
"Morning, Eva!" Michael greeted her cheerfully, setting his bag down on a chair in the back.
Eva looked up from measuring flour and smiled at her assistant. "Hey, Michael. How was your date?"
"Terrible, so let's forget about him forever," Michael laughed.
"I'm sorry," Eva said sincerely, knowing it had been a long time since Michael had found anyone who met his standards. He wasn't even asking that much. The guys he went out with were just that terrible.
"All good. And I picked us up some breakfast sandwiches too," he said, holding up a paper bag.
"You're the best," Eva grinned. It was an easy routine they had fallen into - Michael grabbing something quick for them to eat before the bakery got too busy.
As Eva continued mixing up batter, Michael went and switched on the fancy espresso machine they had invested in last year. The rich aroma of freshly brewing coffee soon filled the kitchen.
"So how was the rest of your night?" Michael asked, leaning against the counter as he waited for the machine to finish. "Get up to anything fun?"
Eva shook her head with a chuckle. "Just some movies and relaxing. Though I did try a new cinnamon bread recipe that I think will be a big hit. I'll have you be the taste tester today."
"I'm alright with that," Michael laughed.
When the machine finished, Michael poured two cups of steaming hot coffee, bringing one over to Eva. She thanked him and took a sip, the caffeine hitting her bloodstream almost instantly.
Eva washed her hands again and went to check her order book. She had a couple custom cake orders for upcoming birthdays, including a two dozen cupcake order that needed to be completed today.
Usually they switched off roles, but with a large special order to fill, it might make sense for her to stick to the kitchen. However, she knew mornings could get very busy up front.
"Hey Michael," Eva called over. "What do you think about you handling the counter today so I can dedicate time to this big cupcake order?"
"Of course, no problem at all," Michael replied without hesitation. "You pipe and frost away. I've got the front covered."
"I owe you," Eva said, meaning every word. She knew she could count on him to manage the morning rush.
Michael simply smiled and waved her off, snacking on his breakfast sandwich.
"Alright, let's get to work," Eva muttered, taking the next round of cupcakes out of the oven and beginning the process all over again.
As she scooped the rainbow sprinkle batter into the colorful liners, Eva's mind wandered to the child who would get to enjoy these vibrant creations. She imagined an excited young boy or girl eagerly devouring the cupcakes, proudly wearing a birthday crown.
Eva loved getting to play a small role in celebrating special moments for the local families and kids. Even if it was just providing a special dessert, it brought her joy to help make lasting memories.
By the time Eva was putting the finishing touches on the birthday order, the sounds of chatter and the jingle of the bell above the door filtered back to the kitchen.
