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When I finally step outside, I breathe in the fresh air and look around Main Street. Kora is right; this town is unique and colorful. It’s one of the many reasons I knew the moment I arrived that this was the place I wanted to make home.
My phone buzzes, and I pull it out of my back pocket. I expect an update from my mother, but it’s from the one person I’ve tried very hard not to think about.
Hayden: If you’re done climbing people like a tree we could maybe get started on Darlene’s funeral?
I put my head in my hands and groan. I truly can’t catch a break.
Chapter 11
Hayden
It’s been over a week since I’ve been back in Cottondale, and I finally feel like I’ve set up a routine. As much as I don’t want to get too comfortable, I do have to spend the next two months living here. I go to the gym or for a run in the mornings and then spend the time before lunch working from home. After lunch, I head to Jon’s to help him at his garage. That’s been the highlight of my time back, in addition to shooting the shit with Mike anytime he works, which is most nights.
But today, I’m slightly nervous. I’m meeting Robin for the first time since I behaved like an absolute douche at the funeral home. She sent a short text telling me to meet her at the bakery for a cake testing. I’m confused why a cake is the first priority on our to-do list, but I’m not going to argue with her.
The night Robin accidentally butt-dialed me––at least that’s what I assume happened––I was embarrassingly excited to see her name appear on my phone screen. It was late, and although I’m not under any false impression that Robin would call me for anything other than business, I still longed to talk to her.
I briefly debated the next day how and if to bring it up to her, and at lunchtime I settled on what I hoped sounded like a teasing message.
But now it’s been a few days, and when I looked back at that text, I realize she probably assumed I was acting like an asshole. Again.
I shouldn’t care, but I hate the idea of her thinking lowly of me. It’s probably too late for that.
So, my mission for today is to be nice and incredibly helpful.
I walk down the cobbled streets of Main Street alongside the bustling crowds that are taking advantage of this rather cool day. I’m early, so I take my time admiring the artfully decorated store windows and watch the many tourists strolling around town.
When I get to the bakery, I peek through the windows and notice Robin already inside talking to the owner. The jingle above the door announces my entrance, and I’m welcomed by the mouthwatering scent of sugar and cinnamon that lingers in the air. The bakery is warm and inviting, with crème-colored walls and colorful bouquets of flowers adorning the two small tables by the window.
“Welcome in,” the employee greets me, and I plaster on the biggest fake smile I can muster. I need this to go well today.
Robin turns around, and I try to stay calm, but she looks even more gorgeous today. Her golden-blond hair is in some sort of half up, half down hairstyle, and she’s wearing a baggy graphic tee and tiny jean shorts. I have to use my willpower to not actively admire her long, tan legs.
I join them and hold out my hand for the employee to shake. “Hi, I’m Hayden. Thanks for having us.” I think I see recognition flash behind her eyes.
“Melissa. Great to have you. Robin already told me a bit about the event. How about you two take a seat and I’ll bring out a variety of slices for you to taste. Once we decide on flavors, we can talk about size, shape, and decor. Does that sound good?”
“Thank you,” Robin says.
We take a seat at the table farthest from the door, and Robin awkwardly looks out the window. She’s barely made eye contact with me since I stepped into the bakery. There’s a sadness behind her eyes today, and I wish I could fix whatever is making her unhappy. But I follow her lead and silently look out the window too, letting her adjust to my presence next to her. I don’t want to push anything today, and I have a habit of making an ass out of myself in front of her.
We sit in silence until Melissa comes out with the first slice for us to taste. “This is one of our bestsellers. Our chocolate dream, which has a layer of a brownie fudge cake and a layer of our New York-style cheesecake, separated by a fudge filling.”
I pick up a fork and try it. It’s good, but way too rich for my liking, and the sweetness sticks to the top of my mouth. But I make the appropriate noises and compliment Melissa before she heads back to fetch the next slice.
“What do you think?” I ask Robin. I can’t stand the silence between us anymore, and I figure talking about cake is a safe option.
“It was good,” she reluctantly answers. “What did you think?”
“Also good, but it’s so sweet it might actually kill someone if they have more than a bite.”
Robin’s eyes widen in shock, but the corner of her mouth twitches. She quickly looks toward the kitchen before whispering, “It was too sweet, right? I don’t know if I’ve ever had a more decadent dessert.”
I’m relieved she agreed and that she said more than two words to me without a frown on her face.
“Yeah, and as far as I can remember, Darlene does not love chocolate cakes.”
Robin looks pleased at that and nods. “Okay, that’s good to know. Let me jot down some notes.” She takes out a tiny notebook which is covered in silly cat stickers.
